New Pilot Returns to Downtown Express Service to 1 California Muni Line
San Francisco, CA -- Mayor London N. Breed and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) today announced an updated 1X California pilot program to offer express bus service between Downtown and the Richmond District beginning February 21, 2023.
Increasing reliable transit service, protected bike lanes, and safer streets and sidewalks will bring more people to and through Downtown. New transit lanes installed on California, Clay and Sacramento streets have made travel times on the local 1 California 11% quicker, and the 1X California will provide an even faster ride from the Richmond to the Financial District.
“Reliable and efficient transportation options are essential for our work around bringing Downtown back,” San Francisco Mayor London Breed said. “It’s good for workers who are returning to the office, and it’s good for our restaurants and shops to have more customers able to have ways to visit them. We’ve got work to do, but this is a good step in connecting the west side of our City with Downtown.”
“Buses heading Downtown from the Richmond are getting crowded as more commuters head back to the office,” SFMTA Director of Transportation Jeffrey Tumlin said. “Express service on the 1 California will help alleviate that crowding and allow passengers to get to the Financial District more quickly.”
“I’m excited to see express service to and from downtown return,” District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani said. “San Franciscans deserve a high-quality transit system that gets them where they need to go safely and reliably. We must provide frequent, fast, safe, and predictable transit service, which is essential to our economic recovery.”
"The 1X California is a great first step to help our workers, seniors and families to get to their daily activities more efficiently and is a critical step to continue the revitalization of our economy," said District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan whose District includes the Richmond, Sea Cliff and Presidio Terrace. "Our community looks forward to the full service restoration of all bus lines serving our District, connecting our neighborhoods to downtown and citywide for more vibrant and diverse activities and communities."
As part of the updated pilot program, three morning express buses will depart from 33rd Avenue and Geary Boulevard at 8:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
The 1X will make stops along 33rd and 32nd Avenues and California Street until Arguello Street, then express straight to Downtown. Three afternoon express buses back to the Richmond will depart from Sacramento Street and Davis Street at 4:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
SFMTA will assess the effectiveness of this pilot and consider adjustments to meet the needs of riders. The 1X updated schedule and stops are listed on the SFMTA 1X route page.
