Issue 183, Spring 2008 - Telegraph Hill Dwellers

Public Transit continued from page 5After a public outcry, the 20 bus was added, linkingColumbus Ave. to the Embarcadero Station—butwith limited hours of weekday service. Previously,the 41-Union bus to the Embarcadero Station hadbeen curbed to weekday commuter hours. And thereare more service cuts looming in the future.PRESSURES ON SAN FRANCISCO’SMUNICIPAL RAILWAYThese changes must be viewed in the context ofMuni’s general health. The system now faces a twoyearbudget deficit of $82 million. Proposition A,passed by voters in November 2007, helped slightlywith a $26 million addition. But these amounts don’taddress the $150 million annual structural deficit necessaryto modernize the Muni system. Transit advocatesand Muni’s Board of Directors rejected a raisein Muni Fast Pass fares—when on-time performancehovered at 69 percent, far below the 85 percent benchmarkmandated by voters in 1999. Furthermore, forthe third consecutive year, Muni ridership decreased,down 5.16% in 2007. One way Muni leaders havechosen to address this depressing situation is by reconfirmingplans to streamline service by shifting resourcesto the busiest lines while reducing or eliminatingunderperforming routes. Unfortunately, recent Muni“streamlining” in the northeast quadrant has reduced,not enhanced, the levels of transit service. And worsemay be on the horizonOne proposed change is a service reduction forthe 39-Coit bus whichunfortunately has onlyabout 390 daily riders.The reduction wouldtruncate the route, eliminatingthe leg up UnionSt. to MontgomerySt.—thus reducingrolling stock and operatingcosts. Union St.,between Kearny andMontgomery Sts., is oneof the longest/ steepestinclines on the Hill. In 1954, attempts to drasticallycut 39-Coit service led to the creation of TelegraphHill Dwellers (THD). So, as in past battles, theTHD Parking/ Transportation Committee, transitexperts and residents have begun to brainstorm routeenhancements and funding strategies that would fortifya regional 39-Coit loop. (See page 13)THE CENTRAL SUBWAY AND MUNIOPERATING BUDGETSOther Muni ideas will better serve the neighborhood.The agency proposes increased service onthe Stockton corridor, with the 9/9X and 30-busesrunning every 5-10 minutes during the day. Thisis a smart reallocation of existing Muni budgets,maximizing transportation benefits for the entirenortheast quadrant. This insightful approach needs6 Issue #183 • Spring 2008