SFMTA Prepares Transit, Traffic and Parking Resources for Potential BART Strike

Thursday, August 1, 2013

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which manages transportation in the city, including the Municipal Railway (Muni), has developed a contingency plan in the event of a strike by the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). Should a strike occur, public transit customers who normally travel daily into San Francisco could be seeking other means of getting to their destinations. The plan aims to provide SFMTA services, such as two expanded casual carpool locations, for those displaced by a strike and endeavors to avoid or minimize gridlock.

This plan is designed for swift activation to ensure the safe and efficient movement of displaced commuters utilizing various modes of transportation to connect them with Caltrain, SamTrans, AC Transit, Golden Gate Transit and ferry services. Delays and congestion are anticipated.

As additional details become available, they will be posted at 511.org. A special BART strike page at alert.511.org includes updates on BART’s service status, alternative transit and ridesharing options, real-time traffic and transit information, and other trip-planning tools. BART information can be found at www.bart.gov. Commuters should check back regularly for updates. For real-time Muni updates during the week, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and special events, follow us on www.twitter.com/sfmta_muni or visit www.nextmuni.com/myNextBus to sign up for real-time text messages or email alerts.

Casual Carpooling

Casual carpooling pick-up will be expanded from its established spot on Beale Street to two additional areas on Spear Street for San Francisco-East Bay travelers. The attached map shows the morning drop-off locations and the route to the Bay Bridge carpool lane, in addition to the following evening pick-up locations.

Casual Carpooling, 3 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday

Carpooling Departure Point on Beale Street between Howard and Folsom streets to the following locations:
- Hercules
- Richmond Parkway
- Fairfield/Suisun
- North Berkeley/Del Norte BART
- Orinda/Lafayette BART
- Walnut Creek BART
- Pleasant Hill BART
- Concord BART
- Oakland Claremont
- Vallejo
- Lakeshore/Grand
Carpooling Departure Point on the west side of Spear Street between Howard and Folsom streets to the following locations:
- Lake Merritt BART
- Fruitvale BART
- Coliseum BART
- Alameda
- San Leandro BART
- Bayfair BART
- Castro Valley BART
- West Dublin BART
- Dublin BART
- Hayward BART
- South Hayward BART
- Union City BART
- Fremont BART
Carpooling Departure Point on the east side of Spear Street between Howard and Folsom streets to the following locations:
- West Oakland BART
- MacArthur BART
- Rockridge BART
- Albany
- Emeryville
- Ashby BART
- Piedmont
- El Cerrito BART
- North Concord BART
- Pittsburg BART

Muni

To keep major BART corridor service fully staffed, the SFMTA will prioritize Muni service along the following bus routes and rail lines during peak hours:

14 Mission
49 Van Ness-Mission
J Church (to and from Balboa Park/Geneva)
N Judah (to and from Caltrain @ 4th and King)

Transit Fare Inspectors will be deployed to assist customers with directions on how to reach their destinations and how to purchase their Muni fares.

Information regarding the impact of a BART strike on paratransit services can be found at www.sfparatransit.com.

Parking and Traffic

SFMTA Parking and Traffic, Enforcement and Off-Street Parking employees will be mobilized to implement measures designed to alleviate traffic congestion and to assist travelers. Parking garages may have parking available. Off-street parking staff will provide garage managers with additional outreach materials. For more information about specific garages or lots, visit sfmta.com.

Visit www.sfpark.org or download the application to find real-time information about available on and off-street parking spaces and rates in SFpark pilot areas.

Taxi Service

In the morning, taxi stands will be at key transfer points: Transbay Terminal on Folsom near the Greyhound Station and between Main and Spear, at the 4th and King Caltrain Station and at the south end of the Ferry Building Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Evening taxi stands are at downtown hotels. A map of the hotel stands is available on sfmta.com.

Information regarding the impact of a BART strike on paratransit services can be found at www.sfparatransit.com.

Biking or Walking

In addition to transit, carpooling and parking, the SFMTA recommends that commuters consider bicycling and walking when these options are viable. If you plan to use a bicycle for your commute, a map of bicycle routes is available on sfmta.com.

Other options include flexible work hours to avoid the peak commuting periods, telecommuting and taking vacation.