Because of the $129 million deficit the SFMTA (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency) is dealing with, extensive "changes" (more like cuts, eliminations, reductions, decreases and limitations) are being implemented. Oh, and once again monthly fares are being increased.
The other day on the J-Church I picked up the 59-page pamphlet that details all of the new changes. Still in disbelief that this is way the SFMTA thinks it will get out of the financial hole--provide less and worse services to a public and charge them more for it--I didn't get past the cover before laughing: "Your MUNI system is changing December 5 know your options."
"Options"? I'm sorry, what are my options? I see only one option (which, therefore isn't an option, it's a choice--a choice that I'm forced to make since the SFMTA can't budget money), and that's that I'll have to learn to wait even longer for any MUNI vehicle that I take on a regular basis. That's a horrible "option."
In case you didn't know, here are the lines that will be experiencing some ch-ch-changes:
N-Judah, 1, 1AX/1BX, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8X/8AX/8BX, 9, 9L, 9X/9AX/9BX, 10, 12, 14L, 16X/16AX/16BX, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 38L, 41, 44, 47, 48, 52, 53, 54, 66, 67, 71, 88, 89, 91, and 108.
Did I leave any out?
There are only a few positive changes: the 5-Fulton and the 38L-Geary, will both see increased frequency and extended hours. Also the 71L, will run with increased frequency.
Of the decreases, one of the most notable is service to the ballpark and Caltrain depot by the N-Judah will not exist on the weekend. MUNI riders who need to access that part of the city on the weekend will have to transfer at Embarcadero Station and take the T-Third Street line instead. However, no increases will be implemented for the T train. Who thinks this up?
Cancelled lines include the 4-Sutter, 7-Haight, 20-Columbus, 26-Valencia, 53-Southern Heights, and the 89-Laguna Honda.
I understand that the SFMTA sees this deficit as an opportunity to cut where there is room, but I see the situation quite differently. They should see this time as chance to reinvent a failing transit system. More people would ride MUNI (and ride it more frequently, thus spending more money on it) if it were more accessible and convenient. I understand raising rates, but then increase service, offer more! Consumers love getting more for their money. In a time of tight wallets like the past year, I believe San Francisco residents would jump on board in record numbers if MUNI became useful. Isn't this obvious SFMTA?
The most amazing part of reading this mini-booklet was that NOWHERE in the entire thing did it say anything about charging more for the monthly pass! Really? Really, you spend thousands of dollars (maybe even hundreds of thousands of dollars) printing up this big packet which can be summed up in two sentences: "The SFMTA is broke so MUNI service will be drastically decreased. More information can be found on our web site." Done.
If only it were that simple. Instead they wisely decided to spend the extra green on printing these things up. That's like sending out a glossy newsletter to everyone you know announcing you're filing for bankruptcy--just send an e-mail! Quit humiliating yourself with this three-language brochure.
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