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San Francisco Transit

2008-12-09 13:35:40

There's a lot going on in San Francisco transit nowadays!  Let's devote a thread to your favorite Muni/SFMTA, BART, SFCTA, Caltrans and California High Speed Rail news of today!

Here are the top stories and their most recent updates so far that have been bouncing around in my inbox.

SFTEP (Transportation Effectiveness Project) - a major planning and redesign from the offices of SFMTA/Muni which is based on actual ridership data and movement, the SFTEP as I have last heard, has been put on hold due to limited funds by SFMTA (sadface!!!).  I think this is a major priority and as it's passed the Board of Supervisors, SFMTA should get t oimplementing it.  Of course, I don't see SFMTA Budget numbers, and I realize that SFTEP implementation requires infrastructure and staffing improvement, both which cost $$$$.  But get a move on it and find the $$ somewhere, Muni!  As an aside, chronically underfunded SFMTA, I foresee (and am completely ok with) a fee hike and increase in the price of passes by SFMTA in our near future.

Central Subway - passed federal review, secured federal funds, and digging to begin in 2010 with Central Subway estimated to be completed by 2016?  keep your fingers crossed!  And to those that whine that funds should be used differently - they aren't going to be, so be happy you're getting any infrastructure improvement at all.  Additionally, it goes unsaid that the immigrant community is actually the backbone of Muni - major transportation usage happens daily going to/from Chinatown and in the Mission.

San Francisco Congestion Pricing - Proposed by the SFCTA, independent of SFMTA/Muni overlords, congestion pricing is a plan to use FasTrak and video tolling technologies in a variety of ways to reduce congestion in downtown San Francisco, which currently moves at the rate of less then 8 mph on average during PM rush.  Eesh!  Promising to use its $3 tolls to increase funding for local and regional transportation providers, amenities and streetscape for pedestrians and bikers, and road improvements.

Okay, I'm tired of typing, next posted devoted to High Speed Rail and the Transbay Transit Center and the new Bay Bridge span.

East Mission Eats

2008-12-08 15:24:06

Everyone knows about the Valencia and Guerrero corridors and the Foreign Cinema, Range, Delfina, etc etc etc... I am much more interested in the delicious eats East of Mission.  These are just my opinions, feel free to share yours!

Panchitas #3 - 22nd and South VN, love their chilaquiles and pupusas, wonderful presentation and reasonable price for a "nice" place

Limon Rotisserie - 21st and South VN, I think it's $16 or $18 for a whole peruvian style roasted chicken (enough to feed 2), two sides, and two dipping sauces.  Delicious sangria as well!

St. Francis Fountain - 24th and York, hipster joint, delicious Boogaloo's style breakfast, open til 9pm

Universal Cafe - 19th at Florida, fancy white people brunch food, pricey but nice for "occasion" style

Slow Club - Mariposa and Hampshire, maybe the best burger in SF

Florida Street Cafe - Florida at 19th Street, relatively unknown cafe with full service food, delicious and cheap breakfast burritos for like $2, and also a Latin American Culinary school for those who want to work in the restaurant industry!

Marta's Kitchen - 20th and York, inside Jay n Bee, you order directly from the kitchen, sit at a table, and wait (a long time) for Marta's delicious homestyle Mexican food to come to you

Los Jarritos - 20th and South VN, my fave mexican breakfast joint, IMO the best chilaquiles and huevos rancheros in the city

and who can forget the numerous taquerias, taco trucks, bacon hot dog stands, and others that make this area such an awesome place!