Authority launches SFTP 2050+ update; staff preview Westside network study and outreach

At the May 20 meeting the San Fran County Transportation Authority reviewed the San Francisco Transportation Plan (SFTP) 2050+ update and a related Westside Network study, outlining projections, funding assumptions and public outreach plans.

Swanee Cho, Assistant Deputy Director for Planning, told commissioners that "the San Francisco transportation plan is the 30 year investment plan for our transportation investments. It's one of our core responsibilities as the transportation authority." Cho summarized recently updated travel data showing a 41% drop in trips to, from and within San Francisco since 2019, higher work-from-home rates, and revenue impacts.

The key planning and fiscal points presented by staff: the authority's investment plan is now projected at about $70 billion over 30 years (a roughly 12% reduction from the prior update), with approximately $60 billion committed to specific projects or uses and about $10 billion discretionary. The SFTP also includes a separate vision plan of approximately $15 billion that would represent aspirational or additional investments if new revenue were available.

Staff said they forecast crowded transit corridors under a baseline that holds 2023 service levels in place and assumes currently funded projects are completed. Cho highlighted mode-shift and equity concerns, noting the largest travel changes were among households earning less than $75,000 annually, a group that has reduced transit and walking trips and increased drive-alone and ride-hail use. Cho emphasized that "we do all know that there's significant risk of major service cuts if those revenues don't materialize in the near term."

David Long presented the Westside Network study, which the authority is conducting in parallel with SFTP 2050+. Long said the Westside work will identify near- and mid-term improvements to address East–West access barriers created by steep topography and to improve access to transit, schools and jobs. He said the study will recommend five to 10 concepts for mid-term implementation and return to the public in a second round of outreach. Long described needs the team has identified so far: better East–West connections, high-quality bike lanes tied to transit hubs, secure long-term bike parking, safe routes to schools, vehicle circulation and double-parking mitigation, and planning for EV charging infrastructure on the West Side.

Public outreach and schedule: staff launched the first round of public engagement at the meeting. Announced outreach steps included an online survey (translated into Spanish, Chinese and Filipino), two virtual town halls on June 4 and June 7, and a recording of the presentation to be posted online. Staff also announced an in-person town hall on June 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. at City College regarding the I-280 Ocean Avenue off-ramp project. Staff said they expect a draft updated plan next spring and final recommendations in early 2026.

Commissioners and staff discussed the plan's constrained financial assumptions and the authority's separate vision scenario. Rachel Hyatt, Deputy for Planning, noted that the SFTP contains both a financially constrained investment scenario and a vision scenario where additional funds and major rail investments could be included. Several commissioners urged the inclusion of an aspirational vision for larger investments alongside the constrained plan to better align transportation delivery with housing goals.

What officials said and next steps: staff will continue outreach, incorporate public input into a revised investment and vision plan, and return with a draft for review next spring. The Westside study will identify locations and concept-level projects to prioritize for the 10–15 year horizon and will return for neighborhood feedback during the SFTP's second round of outreach.

Sources: presentation and spoken remarks at the San Fran County Transportation Authority regular meeting, May 20, 2025.