Introduction

Geary Bus Rapid Transit will improve Geary Boulevard with much-needed safety improvements and faster, more reliable bus service for the 54,000 people who use the 38 Geary and 38R Geary Rapid bus routes every day. Project improvements include red bus-only lanes, signal priority for buses, expanded rapid and local bus service, and a suite of safety improvements such as sidewalk extensions, accessible curb ramps, and protected left turn signals.

Project Features

More efficient and reliable transit would make bus service 20 to 24 percent quicker along the corridor, saving people on 38 Geary bus routes up to 20 minutes per round trip. Buses would arrive more frequently and improved reliability would provide more consistent wait times.

More accessible bus stops located at boarding islands along with sidewalk extensions to make it easier to get on and off the bus, will also promote safer crossings an shorter crossing distances. These improvements combined with upgraded lighting and signals will enhance safety.

A more vibrant corridor for the community with new pedestrian-focused lighting and more landscaping and trees.

A smoother roadway with newly paved streets.

More reliable utilities with new water and sewer infrastructure.

Timeline and Status

Geary Bus Rapid Transit will be implemented in two phases.

Phase 1: Geary Rapid Project

Project boundaries: On Geary from Market to Stanyan

Implementation started in 2018 with the painting of the bus-only lanes and stop changes between Market and Stanyan streets. Other upgrades, like the installation of new traffic signal infrastructure and new pedestrian and bus bulbs, will follow. This phase is expected to be complete in 2021.

Phase 2: Geary Boulevard Improvement Project

Project boundaries: On Geary from Stanyan to 34th Avenue

Next steps for Phase 2 include conceptual engineering, final design, approvals, and construction. Following additional design work the team will be able to develop a more detailed construction schedule.

Project Partners

This project is led by the SFMTA in partnership with SF Public Works and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.

The Transportation Authority led this project through the environmental planning phase in partnership with the SFMTA and is providing funding through Prop K, Prop AA and One Bay Area Grant regional funds.

With $49 million of Prop K half-cent sales tax funds supporting the project, the Transportation Authority continues to provide project support and oversight.

Cost and Funding

The estimated cost of the project is $300 million. That figure includes both the proposed transit improvements, utility upgrades, and additional streetscape elements.

Phase 1 is now fully funded with Transit Performance Initiative funds and various local funds, including the Prop K transportation sales tax and Prop AA Vehicle Registration fee.

Planned funding of Phase 2 includes about $49 million from the Prop K sales tax, $2 million in Prop AA Vehicle Registration fee, and $100 million from the Federal Transit Administration’s Small Starts program. The Mayor’s Transportation 2030 Task Force identified Geary Bus Rapid Transit as one of the few named projects in its investment plan (PDF), with a $27 million investment, and also deemed Geary Bus Rapid Transit eligible for a portion of the $58 million identified for the Transit Performance Initiative in its investment plan. These represent two of the multiple options being explored to help fill the project’s funding gap.

Resources

SFMTA Geary Rapid Project webpage

SFMTA Geary Boulevard Improvement Project webpage

Contact

Mike Tan, Administrative Engineer