Muni Stop Lighting Project

導言 (Project Introduction)

Photo of two SFMTA staff on a boarding platform. One is on a ladder installing a solar panel on top of a pole while another observes.

Project Introduction

The Muni Stop Lighting Project plans to bring lighting to Muni stops across San Francisco. Better lighting helps workers, students, seniors and families feel safer while waiting for Muni, especially at night. Lighting also helps operators see people waiting at stops at night.

Research and Planning

The SFMTA started this project by learning more about different types of lighting for transit stops. Staff studied what other cities are doing to provide lighting at transit stops. The team focused on finding low‑cost ways to make stops brighter.

This research helped determine what kinds of lights to use and where to place them at stops. It also helped us set guidelines for how bright lighting at stops should be.

Testing Solar Lights

The SFMTA began testing solar powered lights at Muni stops. Solar lights use energy from the sun during the day to power the light during dark hours. In October 2024, a solar transit stop light was added at the M Ocean View route at San Jose Ave & Niagara Ave in October 2024. This stop was selected based on community feedback during the initial outreach phase of the M Ocean View Transit & Safety Project.

This pilot helped us to see how the solar transit light works and how easy the light is to install. The test was successful, so the project is now moving forward.

Extended Pilot Program

The SFMTA is now testing solar transit lights at more transit stops across the city. The goal is to place one solar light in each of the city’s eleven districts. This helps staff learn how the lights work in different environments across San Francisco.

These transit stops are selected based on several factors. This includes if it is/has:
•    High Nighttime - ridership
•    A transfer point
•    Serves a community identified through our Muni Service Equity Strategy
•    On an Owl route
•    Safety concerns
•    Enough sunlight to power the solar light

Other factors may also determine selection.

Goals of the Project

The pilot program helps SFMTA learn the best ways to improve lighting at Muni stops.
•    Test use of solar lights at Muni stops
•    Improve riders’ feeling of safety
•    Find easy ways to install lights where there is no power
•    Create simple rules for where and how to install lights
•    Use what is learned to plan future lighting projects

SFMTA will keep testing how the lights work and listening to feedback from riders and staff. What they learn will help decide how to add more lights in the future. The goal is to make Muni stops safer, more visible and welcoming for everyone.

SFMTA staff person stands under the lit pilot solar light installed on a boarding platform.

Project Phases and Timeline

2024 – Proof of Concept

Research SFMTA studied ways to improve lighting at transit stops
Testing Solar lights were identified as a low-cost option for stops without power
Pilot Test A solar light was installed at the M Ocean View stop at San Jose Ave & Niagara Ave and tested as a low-cost option for stops without power