Hello Potrero Yard Neighbor! We are excited to bring you Fall 2024 Updates on the transformation of the century-old Potrero Yard into a modern, efficient bus maintenance and storage facility that integrates affordable housing and retail spaces.
In This Issue:
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Project Timeline
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Project Updates
- Project Agreement Approval
- Bus Yard Design Update
- Federal Funding Update
- SBE / DBE Inclusion Plan
- Bus Yard Design-Build Contractor Procurement
- Housing Phasing Plan
- Public Art Honoring Transit and Community
- Neighborhood Working Group
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Recent Events & Engagements
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Stay Connected
Where We Are
The Potrero Yard Modernization Project has made a lot of progress since the project began. In 2025, we plan to kick-off the construction phase of the project where we will say goodbye to the historic yard and break ground to build the new facility.
Project Updates
Bus Yard Preliminary Project Agreement Approval
On December 3, 2024, the SFMTA Board of Directors approved the preliminary Project Agreement for the new bus yard with the Lead Developer Potrero Neighborhood Collective (PNC). The San Francisco Board of Supervisors followed with their approval on December 10, 2024. The agreement outlines several aspects of the bus yard infrastructure project: the timeline, budget, and commitments to economic inclusion.
The final Project Agreement for the bus facility is anticipated in Spring 2025. It will be presented to the SFMTA Board and Board of Supervisors for approval. This will include the bus yard's firm fixed price that will be determined after the Design-Build contractor is selected.
The agreement is unique. This Project is the first infrastructure public-private partnership (P3) developed by the City of San Francisco. The structure allows PNC to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the new Potrero bus yard. The agreement specifies that PNC would be responsible for any increased costs or project delays, not the city. This allows the SFMTA to move the project forward with minimal risk of impacts from growing costs, like inflation. PNC would operate and maintain the bus facility building and its systems (like HVAC, electrical) for 30 years. At the end of 30 years, the facility must be in 80%-like-new condition. Building maintenance and operations would then become the responsibility of the SFMTA. Maintaining and operating the buses will always be the responsibility of the SFMTA.
Bus Yard Design Update
Based on updates to the bus yard facility, the buses and staff capacities will change to:
(Note that not all staff will be at the facility at the same time.) These updates reflect the team’s commitment to improve efficiency and meet the transit needs across San Francisco.
Computer-aided analysis and cone studies have been conducted to test the facility dimensions. These studies are important to protect the safety of SFMTA employees and assets.
A 40-foot battery electric bus (BEB) and 40-foot electric trolley bus (ETB) at the Nov. 19, 2024 cone study at the Cow Palace. Different types of buses were brought to the test.
A 40-foot ETB negotiates turns at the Nov. 19, 2024 cone study at the Cow Palace. Cones were set up to replicate pillars, walls, and other structural elements of the Bus Yard design.
Operators with varying years of experience participated in the cone study at the Cow Palace. Pictured here is a 60-foot ETB. All buses were operated by Potrero Yard staff.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to improve our infrastructure to better serve our community.
Federal Funding Update
The SFMTA and PNC continue to pursue federal funding opportunities to offset bus yard facility costs. In October 2024, the SFMTA hosted a site tour for U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s office to highlight the need for a new facility and the many benefits a modernized yard will provide to San Francisco.
SFMTA staff welcomed a representative from the office of Senator Alex Padilla to the Potrero Bus Yard.
SBE/DBE Inclusion Plan
The Bus Facility component of the Project has transitioned from operating as a locally-funded project to a federally-funded project. As a result, the draft Local Business Enterprise (LBE) Plan has been updated to reflect a Small Business Enterprise/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SBE/DBE) Plan.
The Plan was released on November 5 and was open for written public comment through November 12. In addition, SFMTA held two webinars during the public comment period to update the community on key elements of the SBE/DBE Plan.
The final plan was made available in December 2024 and can be found on the Final SBE/DBE Plan webpage.
PNC and the SFMTA are committed to creating opportunities for the small business community.
A separate Business Inclusion Plan for the Housing and Commercial Component of the Potrero Yard Modernization Project will be developed at a later date.
Bus Yard Infrastructure Design-Build Procurement
In September 2024, PNC released a Bus Yard Facility Request for Proposal (RFP) to shortlisted contractors. A project contractor is expected to be selected in early 2025. Contractor selection will be followed by site preparation for an expected 2025 groundbreaking.
Housing Phasing Plan
PNC continues to advance the project’s affordable housing component and plans for the proposed housing to be constructed in two phases:
- Phase 1 Bryant Street Affordable Housing: The first phase of housing is residential units along Bryant Street. Since this building would be attached to the bus yard facility, the construction can begin only after the shared basement is complete and full funding is obtained.
- Phase 2 Podium Housing: The second phase of housing is both affordable housing residential units and workforce housing residential units located above the bus facility. These buildings can begin construction only after all bus yard construction is complete and full funding is obtained.
Take a look at the phasing diagram below:
(Note: "AMI" stands for Area Median Income.)
