The Potrero Yard Modernization Project will replace an obsolete, century-old bus yard with a modern, four-story, efficient bus maintenance and storage facility, equipped to serve the SFMTA as it transitions to an all-electric fleet.

A modern Potrero Yard will address critical transportation issues and improve:

• Efficiency: Repair buses faster, improving Muni's reliability
• Sustainability: Provide the green infrastructure needed for an all-electric fleet
• Future Growth: Accommodate fleet as it grows – room for 54% more buses at the yard
• Work Conditions: Improve environments, amenities and safety conditions for 800+ SFMTA staff

Learn more about the need to replace this 100+ year-old bus yard.
 

Public tours of Potrero Yard are usually offered monthly. Check here for tour availability: 

Potrero Yard public tour information
 

Project Design

On November 21, 2022, the SFMTA awarded the project's predevelopment agreement to Potrero Neighborhood Collective (PNC) as lead developer. PNC is working together with the City, community and project stakeholders to further refine the Project design during the pre-development phase.

The PNC design includes a modern, four-story bus storage and maintenance transit facility, up to 465 units of affordable family housing for those with low or moderate incomes, and multiple opportunities for commercial retail and concessions. The project would be the nation's first known joint development of a bus maintenance facility with housing constructed adjacent to and above the bus facility, a groundbreaking approach that prioritizes safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation while also supporting the City's housing goals.

Aerial view from the northwest of the bus facility and proposed housing (Arcadis IBI Group)

Project Highlights

• Up to 465 affordable housing units that include a mix of studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units
• New public restrooms conveniently located near Franklin Square
• Three retail offerings that reflect community needs and include community-based retailers or organizations, with additional spaces for street vendors on 17th Street
• Improved pedestrian and bike infrastructure for enhanced safety and comfort
• An economic inclusion plan that prioritizes Local Business Enterprise (LBE) inclusion and local hire
• Proposed amenities for residents include childcare services, community gardens, recreation and community rooms, children's play area, short-term car rental, and bike storage
• Three large-scale public art pieces in collaboration with the San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC)

Experience more about the Yard and the Project.

A Modern Bus Yard for a Transit-First City

The Project promotes public transit, biking, walking, and other sustainable transportation. This follows the SF Transit-First City Policy. To support the use of public transportation, the Project will have Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plans that consider existing and new transportation resources for residents and employees. There will not be residential or public parking on site because it is in a prominent transit zone.

The Project fosters a vibrant streetscape that improves safety and encourages street-level activity. It does this through a mix of retail offerings, public restrooms, safety enhancements for bicyclists and people walking, and public art.

Zero Emission Fleet

California is a leader in the transition to green energy. The state has set regulations for public transit agencies to achieve zero-emission fleets by 2040. Completely rebuilding the Potrero Yard will make it the central hub for the SFMTA’s zero emission trolley bus fleet. It would house additional 92 trolley buses (and 68% increase from the current design capacity) allowing the city to take a major step towards operating an all-electric fleet by 2040. 
 

These trolley buses do not generate direct or indirect particulate emissions. They are powered by the Hetch Hetchy hydroelectric dam. This ecosystem of clean energy will provide emissions-free transit service to about 111,000 riders each day – more than a fifth of Muni’s total ridership. 

Outreach

We believe that community should help to shape many of the decisions that are needed to rebuild the Potrero Yard and have actively engaged the public by:

Community input has shaped the project. Based on community feedback, the project design includes novel elements including:

• ground floor public restroom
• community-accessible meeting space
• public art that reflects the diversity of Potrero Hill and Mission District neighborhoods as well as Muni’s longstanding commitment to safe, equitable, transit service