'When it's bad, it's really bad (San Francisco )

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | June 10, 2007 | Rachel Gordon

[george76]

Unreliability makes Muni reviled; agency's chief admits 'status quo is not acceptable'.

The opening of the new T-Third streetcar line in San Francisco was supposed to be a crowning accomplishment for the Municipal Railway, an ambitious project that promised to accelerate economic revitalization and community pride in the city's struggling southeastern neighborhoods.

Instead, the 5.1-mile rail service expansion revealed profound flaws in the city's heavily used public transit system, unleashing a torrent of pent-up public scorn.

The Muni-was-late excuse wears thin for riders who regularly show up tardy to work, school, jury duty and child care.

The new route came in more than $120 million over budget and more than a year behind schedule.

"There is no question that Muni needs more money..."

Now Mayor Gavin Newsom has a task force looking at everything from fare hikes and tax increases to plastering more advertising on Muni property to pumping extra money into the system. Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, meanwhile, wants to place a measure on the November ballot that would funnel Muni more revenue from parking meters, parking fines and city-owned parking garages.

But it won't be easy to convince voters that the agency is managing its money well and deserves more of it.

An audit earlier this year by the City Controller's Office found Muni failed to collect 4 in 10 cable car fares. Muni officials later acknowledged a problem with people also sneaking on buses and streetcars or boarding with bogus passes and promised to crack down on fare cheats.

In San Francisco, a strong labor town, Muni workers and management have fought for years over pay, work rules, discipline, absenteeism and scheduling.

[george76]

Pelosi should return home to solve this problem ?

.

[martin_fierro]

Between the crappy public transportation and the Critical Massholes, I can't understand why anyone lives in 'Frisco.

[pillut48]

I thought SF wanted to defect from the USA and start it’s own little country??

Hopefully they’ll learn someday what the word “consequences” means!

[claudiustg]

SF is public transit paradise compared to San Jose.

[SmithL]

...but in 2003, when then-Muni boss Michael Burns was trying to reduce the use of overtime and apply other cost-cutting measures, drivers in large numbers called in sick over a three-day period. That resulted in dozens of missed runs.

Union Thugs and your tax dollars.