The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton today announced Muni’s new 15 Bayview Hunters Point Express starting service on January 23, 2021. The addition of the 15 Bayview Hunters Point Express coincides with increased frequency on the 8AX Bayshore, and the gradual return of Muni Metro service and the T-line. Returning to rail frees up enough buses to run new service, like the 15 Bayview Hunters Point Express and new 27 Bryant route, and improve frequency on other key routes.
“For far too long, our folks in the most southern part of San Francisco have been fighting for adequate and reliable transport that connects us to the rest of the city,” said Board President Shamann Walton. “Bringing the 15-bus back is more than adding another line to Muni’s system, this is about repairing the harm that has been done to Black and Brown communities. As we talk about reparations, this is a small step, but a major one as we continue to rebuild trust in the community.”
The 15 Bayview Hunters Point Express is the first express line introduced into service specifically for the Bayview in San Francisco history. This new line will improve Downtown access, reduce commute times and add transit capacity for residents of the Bayview and Hunters Point neighborhoods. This community-designed route connects the hilly communities east of Third Street to Downtown and was chosen by residents who voted in a fall 2020 survey. The process and the route demonstrates our commitment to working with communities to provide equitable Muni service.
“Now more than ever, these connections between the Bayview Hunters Point and downtown are essential,” said SFMTA Director of Transportation, Jeffrey Tumlin. “We listened intently, and we’re deeply thankful for the engagement and frank discussions with the District 10 community and Board President Walton.”
In coordination with District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton’s Office, the SFMTA project team formed a working group comprised of community leaders. In response to COVID-19 physical distancing constraints, the group met virtually and had regular meetings starting in August 2020. The group structure allowed for deep discussions that were critical in identifying key priorities and destinations and provided other important feedback to shape route alternatives. The 15 Bayview Hunters Point Express directly responds to this feedback by following the community’s lead in identifying the best way to link the Bayview neighborhood to downtown San Francisco.
“As a longtime community member of District 10 and transit advocate, I am both excited and relieved about the launch of the 15 Express and the updates on existing bus lines,” said Meaghan Mitchell. “Since the beginning of the SFMTA's outreach, the District 10 community made it clear that this service is needed to better connect our residents to all corners of San Francisco. I want to thank Director Tumlin, his staff, and President Walton for listening to us and making this happen.”
Service on the 15 will run every 10 minutes from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends.
More information on our January 23rd Muni service changes can be found on our website.