38 Geary Temporary Emergency Transit Lanes evaluation results and next steps
Evaluation results are in
After temporary emergency transit lanes were installed on Geary Boulevard in the Richmond, the SFMTA conducted a survey and evaluated the lanes to determine how well they are working and measure any neighborhood impacts. The evaluation metrics include recommendations from the public via our evaluation criteria survey, such as bus travel time, bus crowding and effects on vehicle traffic.
Despite recent increases in traffic citywide, evaluation results are showing that the new transit lanes and other transit treatments have improved 38 Geary bus performance, with minimal traffic impacts to Geary Boulevard or parallel streets. And a majority of those who took our evaluation survey support maintaining the transit lanes.
Here’s a snapshot of our findings below, or you can read the detailed evaluation report on our website.
Next steps: Seeking permanent approval for emergency transit lanes
Based on the positive evaluation findings and support for maintaining the transit lanes, the SFMTA proposes to make them permanent.
Temporary transit lanes were approved as an emergency COVID-19 response, and an additional public process is required to make the lanes permanent; otherwise, lanes must be removed within 120 days after the San Francisco emergency order is lifted. We’re planning to bring the project to an upcoming SFMTA Board of Directors hearing to be considered for permanent legislation, tentatively scheduled for July 20. There will be an opportunity for public comments during, and prior to, the meeting.
Visit the project page (SFMTA.com/TempLanes38) or subscribe for updates to stay informed.
Revised Geary Boulevard Improvement Project design
The Geary Boulevard Improvement Project (Phase 2 of Geary BRT) had previously envisioned transit lanes in the center of the street between Arguello Boulevard and 28th Avenue. In light of the positive emergency transit lane evaluation results and other evolving factors, the SFMTA is now pursuing a revised side-running transit lanes design, which could include additional transit lanes, bus stop modifications and safety improvements. The SFMTA plans to conduct outreach to seek input on these changes later this year.
Learn more about the side-running design proposal and approval process.