COVID-19 Developments & Response

Project Introduction

We are closely monitoring what is happening with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Please continue to check this page for the latest updates.

Check out our COVID-19 Data Dashboard to see the data that is informing our COVID-19 and recovery planning.

Get Updates: For travel and transit updates, please visit our email and text alert subscription page. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest Muni and COVID-19 updates.

Jump to topics using the linked list below:
Muni Service
COVID Reminders & Federal Mask Requirement
Muni Alternatives
Business Support
Driving and Parking Enforcement
Customer Service, Passes and Cards
Additional Resources

Muni Service

Muni continues to expand service and implement the 2022 Muni Service Network plan as resources allow. The 2022 Muni Service Network Plan was developed with public feedback, prioritizing:

Linking neighborhoods in our Muni Service Equity Strategy to essential destinations like hospitals, food hubs and neighborhood commercial corridors
Adapting to changing travel patterns
Getting the most out of the Muni system and system-wide improvements

Effective July 9:

The restored routes include:

2 Sutter: California Street at Presidio Avenue to Ferry Plaza
6 Haight-Parnassus: 14th Avenue at Quintara Street to Ferry Plaza
21 Hayes: Fulton at Stanyan streets (St. Mary’s Hospital) to Grove at Hyde streets

The modified/extended routes include:

23 Monterey: Ocean Beach to Bayview District via Sloat Boulevard
28 19th Avenue: Daly City BART to Fisherman’s Wharf
43 Masonic: Munich Street at Geneva Avenue to Fort Mason
49 Van Ness-Mission: City College to Van Ness Avenue at North Point Street
52 Excelsior: Persia Avenue at Prague Street to Forest Hill Station
57 Parkmerced: West Portal Station to Daly City BART
58 Lake Merced: Stonestown to Daly City, via Lake Merced Boulevard, Brotherhood Way and Mission Street
66 Quintara: Judah Street at 9th Avenue to Vicente Street at 30th Avenue
L Taraval Bus: SF Zoo to West Portal Station, using Muni Metro for downtown service

We expect to make additional service changes in summer 2022 as part of the 2022 Muni Service Network implementation plan.

Get route-specific details on all Muni lines that are currently in service

Muni Bus Substitution for Suspended Rail Lines.

Free Muni and Paratransit to COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

Muni and Paratransit are free to those going to get vaccinated for COVID-19. This includes trips in both directions and also provides a one-time allotment increase for those who use the Essential Trip Card. For more info, please read our recent blog post.

Muni Owl Service

Effective August 14, 2021, daytime bus service will be extended to Midnight and late-night Owl service will run from Midnight to 5 a.m. Only L Owl service will continue to run from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The following lines will run 24 hours a day or provide special Owl Service:

L Owl*, N Owl*, 5 Fulton, 14 Mission, 22 Fillmore, 24 Divisadero*, 25 Treasure Island, 38 Geary, 44 O'Shaughnessy*, 48 Quintara/24th Street, 90 San Bruno Owl, 91 3rd Street/19th Avenue Owl (*Owl route is different than daytime route)

See the COVID-19 Muni Owl Service Plan map for route details

Routes Not in Service

1AX, 1BX, 3, 7X, 10, 14X, 28R, 30X, 31AX, 31BX, 38AX, 38BX, 41, 47, 76X, 81X, 82X, 83X, 88, NX, E

Most routes currently not in service are limited, low-ridership or provide parallel service to existing routes.

Latest Muni Core Service Map

Core Service map effective Aug. 14, 2021

COVID Reminders, Health Measures & Federal Mask Requirement

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, face masks are required by federal law in Muni stations and while riding transit. Masks are also required on paratransit and in taxis. Violations can result in denial of boarding or removal from Muni and may carry federal penalties.

The federal mask requirement went into effect on February 1, 2021.

A properly worn mask:

Completely covers the nose and mouth of the wearer
Is secured to the head, including with ties or ear loops
Fits snugly against the side of the face
Neck gaiters must be double-layered

Masks do not include face shields and should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures. Face coverings like scarves and bandanas do not meet this requirement. For more information, including exemptions and exceptions, please visit the CDC website on the transportation mask requirement. View the Transportation Security Administration Security Directive. All state and local public health orders remain in effect.

Please do not ride Muni if you are feeling ill, except as necessary to seek medical care after consulting with your medical provider.

Health and Safety Measures We Are Taking

The health of SFMTA employees and customers is our top priority. There is no specific COVID-19 risk to transit or paratransit riders; however, we are taking extra precautions to limit exposure.

Muni car cleaners, station custodians and paratransit personnel are cleaning and sanitizing vehicles and high-touch surfaces daily with safe, strong disinfectants.

