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Metro Access

The Muni Metro light rail system features six lines: the J Church, K Ingleside, L Taraval, M Ocean View, N Judah and the T Third. These lines serve downtown and neighborhoods in the western and southeastern parts of San Francisco. Below is more detailed information on the accessible features in our Metro system, how to board in the subway, how to board on the surface, and some additional tips for using the Metro.

Step-by-step instructions

Accessible Features

Priority Seating

Priority seating for seniors and customers with disabilities is located immediately behind the train Operator’s compartment at both ends of the car. The priority seating includes the first rows of aisle-facing seats, which flip up to accommodate a wheelchair, and the first rows of forward-facing seats.

Please Note:

On crowded trains, the priority seats may already be occupied by seniors and people with disabilities or by other customers. Upon request, operators can ask passengers to give up their seats, but cannot force them to do so.

Vehicle Identification Number Plate

All vehicles have a vehicle identification number plate at each end that includes four digits plus the letter A or B to denote the end of the vehicle. The signs are located approximately 60" from the floor on the flat panel behind the Operator’s compartment and include raised characters and braille. Customers must provide the vehicle number in order to report problems with equipment or service.

• Commendations or complaints? We want to hear from you, and welcome your feedback.

Push Button Intercoms

Vehicles are equipped with push button-activated intercoms, to be used in case of emergency, which allow customers to communicate with the train Operator. The intercoms are located next to the door behind the Operator’s compartment at each end of the car.

Stairs Can Be Raised or Lowered

The stairwells on all of our LRVs can be raised or lowered. For street level stops on the surface, these steps are kept in the lowered position. For stops at high level platforms the stairs are raised. A bell sounds when the steps are lowering to warn passengers to move away from the doors. At high level platforms, step extensions, which deploy automatically when the doors are opened, are used to reduce the gap between the LRV floor and the station platform.

Dedicated Area for Mobility Devices

Each LRV is equipped with four flip-up seating areas near the front and rear of the train car.  These seats can be flipped up to accommodate most mobility devices.  If you are concerned about whether your mobility device can be accommodated, please contact SFMTA Accessible Services (415.646.2260).

Segways

Muni may be able to accommodate a Segway, when used as a mobility device. You will need a Permit. For more information on Segway accommodations, please call or contact Matthew West (415) 646-2753, or Matthew.West@SFMTA.com.

Service Animals

Service Animals are allowed on the Muni Metro. Service animals must be leashed and under the control of their owner at all times.

More Information:

• Service Animal Policy

In the Subway

Overview

The Muni Metro stations from West Portal to The Embarcadero are underground. The downtown subway stations (between Civic Center and The Embarcadero) are shared by Muni and the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). These stations are multi-level, with a concourse level, a Muni boarding platform at mid-level and a BART platform at the lowest level. Downtown stations are identified by distinctive print signs and braille signs.

Elevators

All underground stations are accessible by elevator. The street level elevators at each station are located on the north side of Market Street near a station entrance and are marked by a sign. The street elevator will take you to the concourse level, where signs are posted to direct you to the platform elevator. At the concourse level of the shared downtown stations, Muni and BART have separate and distinct station agent booths and faregate arrays. A shared elevator provides access from the concourse to both the Muni and BART platform levels. For information on elevator status, please call the San Francisco Customer Service Center at 311 (415.701.2311 outside of San Francisco). You may also contact BART’s elevator information line at 510.834.LIFT (510.834.5438) or 888.235.3828. Elevator alerts can be texted to your phone by signing up for "Watch Route Alerts" and choosing to receive alerts for either the J, K, L, M, N or T Lines (text message rates apply).

More Information:

• Muni Metro Elevator Status

Paying Your Fare

You must pay your fare prior to boarding the elevator to the platform. Passengers are encouraged to pay with a Clipper Card by tagging the card at the Clipper reader near the elevator to the platform. Passengers who are eligible to pay a discounted fare but do not have a Clipper Card or transfer must purchase a ticket from a ticket vending machine near the station agent booth. The ticket must be tagged at the Clipper reader on the concourse level near the elevator in order to serve as valid proof of payment.

