SHUTTLE PILOT PROGRAM LAUNCHES IN SAN FRANCISCO

The Bay Area Council today (Aug. 1) hailed the launch of the 18-month Commuter Shuttles Pilot Program that will keep thousands of cars off already congested roads and contribute to continued economic growth across the region. For more than a year now, the Bay Area Council has convened shuttle operators in meetings with city transportation officials to develop this innovative transportation solution.  With more than 17,000 riders daily, the shuttles drastically reduce traffic and air pollution by removing an estimated 327,000 single passenger car trips and 9,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year.  The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) approved the pilot program in January.

“Today, we embark on an historic test that we believe will prove just how important commuter shuttles can be in bolstering our transportation system,” said Jim Wunderman, President and CEO of the Bay Area Council.  “Commuter shuttles provide an important transportation option for thousands of San Francisco workers, students and others across a range of industries, easing traffic and reducing pollution across the region.  We applaud the SFMTA and Mayor Ed Lee for their leadership on this issue, and we look forward to continuing to work together as we move forward.”

Support for the program is overwhelming.  A recent poll of 500 likely San Francisco voters by EMC Research found that 70 percent support doing the pilot program.  Voters also support common sense regulation that does not hinder shuttle bus operations or expansion.  The pilot program will provide valuable data that will ensure shuttles operate in close coordination with public transit and minimize impacts on neighborhoods. To engage in the Council’s commuter shuttle policy work, contact Policy Manager Adrian Covert.