Downtown travel study: trips down 46%, auto share up as telecommuting climbs

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority presented findings from its downtown travel study on May 13, showing large, persistent changes in travel behavior since the COVID-19 pandemic: trips to, from and within downtown declined 46% between 2019 and 2023, while automobile mode share increased and transit, walking and biking shares declined.

Why it matters: Downtown trip volumes and visitor patterns are closely linked to sales tax revenue and the financial health of city services. The study’s findings provide evidence for transportation and land-use decisions intended to support downtown recovery while sustaining transit ridership.

Key findings from the study (selected): - Trips to, from and within downtown dropped 46% between 2019 and 2023 (survey-based travel diaries). - Auto mode share increased from 24% to 37% across all trip purposes in the study area, even though absolute auto trips declined; transit and walking/biking shares fell. - Telecommuting rose sharply for downtown workers — the share telecommuting two or more days per week increased from 14% pre-COVID to 63% by 2023. - Non-work trips (shopping, dining, errands) account for 69% of the decrease in downtown trips; work trips declined by about 66%. - Transit ridership recovery varies by corridor and time of day: Muni approached approximately 70% of pre-pandemic weekday ridership by late 2024 in many corridors, but downtown station ridership recovered to roughly 36% of 2019 weekday levels and 54% on weekends. - Freeway congestion on some segments returned to pre-pandemic levels even as downtown trips remain depressed; that reflects more through-driving and different origin–destination patterns.

Study recommendations and implications: - Stabilize and grow regional and local transit service to maintain competitiveness with driving times. - Manage and monitor private-vehicle demand where congestion rebounds, and consider strategies that encourage downtown visits by transit, walking and biking.

Quote: "Trips to, from, and within downtown dropped by 46% between 2019 and 2023," transportation modeler Chen Ho Chow reported in presenting the study to the board.

Public reaction: Bicycle and pedestrian advocates urged the authority to prioritize investments that encourage walking, biking and transit access to the downtown core, saying people who arrive on foot or by bike are more likely to patronize businesses than those passing through by car.

Next steps: The complete study and executive summary are posted on the authority’s website; staff and commissioners said they will use the findings to inform budget and policy discussions about transit investments, downtown recovery strategies, and demand-management options.