More Information:

• Fares and Passes

On the Station Platform

Once on the Muni platform of a shared station, signs will direct you to the inbound or outbound side. Look for the red “boarding area” signs on the trackside walls (opposite the platform waiting area) that indicate where to wait for a train.  On the platform, overhead digital signs display the line name and destination of the train that is boarding as well as the next train pulling into the station. A recorded voice also announces the predicted arrival time of the next three trains in the subway. Metro maps are installed on the trackside walls and tactile maps of the entire Muni system are located on the subway platforms at the inbound and outbound boarding areas.

On the Street

Access for Mobility Devices

Accessible stops for wheelchairs and other mobility devices are located at regular intervals and at major destinations such as schools and hospitals. Accessible surface stops are generally low-level island stops with a ramp up to a small high-level platform for those who need level boarding.

On the T Line all surface stops are wheelchair accessible, with high platforms that provide level boarding at all doors. There are ramps at one or both ends of these platforms. On the M Line, the platforms at Stonestown and San Francisco State are also high-level platforms. 

More Information:

• Muni Metro Map (showing accessible stops)
• List of accessible stops
• Muni Access Guide

Boarding from an Accessible Island Stop

To board from an accessible island stop, wait for your train on the high platform. When the train arrives, the Operator will raise the interior stairs and position the vehicle so that you can board at the first door. Let the Operator know your destination stop as soon as you board and whether you need help with the jump seats at a stationing area. Wheelchair users should then proceed to the wheelchair stationing area, which is created by flipping up one of the first sets of aisle-facing seats next to the door.

Note:

When traveling from downtown to a street level destination on the J, K, L, M or N lines you MUST board the first door of the first car of the train. Be sure to let the Operator know your destination in advance so that they can properly position the train at the accessible platform.

Boarding at San Jose and Geneva Ave.

On the M Line, the accessible stop at San Jose and Geneva avenues has a mechanical wayside lift that elevates customers to the level of the train floor for boarding and exiting. The lift is separated from the boarding island by a gate, and remains in the lowered position when not in use. To use the lift, go through the gate and wait for a train on the lift platform. Locate the control button (on your left when facing the train). When the LRV arrives, push and hold the “up” button to raise the lift. Press the button continuously or the lift will stop. If you are unable to press and hold the button, the train Operator can raise and lower the lift from inside the train. Note that the lift will not operate until the train stops next to the platform.

Note:

When traveling from downtown to a street level destination on the J, K, L, M or N lines you MUST board the first door of the first car of the train. Be sure to let the Operator know your destination in advance so that they can properly position the train at the accessible platform.

Our lifts can lift up to 600 pounds. The securement area is limited by dimension.  If you are concerned about whether your mobility device can be accommodated, please contact SFMTA Accessible Services (415.646.2260).

Additional Tips for Using the Metro

Underground Stations

All underground station entrances are easily identified by sidewalk signage.  They also have Braille station name signs, often on the right-hand side of the stairwell.  All subway stations are accessible by elevator, escalator or stairs and comprise of two levels, a concourse and a platform level.  An accessible fare gate is available for use and is located immediately adjacent to the station agent booth.

Yellow tactile tile is provided on the platform level to indicate the edge of the boarding platform; please stand behind the tactile tile at all times while on the boarding platform. 

Stations are either center platform (tracks on either side) or side platform (two platforms with tracks in between).

Center Platform Locations

• Embarcadero
• Montgomery
• Powell
• Civic Center
• Van Ness

Side Platform Locations

• Church
• Castro
• Forest Hill
• West Portal

Automated Announcements

In the underground stations (Embarcadero, Montgomery, Powell, Civic Center, Van Ness, Church, Castro, Forest Hill and West Portal), a digital voice announcement system announces the route designation and arrival time of approaching and arriving trains. Announcements of upcoming stations are made inside the train.

