To prepare for the return of train service, our operators are training on the new tracks along Taraval.
We’re happy to share that L Taraval trains will return to service starting Saturday, September 28!
We want to thank our community partners, residents and merchants for your support and patience as we partnered with other city agencies to complete the L Taraval Improvement Project. Your input played a critical part from planning to construction.
This project is a once-in-a-generation infrastructure investment in Taraval Street. Construction is always challenging, especially when it involves replacing century-old utilities. We’re excited to complete this project on schedule and on budget, with major benefits for the corridor.
This major civic improvement project will provide:
- Improved Muni service
- Reliable water and sewer services for decades to come
- A safer and more beautiful Taraval Street for all
Read on to learn about the return of rail service and new project features.
Over two miles of Taraval Street have gotten a complete makeover, from about 10 feet below the street to 30 feet above.
What to expect when train service returns
L Taraval trains will resume service between Embarcadero Station and SF Zoo. You will once again be able to enjoy a one-seat ride from downtown to the beach.
Trains are scheduled to arrive every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 12 minutes on weekends.
Board trains at the platform or street instead of using the buses at the curb. L Bus service will be discontinued.
Over 175 new trees were planted along Taraval as part of the project.
A better, safer Taraval
The L Taraval Improvement Project was a multi-agency effort between the SFMTA, SF Public Utilities Commission and SF Public Works. Together, we upgraded and added new infrastructure along Muni’s L Taraval Line between West Portal and the Zoo.
The project covered two miles. To reduce impacts to the community, we split work into two segments and completed both on time and on budget.
Here are a few project highlights:
- Improved Muni service: We’ve upgraded the L Taraval train tracks for the first time in almost 50 years. These new rails will make for a smoother, quieter ride and require less maintenance. Five new traffic signals will give priority to transit vehicles. This will help give L Taraval trains the green light so your trips are more reliable. We’ve also completely replaced the Overhead Contact System (OCS) that powers the trains.
- Safer streets: Before this project, nearly five people were hit every year getting on or off the train. To address this, we’ve installed 22 new or extended boarding islands. Now, you will no longer have to board directly onto the street alongside traffic. Eleven pedestrian bulb-outs and new high-visibility crosswalks will help make it safer for people to cross at intersections.
- Accessibility: People with limited mobility can board trains more easily at accessible stops with elevated platforms, installed at key locations along the route. We've also installed new curb ramps and Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) at intersections along the corridor.
- Upgraded utilities: Many of the utility lines along Taraval Street were over a century old. The sewer and water pipes have been completely upgraded, which will avoid costly failures and ensure taps and toilets flow smoothly for the next 100 years.
- Beautification: Over 175 new trees, median landscaping and public art were installed, chosen with community input. Crews also repaved Taraval Street from curb to curb, making for a smoother ride for everyone.
- The future is looking bright: 71 new streetlights with upgraded LED lighting have been added along Taraval Street.
- Coming later: All train platforms will have new Muni shelters with Next Generation real-time displays.
These new high-visibility crosswalks are not only safer, they’re not bad looking! Blue and white create a strong visual contrast and are noticeable to drivers in various lighting conditions.
While the biggest work is behind us, Taraval has a few minor “punch list” items we’re wrapping up. These include refreshing the transit lanes markings and completing grout work on boarding islands. Crews will also remove staging materials and install transit shelters.
We’re excited for you to begin enjoying your new Taraval Street — from West Portal to Parkside to Ocean Beach — with a safer, more reliable ride.