SFMTA board declines Polk Street bus reroute amid pedestrian safety concerns

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) board met recently to discuss significant changes to the 19 Polk Street bus route, ultimately rejecting a plan that would have eliminated three key bus stops near the library. The proposed reroute would have forced passengers to walk an additional three blocks and cross two major streets, resulting in an estimated 400,000 extra street crossings for pedestrians. This decision was met with relief from community members, including Supervisor Malia Cohen and city librarian Luis Herrera, who voiced their concerns about the impact on pedestrian safety.

The board's decision to maintain the current bus stops was praised, but they have requested a report in three months to explore alternative actions. This indicates that while the immediate plan was rejected, discussions about public transportation safety and accessibility will continue.

In other discussions, Supervisor Avalos introduced a resolution focused on urban agriculture, highlighting the need for sustainable farming practices within the city. Caitlin Galloway, co-founder of Little City Gardens, emphasized the importance of land access for urban farming, noting that their operation is being displaced due to new development. Galloway called for creative solutions to secure land for farming to ensure the sustainability of urban agriculture in San Francisco.

Additionally, concerns were raised about healthcare access in light of potential changes to federal policies. Speaker Alan Martinez urged the city to prepare for possible disruptions in healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations reliant on programs like the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).

The meeting underscored ongoing challenges in transportation, urban agriculture, and healthcare, reflecting the city's commitment to addressing these critical issues while balancing community needs and development pressures. The board's decisions and discussions will likely shape future policies and initiatives in San Francisco.