Key Takeaway: The SFMTA does not own its paratransit operations and maintenance facilities. The SF Paratransit service provider leases the operations facility and the lease could end as early as February 2028. The SFMTA needs to acquire or build a new facility to maintain operations and accommodate an all electric fleet in the future.
SF Paratransit currently operates from leased facilities outside of San Francisco city limits.
Vehicle maintenance and operations are housed in two different facilities, hindering coordination. The operations facility lacks fueling infrastructure and a permanent office structure. Upgrading the facility is not possible due to lease restrictions and site concerns. Further, the lease for the operations facility is held by our service provider Transdev and is only effective through February 2028, with two 2-year optional extension years after that, through February 2032.
To accommodate a new fleet of paratransit electric vehicles, the SFMTA plans to acquire or build a new paratransit facility in San Francisco. The new facility will either be a new construction or be integrated into an existing SFMTA transit facility. It is important that the SFMTA own and manage its own facility, as opposed to the current arrangement that requires the SF Access service provider to identify the operations location.
The SFMTA is exploring options for a new paratransit facility through the Building Progress Program, which is an effort by the SFMTA to modernize and expand aging bus yards to accommodate Zero-Emission-Vehicle (ZEV) fixed route buses.
A ZEV paratransit fleet, operations and maintenance facilities could be housed within an upgraded fixed route bus facility. It may be necessary to provide an interim standalone paratransit facility for electric vehicles (EV) to comply with California Air Resources Board deadlines. Provision of EV charging facilities for bus and paratransit fleets will require extensive coordination with San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and Pacific Gas and Electric.
The lead developer of the SFMTA's Potrero Yard Modernization Project is studying a Paratransit variant in which the top of the bus facility could be used for the SFMTA’s paratransit fleet. If the developer moves forward with this alternative, an EV compatible paratransit facility could be available by 2034.
Until Potrero Yard or another suitable facility is identified and available, the SFMTA will need to work with the SF Paratransit provider to secure a temporary facility and maintain operations.