Board orders subway master plan to guide long-term underground transit investments

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Nov. 3, 2015 passed, on first reading, an ordinance directing the city to develop a subway master plan within 12 months and to update that plan every four years.

Supervisor Scott Wiener introduced the measure, arguing that San Francisco needs an active long-term plan for subterranean transit expansion to keep pace with population growth and avoid congestion on surface streets. Wiener noted that while the Market Street subway and BART were opened decades ago, the city has not opened additional subway capacity despite substantial population increases. He said Muni has among the lowest average speeds of major U.S. transit agencies and that the city should plan proactively for future underground capacity.

Support and cosponsors: Several supervisors spoke in support and were added as cosponsors during the discussion. Supervisor Norman Yee said the ordinance will help plan capacity improvements in his district; Supervisor Mark Farrell asked to be added as a cosponsor; others added their names during the hearing.

Outcome: The ordinance passed unanimously on first reading. The board will consider final passage in a subsequent meeting after required procedures and any further hearings.

Why it matters: A subway master plan aims to create an integrated, long-term blueprint for where and how to expand underground transit capacity as the Bay Area and the city grow.

Provenance: Item text and roll call are in the meeting transcript and cited below.