An Exit Interview with SF Transit Director Jeff Tumlin
KQED's Forum
Deep Dive
What was the financial situation of SFMTA when Jeff Tumlin took over, and how did it change during his tenure?
Jeff Tumlin inherited a $50 million annual structural deficit when he took over SFMTA. The deficit grew to $250 million due to rising costs of living and stagnant revenue growth, exacerbated by the pandemic. The agency now faces a $300 million structural deficit that needs to be addressed within the next two years.
How did the pandemic impact Muni's operations and ridership?
The pandemic forced Muni to drastically reduce services, cutting from 80 transit lines to just 12 focused on essential institutions like hospitals and retail centers. Ridership plummeted, but Muni's recovery has been stronger than BART's, with some lines like the 22 Fillmore and 49 Van Ness exceeding pre-COVID ridership by 120% or more.
What changes did SFMTA make to procurement processes during the pandemic?
During the pandemic, SFMTA streamlined procurement rules, which were previously cumbersome due to anti-corruption measures. This allowed for faster decision-making and risk-sharing with private contractors, leading to projects like the El Terrival infrastructure renewal being completed on time and on budget.
What is the current state of Muni ridership compared to pre-COVID levels?
Muni's overall ridership is at about 75% of pre-COVID levels, but recovery varies significantly by line. For example, Montgomery Station, once the busiest, is only at 45% of pre-COVID ridership, while lines like the 22 Fillmore and 49 Van Ness are over 120% of pre-COVID levels on weekdays and even higher on weekends.
What challenges does SFMTA face in making Muni free for everyone?
Making Muni free for everyone would require significant funding, which is currently not supported by voters. SFMTA relies on fare revenue, and while fare evasion is perceived as high, actual compliance is around 80%. The agency also faces a $275 million structural deficit, making free transit financially unfeasible without new tax measures.
How has the rise of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft impacted Muni ridership and congestion?
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have significantly increased downtown congestion, accounting for about half of the congestion during the last economic boom. They have also contributed to reduced Muni ridership by offering personal convenience at the expense of system efficiency.
What is the future of the Central Subway project, and has it been successful so far?
The Central Subway project, while initially plagued by planning and procurement issues, has shown promise with a 50% increase in ridership at Chinatown Station over the past year. It serves the densest part of San Francisco and is expected to become a critical link if extended to North Beach and beyond.
What are the prospects for a regional transit system in the Bay Area?
A regional transit system in the Bay Area faces challenges due to the need for a two-thirds vote to create new taxes at the county level. However, transit agencies are working towards a unified user experience with coordinated fares, transfers, and wayfinding systems, with upgrades to the Clipper card expected in the coming months.
What steps is SFMTA taking to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety?
SFMTA is investing in quick-build traffic safety projects, which have reduced cyclist and pedestrian injuries by about 30% on streets where implemented. The agency is also installing speed safety cameras and focusing on redesigning streets to balance the needs of all users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
What is Jeff Tumlin's outlook on the future of San Francisco?
Jeff Tumlin is optimistic about San Francisco's future, seeing the current moment as a transition between economic bust and boom. He believes the city is poised to reinvent itself, leveraging its values and diversity to create a thriving, inclusive urban environment.
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