Building affordable housing would require multiple funding sources:
- Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development ($35 million confirmed)
- State Housing Community Development (HCD) funding sources
- Low Income Housing Tax Credits
- Capital Contribution and Equity from Affordable Housing Developers
- Bank loan(s)
PNC is finalizing its analysis of the phased-approach prior to seeking funding. A housing agreement is anticipated to be shared with the SFMTA Board of Directors and Board of Supervisors in Spring 2025. All housing is subject to market and funding feasibility.
Public Art Honoring Transit and Community
The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) is excited to announce the artists selected for two glasswork art opportunities at the Potrero Yard.
Selected Artists
- Twin Walls Mural Company — Elaine Chu and Marina Perez-Wong, both native San Franciscans, founded Twin Walls in 2013. This will be their first permanent public art commission with SFAC, marking an exciting new chapter for these accomplished muralists. Twin Walls has created over 30 murals across the Bay Area.
- Josué Rojas — Rojas is native to the Mission District with more than two decades of experience as an artist and arts educator, with a focus on empowering communities and youth in the Mission. This will be Rojas’ first permanent public art commission with SFAC.
"Muni in Motion”, the conceptual artwork design by Twin Walls that will be integrated into the architectural glass of the Potrero Yard bus ramp on 17th Street.
“Muni in Motion” by Twin Walls Mural Company celebrates the “routes that raised us.” The piece reads from right to left, beginning with an indigenous Yelamu Ramaytush Ohlone landscape and ending with native birds soaring through a clear sky, a symbol of hope for our future and respect for our past. The design features green, red, and orange colors, representing earth, iconic landmarks, and the city’s roots.
The piece also pays tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou, the first Black woman Muni conductor. The heart of this conceptual design is the people and the connections between passengers, operators, and pedestrians.
Transfer to Tomorrow” the conceptual artwork design by Josué Rojas that will be integrated into the architectural glass of the stairwell on Mariposa at York Street.
“Transfer to Tomorrow” by Josué Rojas is inspired by the workers, neighborhood residents, and transit users who bring the bus yard to life. The piece is an expression of joy, intended to tap into nostalgia and inspire young people to know more about the cultural and natural roots of San Francisco and of the Bay Area.
Featured in the artwork are a Red-tailed Hawk that is frequently seen flying above the yard; colors and shapes representing Salvadorian tapestries; and Hetch Hetchy, the primary source of the city’s—and yard’s—water and power. Transfer to Tomorrow is inspired by the past, present and future of San Francisco’s Muni and innovative transportation.
Next Steps:
Design-only contracts with Twin Walls and Josué Rojas were approved by the Arts Commission on November 4, 2024. The artists will develop and refine their artwork throughout 2025 with installation anticipated in late 2027, contingent on the project construction schedule.
We look forward to seeing these inspiring artworks come to life as permanent tributes to San Francisco’s transit story and its vibrant communities!
Neighborhood Working Group
In November, we welcomed our newest member, Karolina R., to the Potrero Yard Neighborhood Working Group! As a high school-aged student who is passionate about community development and wants to make a difference in her neighborhood, Karolina will serve as the Youth Representative. This is a new seat and separate from the long-held “Youth Service Organization” seat. We are excited for Karolina to bring a younger perspective to the table as we continue to move the project forward.
Potrero Yard Neighborhood Working Group Youth Representative, Karolina R.
The Working Group currently has two vacant seats:
- Youth-serving non-profit organization
- Senior-serving non-profit organization
If you like to apply to be a member of the Working Group, please fill out an application. The application form can be found on the Potrero Yard Neighborhood Working Group page.
In 2025, the Neighborhood Working Group will typically meet on the second Tuesday of every other month at 5:30 p.m. These meetings take place in a hybrid format and are open to the public. View the meeting schedule here for details.
Recent Events and Engagements
As part of the SFMTA and PNC’s continued commitment to community engagement, our team recently participated in several community events in the Southeast Corridor:
Community Site Tour and Bus Yard Tours - September 14
SFMTA and PNC hosted a Community Site Tour at Franklin Square. Attendees learned about the project, provided feedback on the commercial opportunities and took an official tour of the Potrero Bus Yard.
Fiesta de las Américas (hosted by Calle 24) - September 21
SFMTA staff tabled at Fiesta De Las Américas where they shared project updates about the bus yard redevelopment including housing opportunities in multiple languages.
Friends of Franklin Square Cleanup Day - October 5
The team attended the Friends of Franklin Square Cleanup Day on October 5 to share project updates with community members and join in on the weeding, pruning, and trash pickup in the park.
Potrero Hill Festival (hosted by The NABE) - October 19
Team members join the community at the Potrero Hill Festival, also known as the Potrero Hill Rhythm & Blues Festival.
Stay Connected
The next Working Group meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 12. Meetings are held both in person and virtually and are open to the general public. Learn more about how to attend the Working Group Meeting here.
Upcoming Potrero Yard Tours
Learn more about the Potrero Yard Modernization Project by joining us for a tour of Potrero Yard. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how a transit yard works and see why our 109-year-old yard needs to be rebuilt. We are offering two tours before the end of the year. Reserve your space now:
We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to your continued involvement in shaping the Potrero Yard Modernization Project. For inquiries, please reach out to:
PotreroYard@plenaryamericas.com
PotreroYard@sfmta.com
(415) 646-2223
SFMTA.com/PotreroYard