Changes to MUNI service starts December 5th, 2009

As of December 5th, 2009, there will be several changes to MUNI service. From the SFMTA site:

Letter to Customers

November 6, 2009

Dear SFMTA Customer:

Due to the global recession that has exacted a particularly heavy toll in California and our City, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) had to take a number of difficult actions to close a $129 million deficit in the current fiscal year operating budget. These actions include service changes on more than half of Muni’s bus routes and one rail line which take effect on Saturday, December 5.

While some of the changes entail discontinued routes and route segments, and reduced frequencies on lightly used services, we are pleased to report that many of the changes mean expanded hours, route extensions and more frequent and faster service for residents and visitors. We also want to underscore that these changes were meticulously planned using the wealth of data on the Muni system that was generated and analyzed over the past two years as part of the Transit Effectiveness Project—the first comprehensive assessment and evaluation of Muni service in a generation.

As we are all so acutely aware, a debilitating scenario of fare increases and services cuts is taking place across the nation as transit systems confront inescapable economic realities. Here in San Francisco we are exceedingly fortunate in being able to balance service reductions on lesser-used routes with new and expanded service levels along the busiest corridors in the City. Our ability to accomplish this during these dire economic times is the direct result of a strong and productive working relationship with the Office of Mayor Gavin Newsom and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors whose leadership continues to define our unique, Transit First City.

Details about the December 5 service changes are set forth in the attached brochure which features maps illustrating the changes as well as nearby Muni service available to transit customers. This brochure will be available to customers on Muni vehicles and at other locations throughout the City. It is currently posted at www.sfmta.com [on this page] and customers can also call 311 and 511. Moreover, we will field SFMTA Ambassadors at major transfer points, many other transit stops and on Muni vehicles later this month and into December to assist customers in adjusting to the changes. SFMTA staff are available to meet with groups to discuss the service changes and to provide advice on trip planning by calling or e-mailing Judy Tam at 415.701.4557 or judy.tam@sfmta.com.

Despite these difficult times and the specter of continuing budget challenges, we want to assure you that all 5,000 of us at the SFMTA remain fully committed to and focused on providing safe, reliable Muni service to all in San Francisco who avail themselves of this vital, green mode.

Sincerely,
Tom Nolan
Chairman
SFMTA Board of Directors

Nathaniel P. Ford Sr.
Executive Director/CEO

Service Changes Overview

Your Muni System Is Changing December 5 – Know Your Options
On Saturday, December 5, 2009, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which operates Muni, will implement significant transit route and schedule changes affecting over half of Muni’s existing bus routes and one rail line.

The package of service changes include:

* Discontinued routes and route segments
* Extended and modified routes
* Changes to service hours and frequencies*
* Modified express zones
* Renumbered routes
* Identification of other Muni service that is near changing routes or lines

* Peak period refers to weekday morning and evening rush hour service, approximately 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. The last bus departures listed for routes are for weekdays.

For planning and assistance in other languages, please call 311.  Trip planning assistance for Muni and other transit systems in the Bay Area is available by calling 511 or going online at www.511.org.

For details by route, go to www.sfmta.com