A New Community Shuttle Launched in the Bayview – Take a Ride!

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Friday, November 15, 2024

Overhead view of an outdoor public event featuring SFMTA staff tabling and connecting with local residents and others.

Sharing information about the Bayview Shuttle at a block party in the neighborhood. We chatted with community members and gave out handouts on the project.

The new Bayview Shuttle launched on Nov. 12. It is an on-demand service that gives the public access to another transportation option, within minutes of booking. For the first month, until Dec. 11, 2024, all rides are free!

With fares equal to Muni, the shuttle pilot program improves connections within Bayview Hunter’s Point and to the broader city. Riders can book trips through a mobile app or by phone. This project is specifically designed with a focus on the Bayview as part of SFMTA’s ongoing commitment to equity in this area and to correct decades of underinvestment resulting from structural and institutional racism.

Operated by our partner Via, the Bayview Shuttle is funded through a California Air Resources Board grant.  

Shuttle service details

The service runs seven days a week.

Hours:
 

  • Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. 
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

During those hours, you can travel anywhere in the area highlighted in the graphic below.

You can also ride to or from the external access points represented by the letters.

These external access points include:
 

  • 22nd St Caltrain Station (A)
  • SF General Hospital (B)
  • 24th St./Mission BART Station (C)  
  • Bayshore Caltrain Station (D) 

Map showing the service zone an external access points for the new Bayview Shuttle. The service area is bordered by Islais Creek to the north, Highway 101 to the west, and the Candlestick waterfront to the south.

Map of the Bayview Shuttle service zone.

At the external access points (A, B, C, D), vehicles will pick up and drop off passengers at designated zones. For rides booked within the service zone, the shuttle will pick up riders at “virtual bus stops.”

These locations will be within a block of the rider’s origin or destination. People with limited mobility can set up their user profiles to specify door-to-door service.  

Shuttle accessibility 

The shuttle service is designed to be accessible for everyone. During all hours of operation, the service will offer spacious standard vehicles.

It will also provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs). Customers can request this option through their user profile.

All vehicles are inspected to provide a comfortable and safe ride. Also, you can use the app or Bayview Shuttle Customer Care line to ask agents questions. Language options include English, Spanish, Cantonese and Filipino. 


Photo of a new Bayview Shuttle vehicle. It's light orange and purple in color with large font that says Bayview Shuttle.

Ride the Bayview Shuttle using two different methods.

How to ride: 

The process is simple. To book the ride, you can use the Bayview Shuttle mobile app or call the Bayview Shuttle Customer Support line.

After you book, you can expect a Bayview Shuttle van to pick you up within 15 minutes.

Here are step-by-step booking instructions:  

Mobile App: 

  1. Download the “Bayview Shuttle” app in the App Store.
  1. Open the app and click “get started”.
  1. Enter your phone number to receive a code via text message. Enter the code in the screen to create your account.
  1. Enter your name and email then tap on Next.
  1. Enter your payment method (Clipper card, Munimobile, or transit pass).
  1. Activate relevant features to improve your user experience. You can request wheelchair accessible vehicles and discounts for seniors or identify as a person with disability, for example.  
  1. Enter pick-up and drop-off locations and choose the best transport option. 
  1. Track your driver’s progress and travel to your location. 

In-app images for the Bayview Shuttle app showing how you get started and also a view of tracking your vehicle.

On the Bayview Shuttle app, you can request certain vehicle types and discounts. 

Mobile phone booking: 

  1. Call Bayview Shuttle Customer Support at 415.873.1801.
  1. Provide the live agent with your information:
    1. Name
    2. Email address
    3. Phone number 
  1. Provide the agent with your pick-up and drop-off addresses. 
  1. Agent will provide estimated pick-up time and vehicle information. 
  1. Agent will let you know where to meet your driver.  

Shuttle fares

For the first month, until December 11, 2024, all rides are free!

After that, no matter the destination, type of vehicle, or service (door-to-door compared to corner-to-corner), the price is equal to the typical fare you would pay on Muni.

For example, if you pay a single ride adult fare, the price per ride is $2.50.

If you’re eligible for discounted fares, the cost will be $1.25 or free if you qualify for the Free Muni program.

You will have the chance to pay on board using our fare readers through the following methods: 
 

  • Clipper Card
  • MuniMobile app 
  • Transit pass registered on the Bayview Shuttle app

If you’re unsure of what discount programs you may be eligible for, please visit the Transportation Resource Center at 5009 3rd St. Within the heart of the Bayview, this center serves as a one-stop center where you can have all your transportation-related questions answered. 

Shaped by the community

The pilot shuttle program stems from the community-based transportation plan we published in 2020.  Community members have been incredibly involved in the process, which is one of the primary reasons this shuttle project is so special.

Our community partners and Community Congress delegates planned and finalized major project elements. These included the service area, outreach plan and driver training curriculum.

Community members ensured that the shuttle service matched their needs and wants. Still, our community partners and Community Congress will continue to watch and evaluate the performance of the shuttle to make sure it lives up to the goals we set together:
 

  1. Improve Community Mobility
  1. Improve Community Health and Reduce Emissions 
  1. Invest in the Community and Create Jobs 
  1. Connect Residents and Transportation Services 
  1. Support and Supplement Existing Transit Service 
  1. Build Community Relationships and Ensure Community Control

For now, the pilot shuttle program is funded until March 2026. SFMTA staff will look for opportunities to extend the service.

To learn more about the service please visit the service landing page at SFMTA.com/CommunityShuttle.

To share feedback at any time about the Bayview Shuttle Program, you can reach out to us at BayviewShuttle@SFMTA.com.