SFMTA Set To Regulate Tech Company Shuttles Using Muni Bus Stops
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Private tech company buses and shuttles that have been using San Francisco Municipal Railway bus stops could soon have to follow some new rules as the city's transportation agency board is set to decide on proposed regulations in January.
The San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Agency said the private shuttles and buses carry about 35,000 workers a day to and from companies like Google, Facebook and Genentech using more than 200 Muni stops around the city.
SFMTA To Vote On Regulations For Tech Buses And Shuttles in San Francisco
The situation has created creating some challenges and complaints.
"They're sometimes operating on streets where the residents of those streets don't feel are appropriate for very large vehicles," SFMTA Director Ed Reiskin said.
"They're also taking up space at times at Muni bus stops which are inhibiting or can inhibit Muni service not letting Muni buses get to the stops."
He said that, over the last few months, they have been meeting with representatives from the various companies operating shuttles to develop regulations over their use of Muni bus stops.
"So that they're using ones that are less likely to come in conflict with Muni vehicles to make sure their dwell times are short," Reiskin said.
Reiskin said they are considering requiring permits to have the privilege of using the Muni bus stops—which they are not otherwise legally to use—and charging a fee to cover the cost of administrating the permitting program.
A pilot program could start early next year depending on the outcome of the board's vote next month.
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