Perhaps not surprisingly, Caltrain’s $1.5 billion plan to transition away from diesel vehicles in favor of electrified tracks has garnered kudos from the Sierra Club. In spring, local, regional and state transportation agencies jointly approved the electrification plan, which will allow Caltrain to run quicker, more efficient service between San Francisco and San Jose while also cutting down on air and noise pollution. Most crucially, the electrification of Caltrain will allow the state’s high-speed rail network to be integrated into the Peninsula. Read More

The long-awaited plan to transform a section of Jefferson Street into a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare is expected to begin next month. A key segment of Fisherman’s Wharf, Jefferson Street attracts 40,000 to 75,000 pedestrians a day, but its sidewalks are crowded and traffic congestion is often difficult to manage. To deal with the crowds and get the area prepped for next year’s America’s Cup regatta, a redesign is under way to reduce automobile traffic, remove parking spots, widen sidewalks and add greenery to a two-block section from Hyde Street to Jones Street. Read More

With the U.S. surgeon general recently weighing in on the benefits of walking, and Chicago and New York City developing robust safety programs, local activists are wondering why The City is not doing more to bolster its long-awaited pedestrian action plan. Read More

BART passengers who park at a station could soon have to shell out a little more cash. Lots at BART stations frequently fill up during the early-morning commute, a situation that has the agency considering an increase in its parking rates. Daily fees at the 32 stations with parking range from free to $5, but most cost just $1. As part of a proposal under review, prices could increase by 50 cents twice a year wherever demand is high. For now, the agency is considering capping prices at $3, except for West Oakland, where parking is $5. Read More

Despite lingering concerns from business and church groups, a plan to enforce parking meters on Sundays is set to make its debut next month. Starting Jan. 6, The City’s 29,233 parking meters will be operational from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays, providing $1.9 million annually for the perennially cash-strapped San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. Read More

Automobile and cycling speeds have both decreased and safety has not been a major issue since a controversial bike lane was installed on John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park. Still, disability activists continue to oppose the project. In spring, a 1.5-mile bike lane that separated cyclists and vehicles using parking spaces — the first of its kind here — was installed on the road. The goal was to make the roadway accessible and safe to all users, including pedestrians and cyclists of all abilities. Read More