Muni sparing no expenses with budget
Staff Report
April 7, 2009
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| SFMTA's proposed cost-cutting measures include reducing bus and rail service. (Examiner File Photo) |
SAN FRANCISCO — Officials with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said all cost-cutting and revenue-generating measures are on the table as it grapples with a gaping budget deficit of $129 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The transit agency largely blames the recession for its money problems, and has put together a long list of proposals to close the gap. Those ideas, some of which are listed below, will be discussed today at the transit agency’s regular board meeting at City Hall.
Higher transit fares
| Proposal | Description | Added Revenue |
| Increase single ride/discount fares | Adult fare up 50 cents to $2 | $14 million |
| Charge for transfers | 50 cents per transfer | $6 million |
| Increase adult Fast Pass | Up from $55 to $60* | $7 million |
| Charge extra for express service | $5 more for Fast Pass | $1.5 million |
| Buses to 49ers games, other events | $2 increase in fares | $100,000 |
| Increase paratransit fares | Van fare up 35 cents to $2 | $400,000 |
| Increase cable-car passports | $2 increase for all | $1.3 million |
*Fast Pass already set to increase from $45 to $55 in July
Higher parking fees
| Proposal | Description | Added Revenue |
| Increase parking-meter rates | Up 50 cents/hour in all zones | $3 million |
| Extend meter operating hours | From 6 to 10 p.m. | $4 million |
| Charge for parking Sundays | 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. | $2 million |
| Increase motorcycle-meter rates | $1/hour from 10-25 cents | $500,000 |
| Increase public-garage rates | Varies per garage | $1.5 million |
Less service
• Reduce bus and rail service by 219,000 hours/year
• Discontinue routes: 3-Jackson, 7-Haight,16AX-Noriega A Express, 20-Columbus, 26-Valencia, 53-Southern, 74X-Culture Bus, 89-Laguna Honda
• Eliminate route segment: 1-California south of Market Street (weekdays only), 2-Clement between Park Presidio and 33rd Avenue, N-Judah on The Embarcadero (weekends only), 4-Sutter Street west of the Presidio, 10-Townsend north of Broadway, 21-Hayes west of Stanyan Street, 38-Geary Ocean Beach branch, 41-Union between Lyon and Steiner streets
• Decrease frequency: 5-Fulton west of Sixth Avenue, 9-San Bruno south of 24th Street, 19-Polk during peak periods; off-peak on Polk Street, 31-Balboa at all times, 36-Teresita during peak periods, 76-Marin Headlands (provide service only May through October), Non-Owl service to every 30 minutes after 10 p.m., End non-Owl routes at midnight
• End service early: 17-Park Merced, 35-Eureka at 8:30 p.m., 36-Teresita, 37-Corbett at 8:30 p.m., 52-Excelsior at 8:30 p.m.
• Modify route structures: List includes adjustments to 5-Fulton, 9-San Bruno, 10-Townsend, 12-Folsom, 39-Coit Tower, 41-Union, among others
Fewer Muni workers
| Proposal | Description | Added Revenue |
| Cutting positions | 370 positions | $32 million |
| Unpaid furloughs | 1 day per month | $24.4 million |
For full list with explanation, visit www.sfmta.com