You can help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Visit the San Francisco Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for recommendations to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Riding Together: Bay Area Healthy Transit Plan

On September 15, 2020, the SFMTA Board of Directors approved a resolution endorsing the Riding Together: Bay Area Healthy Transit Plan. This plan was developed in collaboration with regional leaders, transit workers, paratransit providers, rider advocates, and public health experts and is based on the research of national and international best practices for riding transit during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan establishes a baseline set of measures for Bay Area transit agencies to ensure the health of transit riders and workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and outlines common commitments and expectations for employees and passengers. The SFMTA will report monthly on the Agency's performance in aligning with the baseline measures set forth in the plan.

More information on SFMTA's health and safety tracking are available on SFMTA's Transportation Recovery Plan page.

Muni Alternatives

San Francisco offers many opportunities, in addition to public transit, to get around without a personal car. See options below.

Slow Streets

Learn about Slow Streets and see a map.

Select streets have been closed to vehicle through traffic to prioritize walking or biking.

Local vehicle access is allowed (e.g., driveway access for residents) and streets are not closed completely.
People walking/running in the street do not have the right-of-way over motor vehicles.
Once installed, Slow Streets corridors are in effect 24/7.
Face coverings are required

Bikes and Scooters

Commuting by bike or scooter is a great way to get around. Find a bike route for your commute using SFMTA's bike network map. The San Francisco Bike Coalition can help new bike commuters and offers free webinars on urban cycling.

For more information, visit operator sites:

Taxis and Ramp Taxis

To request a taxi you can hail them in the street or at a taxi stand, or search the taxi directory or the wheelchair-accessible ramp taxi directory for links to apps and contact information. Ask about health rules and regulations. Face masks are required by federal law.

Taxi Drivers: Please see the COVID-19 Taxi Services Updates page or call 415.701.4400 for information on how Taxi Services is responding to the pandemic. The Taxi Services window is closed until further notice.

Essential Trip Card 

SFMTA created the Essential Trip Card program to help older adults and people with disabilities take and pay for essential trips in taxis during this crisis. 

People with disabilities or age 65+ pay 20% of the cost of a regular cab ride fare for essential trips, up to $60 in value per month. Visit the Essential Trip Card program page to learn more.

Shop-a-Round Helps You Get Around

Shop-a-Round provides low-cost shuttle or subsidized taxi rides that make it easier to go grocery shopping. This SFMTA service offers registered seniors and people with disabilities personalized assistance and a ride to/from the grocery store.

Customers do not have to be ADA-paratransit eligible to use the service
The service takes customers to select supermarkets in San Francisco to shop
The driver will help carry groceries on and off the shuttle/taxi

Essential Worker Ride Home Program

The city’s Essential Worker Ride Home program provides a taxi ride home from work to qualifying participants who commute to work via a sustainable mode of transportation. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply.

Emergency Ride Home Program

The Emergency Ride Home program provides taxi rides home for individuals who work in San Francisco.

Paratransit

Paratransit service continues to operate as normal. Face masks are required by federal law when taking a taxi or van and when visiting the SF Paratransit Office. Violations can result in denial of service and may carry federal penalties. If you are feeling unwell or your trip is nonessential we ask that you please cancel by calling 415.285.6945 as soon as possible.

The SF Paratransit Office will operate with limited capacity during regular business hours (Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.). Teller window hours are subject to change. Reduced staffing will be available to accept cash payments for monthly taxi debit card allotments only.

Golden Gate Transit: Additional Bus Service

Golden Gate Transit allows local rides between all Golden Gate Transit bus stops in San Francisco. Visit the Golden Gate Transit website for schedules, fares and maps. Face masks are required by federal law.

Business Support

Shared Spaces: Apply to use the sidewalk, parking lane or street for your business

Apply for a Shared Spaces permit to use the sidewalk or parking lane for business operations, like seating, dining or retail pickup. There are also options to work with surrounding businesses and residents for full street closure activations to support local merchants. Permits are valid until December 30, 2021, unless otherwise specified.

Driving and Parking Enforcement

All regulations are being enforced.

Parking and traffic citation payment and protest timelines are in effect. Please pay your citation or enroll in a community service or payment plan to avoid late fees. For further information, please visit our payment options page.

Parking Meters

Due to demand for parking near local businesses meter pricing has been updated and parking meter enforcement reprioritized.

Parking Garages

SFMTA has reopened city-owned parking garages. Check individual garages for hours.

Customer Service Center, Passes and Cards

The Customer Service Center and Regional Transit Card Discount ID Office at 11 South Van Ness Avenue are open. Get more information and find locations to purchase SFMTA passes, cards and services. You can also request a Regional Transit Connection (RTC) card online.

Special Event Street Closure Permits

We are currently accepting special events applications.

Additional Resources

Download, save and use Muni virtual backgrounds for any of your preferred video chatting platforms.

For city and local Department of Emergency Management updates about COVID-19, text "COVID19SF" to 888-777.