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Board narrows MTA exemption for bus rapid transit after Geary shuttle controversy
Summary
The Board amended transportation code language to expand supervisors' limited review of certain Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) decisions, specifically to allow review when a bus rapid transit (BRT) project authorizes preferential access for non‑Muni vehicles. The change follows debate over private shuttles using BRT lanes.
The Board of Supervisors accepted an amendment to the city’s transportation code on Nov. 13 that slightly narrows an earlier exemption for board review of Municipal Transportation Agency decisions related to bus rapid transit (BRT) projects.
What changed: The original code language exempted certain BRT decisions from board review. After the Geary BRT controversy earlier in the year — when the MTA allowed preferential access for private commuter shuttles on a BRT corridor — Supervisor Aaron Peskin introduced an amendment to preserve the board’s ability to review any MTA decision that would authorize preferential access for vehicles that are not municipal railway vehicles, taxis, authorized emergency vehicles, or Golden Gate Transit vehicles.
Supervisor Peskin described the amendment as a limited check on MTA authority that would ensure public debate and scrutiny when curb or lane privileges are extended to private commuter services. "It does create a check on that authority which I expect will lead to, more careful consideration and, a more robust public, debate," Peskin said.
Board action: The amendment was introduced in Land Use and Transportation Committee, supported at the full board, and taken up on first reading. The board approved the ordinance as amended on first reading (roll call recorded). The item will return for second reading and final adoption in the regular ordinance schedule.
Implication: The change does not ban private shuttles or TNCs (transportation network companies) from BRT corridors in all circumstances, but it creates a requirement that the board may review and, if desired, challenge MTA authorizations that give preferential access to non‑public transit vehicles. Proponents said the move will ensure greater public transparency around the use of curb and lane space; opponents at committee hearings argued it could slow transit implementation.
Ending The ordinance, as amended, passed first reading and will return for a final vote after the typical intersession period.
