San Francisco Transit Officials Push Dedicated Bus Lanes For Van Ness Ave.
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— San Francisco's Municipal Transportation Agency is considering whether to approve a Muni rapid transit plan for busy Van Ness Avenue with dedicated bus lanes down the middle of the road.
The project has both supporters and detractors, but the idea is to speed up travel times. Two lanes of traffic would remain, but much of the parking would be removed along with all but two left turn lanes and many of the existing bus stops.
Supervisor Scott Wiener, a professed regular Muni rider, supports the project.
"Anyone who uses the Van Ness lines will know that it is an absolute disaster. It is a traffic cesspool."
Public reaction has been mixed. Seniors at the hilly northern end want an additional bus stop while other nearby residents said the minuses of the project outweigh the pluses, especially the trickle down effect of a loss of parking.
San Francisco Transportation Authorities Back Dedicated Bus Lanes For Van Ness Ave.
Residents argued the ones proposing the dedicated bus lanes aren't accounting for garbage trucks, UPS deliveries, taxis and an enormous amount of double parking.
The project still has a few hoops to jump through, but the city hopes to start work in 2016 and begin service on the dedicated bus lane in early 2018.
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