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San Francisco Muni Unveils Big Service Additions To Alleviate Transit System's Increased Ridership

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — San Francisco Muni is adding service to its busiest routes to deal with the increase in ridership that's been crowding buses, especially during peak commute hours.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency's (SFMTA) "Muni Forward" program has been planned for several years, but budget cuts and the recession delayed its implementation.

The changes will be implemented starting April 25th and is the first in three phases of improvements.

"We're addressing what is our single biggest complaint, which is 'My bus or train is too crowded' said Director of Transit John Haley.

The changes include increases in service on Muni's busiest lines during peak ridership times. Nine different lines will see more buses during the morning and evening commute and the weekend.

Buses will be more frequent on the 8AX and 14R during the morning commute. Seven lines including the 5R and 38R will see more buses in the evening commute.

Sunday service will also be added to the 38R line with expanded hours all weekend. The 30 Stockton is set to see improvements as well. Service hours overall will increase by 2.5 percent, according to the SFMTA.

Full SFMTA details on 'Muni Forward' program

Muni will also be adding new maps and bicycle racks at several locations, but will also discontinue some stops.

The three improvement phases are planned over the next six months. The second phase is set for this fall and the final phase is scheduled for early next year.

Supervisor Scott Wiener, who considers himself a Muni rider, said that he's excited for the "long overdue" improvements.

"Muni as well as other transit agencies is really bursting at the seams with record ridership and not enough vehicles. You can't even get on the vehicles."

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