SF Board of Supes gives green light to tech-bus fee program

Yesterday, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 8-2 to approve a program to let private employee shuttles pay for the right to use city bus stops. However, under that program the buses would pay just a dollar per stop per day for that privilege.

Tech-bus opponents, of which there are many, argued through attorney Richard Drury that there should first be an environmental review. “You don’t approve a project and then find out what are the impacts by measuring air quality, pedestrian safety risks, after the buses are already out of the gate,” he told KQED.

KQED reports that the opponents are mulling a lawsuit over the pilot program. Originally passed in late January, the 18-month plan was chosen with a low fee amount since the San Francisco MTA says a state proposition puts a cap on the amount of money that the city can collect without a ballot vote by residents.

According to the SFMTA, tech shuttle buses see approximately 35,000 boardings per day. While the verdict acknowledged that the program has its faults, it is essential in dealing with the growing issues posed by the buses.

Dreaming of San Francisco? Cece Blase offers local advice to San Francisco buyers, sellers and owners– and feeds the dreams of those who wish they could live in Tony Bennett’s ‘City by the Bay.’ Call 415-577-0809 or email cblase@paragon-re.com. www.ceceblase.com