Supporting Community Needs in the Tenderloin
By Chava Kronenberg
In the coming days, the SFMTA will implement a 4-block temporary project on Jones Street, from O’Farrell Street to Golden Gate Avenue for residents to have more pedestrian space in the Tenderloin while maintaining physical distance.
To accomplish this, parking on the east side of the street as well as one of the three travel…
In the coming days, the SFMTA will implement a 4-block temporary project on Jones Street, from O’Farrell Street to Golden Gate Avenue for residents to have more pedestrian space in the Tenderloin while maintaining physical distance.
To accomplish this, parking on the east side of the street as well as one of the three travel lanes on Jones Street will be removed. These four blocks are a small but significant part of city efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The effort will support the local businesses by temporarily refashioning San Francisco streets.
COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted people who live and work in the Tenderloin. The SFMTA is working with our sister city agencies and community partners to be part of the solution.
The Tenderloin is a dense neighborhood with a high percentage of low-income people, people of color, seniors and transit-dependent San Franciscans who need more space for physical distancing and making essential trips. The SFMTA will be working on the following efforts within the Tenderloin to address community needs:
Physical distancing lanes: These lanes will provide an additional 5 to 8 feet of walking space, adjacent to a sidewalk, and protected from moving vehicles with concrete barriers known as k-rail or parked vehicles. On Jones Street, to make this possible, the SFMTA is removing a parking lane and a travel lane on the east side of the street.
Play Streets: With the loss of playgrounds and schoolyards, the thousands of children living in the Tenderloin have limited space to play and move around. The Play Streets effort will fully close entire blocks on Saturdays to give kids and adults a safe place to be.
Outdoor dining streets: In coordination with the restaurants on blocks, the SFMTA will assist with developing a “Shared Spaces” plan to support the small businesses as identified with the Tenderloin Merchants Association.
Many people questioned why there are not more Slow Streets in this part of the city and we hear that concern. While Slow Streets have proven successful in creating more pedestrian space and calmer roads in some parts of the city, unfortunately the Tenderloin in general is not a good fit for the program due to its high number of streets with traffic signals, one-way streets, streets serving Muni lines, and emergency service corridors – all of which limit our ability to implement a Slow Street. In addition, the neighborhood’s taller, older buildings create unique conditions for Fire Department ladder trucks on each block. We had to invent an entirely new toolbox and are grateful for creativity of community-based organizations, the Fire Department, and other partners in helping us find creative solutions that work for the unique needs of Tenderloin residents in both the short-term and into the future.
We will continue to support emerging community needs, such as curb changes needed to support testing sites and, food pantries and other needs that arise. From the beginning of the crisis, we have supported the Tenderloin community through changes such as a parking lane closure at the pop-up test site on Ellis Street, daytime street closure in front of St. Anthony’s at 100 block of Golden Gate, and a parking lane removal for more pedestrian-queuing space at GLIDE on the 300 block of Ellis.
But as the COVID-19 crisis evolves and the recovery period lengthens, the SFMTA recognizes that we must do more. Every street in the Tenderloin is a high-injury network street, and the city’s Vision Zero plan has always included a specific focus on making it healthier and safer to walk and live in the neighborhood. For more than three years, the SFMTA has partnered with dozens of Tenderloin community groups focused on traffic safety, starting in with our Safer Taylor Street project. We are committed to its partnerships through this crisis and beyond.
Finally, we want to express sincere appreciation and acknowledge the Tenderloin community groups who have been tenacious in advocating for traffic safety and travel options in their neighborhood - Central City SRO Collaborative, Tenderloin Community Benefit District, Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation, Tenderloin People’s Congress and many others. The SFMTA is committed to being responsive and partnering with the community as we work through this crisis together.
In-person Lifeline Pass Sales to Resume in August
By Sophia Scherr
As in-person sales of the Lifeline pass are set to resume on August 21, 2020, changes to the Lifeline program are also underway. As the state of emergency persists, a new online application process has been launched and changes are being made to locations where the passes can be purchased.
As in-person sales of theLifeline pass are set to resume on August 21, 2020, changes to the Lifeline program are also underway. As the state of emergency persists, a new online application process has been launched and changes are being made to locations where the passes can be purchased.
Lifeline is a Muni-only monthly pass for customers with limited incomes. Lifeline customers get unlimited access to Muni service for a calendar month at a 50% discount off the standard adult monthly pass price. Individuals with a gross annual income, also known as income before taxes, at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty level are eligible to receive the Lifeline pass. Currently, Lifeline program applications and requests for replacement cards are still being accepted online or by mail, and expired Lifeline passes have been extended until April 2022.