Tactile Maps

Maps of the Metro system with Braille and raised characters are installed on the concourse and platforms levels of underground stations.  Braille and Tactile Maps of certain Muni Metro lines are also available from the San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind; more information on this program can be found here.

Stair and Escalator Locations

Stairs and/or an escalator are located at each end of every downtown station. Inbound trains stop near the middle of the platform and outbound trains stop at the far end of the outbound platform.

Boarding and Exiting a Train

Metro cars are equipped with a chime that sounds in each doorway to help guide people with visual disabilities to the door opening. 

Caution:

All light rail vehicles taper or narrow at each end, creating a larger vehicle-to-platform gap. When looking for a doorway, be sure to locate the floor of the train before stepping off the platform. Do not mistake the gap between the end of a car and the platform for the gap between the platform and the train doorway.

Muni Operators Benefits
Application Window
Sign Up for Job Alerts
Requirements
Important Information About Licensing
Frequently Asked Questions

Jump-start your career in transportation -- become a Muni Operator. Whether you're driving Muni's fleet of buses, trains, historic streetcars or world-famous cable cars, as a Muni Operator you're playing an important role in San Francisco. Interested in a job with excellent benefits, great compensation and a sense of civic pride? 

Muni Operators Benefits:

• 9 Weeks of Paid Operator Training
• Great Salary, Health Insurance, Retirement, Educational Benefits
• Opportunities to Grow a Career
• Pride in Serving the Public

Application Window for 9163 Transit Operator

• Read the full job announcement to learn about this position and the full requirements needed.  
  
  • Notable updates to the minimum qualifications (effective for August 2022 candidates and beyond):
    
    • Applicants may now have one moving violation within the past 12 months
    • Applicants may now have three moving violations within the past 36 months
    • Applicants are allowed one suspension, revocation or probation of license for a cause involving the unsafe operation of a motor vehicle within the past three years
      
      • However, convictions for leaving the scene of an accident involving bodily injury or death, reckless driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs within the three year period is an automatic disqualification
• Make sure to complete and submit your application by the deadline posted on the job ad.
• After applying, keep checking your email. 
  
  • Projected soon after closing, the recruitment team will send a questionnaire for all applicants to complete. 
    
    • Make sure you look out for this email and complete the entire questionnaire by the deadline.
• The questionnaire will include information about a free CityDrive program available to 9163 applicants. 
  
  • Although only a basic non-commercial license is needed to apply, in order to be hired one must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit with passenger endorsement and the ability to drive vehicles with airbrakes
  • This free program helps guide candidates through the process of obtaining this permit and associated medical evaluation
  • The earlier you obtain this permit, the earlier you can be considered for a training class
• The recruitment team will review questionnaires and those who have stated possession of the Minimum Qualifications will be placed on a list of candidates that can be considered for hire.

SFMTA will provide further outreach regarding steps for pre-employment at that time.

April 2024 (T00110) Applicants

• During November 2024, document review events will be happening exclusively for individuals who applied to this recruitment and made it onto the list
• An email will be sent mid-October regarding event dates and documents to bring
• If you applied in April 2024 and don't get an email by the end of the end of the third week of August, email 9163HiringEvent@sfmta.com for more info
  
  • While you wait, if you do not already have a Commercial Learner's Permit or Commercial Driver's License with passenger endorsement and no air-brake restrictions, it is advantageous for you to start the process of obtaining this.
  • See our section below on licensing requirements for more information on a free program to get you started on this.

August/September 2023 (T00088) and December 2023/January 2024 (T00100) Applicants

• If you applied to T00088. the list you are on will expire in November 2024 and is not projected to be extended.  Thus if you wish to be considered now, provide any outstanding documents ASAP to DriveMuni@sfmta.com.  Otherwise, you will need to re-apply to be considered for future Transit Operator opportunities.  Use the below information on signing up for job alerts, if needed, to make sure you are alerted of the next posting of this position.
• If you applied to T00100 and were provided a rank on the eligible list, please provide additional documents that have been requested to DriveMuni@sfmta.com.  If you are unsure of what documents are needed, inquire by including your full name and which list you were on.  This list will expire in March of 2025.

