Report Finds Muni's All-Door Boarding Reducing Delays Slightly
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Muni's first assessment of their all-door boarding policy is resulting in slight improvements to on-time performance according to a report released last week by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
The policy, which started last July, allows bus riders to board at the rear of the bus, provided they have their Clipper Card or valid proof of payment. Muni is the first transit agency in the U.S. to allow passengers to board in this manner.
The report said Muni buses have cut four seconds from their stops. While that may not seem earth-shattering, Transportation Director Ed Reiskin said those seconds add up, considering the agency has had a tough time meeting on-time performance goals.
Muni's All-Door Boarding Slightly Reducing Delays In Its First Assessment
"When we're stuck at a stop because of a heavy boarding load, it's one of the things that impact our ability to deliver service on time," said Reiskin.
The report also revealed 11 new inspectors were hired to catch potential fare evaders in light of the new policy.
Reiskin said tickets are up and the rate of cheaters is down by 24 percent.
"25 percent of the revenues of this agency come from the fare box. It's not something that we can afford to do without," he added.
It is not yet clear how all-door boarding is affecting Muni's revenue picture, but officials said ridership is up and revenue is expected to exceed projections by $4 million this year.
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