Lifeline pass holders may also qualify Clipper’s STARTprogram, a new regional discount program that provides a 50% single ride fare discount to those who qualify for Lifeline. Clipper START is a great option if you qualify for Lifeline, but don’t ride enough to need a monthly pass.
New Application Process
A newonline application has been developed for people trying to get a Lifeline pass and those seeking replacement cards, that allows pass holders to securely upload necessary income certification. Once an application is approved, Lifeline pass holders receive a receipt via e-mail that may be used for proof of payment for two weeks (to allow time to mail the program card). The photo element of the Lifeline ID card is also being eliminated to allow online and by-mail applications.
In addition to existing eligibility options such as Medi-Cal or EBT cards, etc., proof of receipt of—or application for—unemployment insurance will also be accepted. For those unable to provide documentation, a self-certification of income will be accepted, with acknowledgement that the application may be subject to audit.
Customers whose eligibility is established through unemployment or self-certification will receive a one-year Lifeline pass. Self-certification will apply to all SFMTA low-income programs (boot, tow, payment plans, etc.).
Lifeline Sales Locations
There are changes to where you can buy your Lifeline pass. Lifeline passes are also now available for purchase viaMuniMobile for those that have a valid Lifeline ID. However, due to capacity limitations, Lifeline pass sales will be discontinued at the Human Services Agency’s (170 Otis Street) office, as well as the SFMTA Customer Service Center (11 South Van Ness Ave).
Lifeline passes will be sold seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following SFMTA kiosk locations:
Presidio Avenue and Geary Boulevard
Powell and Market Streets
Bay and Taylor Streets
Lifeline passes are also being sold at the locations listed below:
EVS Enterprises, LLC (Photo Focus) - 1100 Stockton Street
Clipper launching START Pilot Discount Program
By Sophia Scherr
Clipper is excited to launch the START Pilot Program in collaboration with the SFMTA and other Bay Area transportation agencies (BART, Caltrain and Golden Gate Transit and Ferry). Designed to make transportation more affordable for low-income residents, the Clipper START pilot program moves toward a consistent fare discount standard…
Clipper is excited to launch the START Pilot Program in collaboration with the SFMTA and other Bay Area transportation agencies (BART, Caltrain and Golden Gate Transit and Ferry). Designed to make transportation more affordable for low-income residents, the Clipper START pilot program moves toward a consistent fare discount standard for the Bay Area region. The discount pilot program will last for 18 months while the program is evaluated. SFMTA has committed to continue to offer the discount after the pilot period ends.
To design, implement and evaluate this pilot program, the SFMTA is working with Clipper, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), BART and Golden Gate Transit—as well as community-based organizations, social services and public health sectors.
Am I eligible for the pilot Clipper START Program? How do I apply?
Adults ages 19 to 64 who have a household income of up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $50,000 per year for a family of four) can qualify for the Clipper START discount. Applicants will need to provide proof of eligibility in the form of copies of EBT cards, Medi-Cal cards or tax returns. Participants must also live in the 9-county San Francisco Bay Area. Income levels and eligibility are available online – seewww.clipperstartcard.com for details.
Eligible participants will be able to apply online, mail or fax using a paper applicationOnce eligibility is verified, participants will be mailed a special Clipper card to use to receive the discount. This Clipper Card will show the participant’s name and will look like a regular Clipper Card.
What kind of discount will be offered?
Clipper START pilot participants will receive discounts for single rides on participating agencies. Participants riding Muni will receive a 50% discount each single ride purchased.Discounts vary by agency:
MUNI: 50% discount; single rides
Caltrain: 50% discount
BART: 20% discount
Golden Gate Transit and Ferry: 50% discount
If I am a Lifeline customer, should I get Clipper START?
For Lifeline customers who take fewer than 32 trips per month, this option is costs less than buying a monthly Lifeline pass.
What if I have a pass given to me by a social service program, such as Lifeline?
The discount will only apply to fares paid on single rides (including transfers). It does not apply to Muni passes. Our pass programs, including our free and reduced pass programs, are still available. However, the discount does not apply to them.
Where can I find more information?
More information is available online atwww.clipperstartcard.com. The SFMTA is working with community-based organizations, social services and public health agencies to help sign up customers and spread the word about the program once it becomes available.
Advocacy works! Recognizing the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
By Annette Williams
This week marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In 1990, the ADA made clear that public transit must be fully accessible to persons with disabilities. The SFMTA continues its commitment to developing a more comprehensive accessible…