Sign Up for Job Alerts

Interested in the next posting or future postings?  

• Option One:
  • You can go to the Create a Job Alert page in our new applicant tracking system.
    • You’ll be prompted to complete a simple form for each job alert you’d like to receive. You can enter the keyword of "9163" to ensure you sign up for Transit Operator notifications.  This is the job number used on job postings for this position.
      • Note that only one keyword / job code can be entered in this field. You must complete an additional form for each additional keyword for which you’d like to receive an alert.
      • If you wish to sign up for more jobs, you can submit multiple forms.  Enter a keyword such as "cleaner", "engineer" or "manager" or if you’d like to receive an alert for a specific job code, you may enter the job code number in the “Keyword” field.
      • These job alerts will be sent to you until you cancel them.
    • Check your email immediately after subscribing.  You will need to confirm that you requested for the subscription.
• Option Two:
  • Click the "Sign up for updates" link near the top of this page.
  • You can sign up for email or text alerts using this option.

Requirements

Qualities We're Looking For in a Muni Operator:

• 21 and over
• High School Graduate or GED-holder
• One (1) year of public contact or customer service experience
• Minimum of a non-commercial (CA Class C equivalent) license active for a continuous period of three years*
• Good Driving Record*
• No convictions within the past seven (7) years of any offense related to the use, sale, possession, or transportation of narcotics, habit forming drugs, or dangerous drugs 
• No convictions of any sex offense as defined in Section 44010 of the Education Code
• Ability to Obtain School Pupil Activity Bus (SPAB) Certificate* 

*See the full requirements on the announcement when posted.

Important Information about Licensing

• In order to qualify to participate in the exam process, one needs to only possess the minimum qualifications that will be posted on the exam announcement.  At this stage, the licensure requirement is only a non-commercial (CA Class C equivalent) license.
• However, in order to be eligible for hire to one of our training classes a person will need a commercial learner’s permit with passenger endorsement and airbrake endorsements (or a commercial license with these endorsements)

More detailed information about the learner's permit is available by reviewing the Become a Muni Operator: Driver’s Record and Commercial Learner's Permit Guide.

• If you do not have such a learner’s permit at this time, not a problem at all.  Those who apply will be provided access to a FREE program sponsored in collaboration with the SFMTA and Office of Economic and Workforce Development to help guide candidates through the process of obtaining the necessary permit.  We highly recommend that candidates take advantage of this opportunity as soon as possible in the application process as the earlier this is completed, the earlier we can get you into one of our training classes.

More information about this free training program is available on the CityDrive Training Program site.

• For those who have a commercial learner’s permit already or a commercial license:
  
  • Make sure you have passenger and airbrake endorsements.  If you do not, you will need to obtain this before you can start in one of our classes.
  • Make sure your DOT medical is up to date.  If it will expire within the next few months we highly recommend you take steps to renew the medical.  The training requires a full-time commitment of 9 weeks and does not have flexibility for missed days.  Therefore, having your medical renewed ensures you don’t have to get pushed back a class due to your medical being scheduled to expire mid-way through the class.

The Hiring Process Includes:

• Civil Service Examination
• Fingerprint and Background Check
• Medical Exam to obtain a medical certificate
• Drug Screening
• Submit DMV Proof of Clean Driving Record
• Submit Commercial Learner's Permit or Commercial License with passenger and airbrake endorsement
• Complete a 9-week full-time training
• Pass a driving test to officially become an Operator!

Frequently Asked Questions

You can also go to the City's Job FAQ page which provides answers to many frequently asked questions on topics such as:

• Eligibility
• Veteran's Preference
• Disabled / Special Needs
• Drug Tests
• Conviction History
• and more...