This project page contains information that is no longer current. See links below for up-to-date information about the L Taraval and K Ingleside.
The K Ingleside is currently running as a combined service for a KT Ingleside Third route.
The L Taraval is currently running a bus substitution service while we work to complete the L Taraval Improvement Project.
When the subway is reopened in 2021, the restoration of Muni Metro service will look different, as changes are made to improve service, ease crowding and increase transit reliability above and below ground.
To improve Muni Metro reliability, the SFMTA is adjusting which train routes enter the tunnels. This means L Taraval and K Ingleside trains will no longer enter the subway at West Portal, but will instead be combined into a new service called the LK. The new LK route will run from the SF Zoo to City College at Balboa Park Station and back, all at street level. This new rail configuration will significantly cut down delays and congestion in the tunnels, making your ride on Taraval or Ocean more reliable, and the rest of downtown commutes via subway more dependable and faster.
Once train service is restored, the new system will require that L Taraval and K Ingleside customers headed towards downtown destinations will need to transfer to the subway at West Portal.
In order to provide accessible transfers, the West Portal LK Transfer Project will make street changes near West Portal Station, including temporary ADA ramps. Local artist Emily Fromm was chosen by West Portal stakeholders to paint a mural on one of the ramps in February of 2021.
The project was approved by the City Traffic Engineer in late August 2020. The SFMTA Board considered and approved the project at its September 15, 2020 Board meeting. More information is provided in the Section titled "Related Reports & Documents" on the right hand column. Visit the Sustainable Streets Division Directive covering this project for details.
These changes are temporary and will automatically be removed within 120 days after the State of Emergency order is lifted, unless there is a public process to make them permanent.
Proposed Changes to Ulloa Street
The following temporary changes will be implemented to support transfersfrom the LK to trains at West Portal Station.
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Accessible boarding ramps will be built on Ulloa Street between West Portal Avenue and Wawona Street for the new LK stop
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The inbound 48 Quintara and L-Owl bus stop on Ulloa Street stop and 48 terminal at West Portal Avenue will be relocated to the southside of Ulloa Street between West Portal Avenue and Wawona Street. To accommodate this change, two parking spaces, which are towaway zones during AM and PM peak hours, will be removed. In addition, a part-time passenger loading zone will be removed. Note that in August, the 48 Quintara line will be restored only between 20th Street at 3rd Street and West Portal Station
- Since the relocated 48 terminal on Ulloa Street at Wawona Street can only accommodate one bus, a second terminal space will be installed on the north side of Vicente Street at West Portal Avenue, which requires removal of two metered parking spaces. This second terminal space will be used when two 48 buses are laying over at the same time.
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The outbound L-Owl bus stop on Ulloa Street at Lenox will be shifted west towards Wawona Street.
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The space vacated by the inbound 48 stop in the southeast corner of Ulloa Street will be replaced with a passenger loading zone.
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The West Portal Library’s white zone will be relocated to Lenox Way, where the green zone is currently, and the existing green zone shifted slightly north.
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Existing AM Peak no left turn restrictions on Lenox Way southbound at Ulloa Street will be extended to all times of day.
An example of a temporary accessible boarding ramp.
Implementation and Evaluation
The urgent nature of this emergency calls for putting temporary measures into place. This approach allows the city to respond quickly to protect public health and support economic recovery while we work with the community to evaluate and adjust the new rail service changes. Areas of evaluation will include:
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Health and safety benefits
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Economic health
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Neighborhood impacts and equity
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Transit performance
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Traffic safety
Community-based organizations, stakeholders and neighbors will be involved in shaping the process for evaluating and adjusting the changes for this and all other projects. Based on public feedback and ongoing, on-the-ground data monitoring of the temporary LK line, we can adjust our operations to meet the needs of the community and Muni customers. Both qualitative and quantitative data will be collected after implementation and will inform any changes needed and whether permanent approval of the West Portal transfer and the combined LK line should be pursued.
We Want Your Feedback
We look forward to getting feedback from the community on how these changes to Ulloa Street are working following the initial launch. Please share your feedback by contacting us at TellMuni@SFMTA.com or 415.646.2382.