Board approves bus-zone extension on Hayes at Masonic to accommodate new Hays–Parnassus routing

The SFMTA board on June 17 approved a consent-item change that extends the eastbound bus zone on Hayes Street at Masonic Avenue to accommodate the new Hays–Parnassus routing in the Munisummer 2025 service changes.

Jessica Garcia, SFMTA service-planning manager, told the board the new route combines the 6 Hays–Parnassus and the 21 Hayes into a single alignment and will make a new right turn from northbound Masonic onto eastbound Hayes. She said a 35-foot extension of the existing bus zone on the south side of Hayes was necessary so buses can pull parallel to the curb after the right turn. “Pulling parallel and close to the curb is important for our operations because it allows the stop to be accessible,” Garcia said. A bus that can’t get parallel to the curb creates a tripping hazard and can be blocked by traffic.

Staff acknowledged local impacts. The extension will remove one parking space at the driveway shown in staff materials and will affect driveway access used by tenants and a corner restaurant for deliveries. Garcia said staff will mitigate impacts by restoring three parking spaces at the other end of the block and by identifying an existing unused stop on the west side of Masonic that could be converted to add parking. “Overall, the net change of parking loss on this block is neutral,” she said, while promising continued outreach to neighbors and the small business.

Board members pressed for a follow-up report and alternatives. Director Felder requested that staff explore an option engineers had described — a curb bulb — that might allow return of the driveway and parking; staff agreed to report back later in the summer. Directors also praised crews for the tight timeline: the concrete work remains under design but SFMTA planned to install pavement stencils and paint this week ahead of the scheduled service changes on June 21.

Residents who spoke at the meeting described safety and personal concerns. A tenant whose household uses the driveway said losing guaranteed driveway access is a safety concern for returning home late at night, and the corner restaurant’s owner said the driveway is used by food-delivery drivers. The tenant asked the board to allow temporary permitting or to delay the change while alternative parking solutions are tested; staff said the timeline is tight but they would continue to explore mitigations.

The board approved the measure on the roll call without recorded dissents. SFMTA staff said the change will allow the new route to stop safely without blocking the traffic lane and to maintain accessibility for riders who need ramps.