Free transit to vaccine facilities, Dumbarton undertaking shifting ahead – Streetsblog San Francisco
A couple of streetsbloggy messages for your weekend consumption.
Take the vaccine express for your COVID shot:
The transit agencies in the Bay Area have compiled and consolidated information on how to get trains, buses and ferries to vaccination sites.
From the vaccination website “HealthyPlan”:
Public transportation providers in the Bay Area are working hard to ensure coronavirus vaccine (COVID-19) outlets are accessible. Many systems offer free trips to vaccine sales outlets. Some set up shuttle services to the vaccination centers for people without a car or for people who need assistance with mobility.
The website lists vaccination centers that Caltrain, BART, VTA, SFMTA, AC Transit, Golden Gate Transit and Ferry, and SamTrans can access. The trips are free (depending on the operator in one or both directions) with proof of a vaccine appointment. There is also a free shuttle service to the sights. Make sure to check out the page when your appointment comes.
It’s nice to see the Bay Area transit companies working together, if not slightly disappointing that there are still differences in their vaccination pricing policies. Now let’s hope Seamless Bay Area can develop a permanent vaccine to prevent the Bay Area’s 28 independent transit companies from relapsing and doing everything else in their own silos.
Dumbarton rail link finally moving?
It is frankly ridiculous that there is only one level crossing between the entire East Bay and the San Francisco Peninsula, especially when one albeit badly damaged level crossing has been rotting for decades. But there is hope again. A $ 3 billion project under development would rebuild the intersection and provide a transit service in the center of the peninsula. Learn more about the project at a public meeting on Monday March 15th to discuss it.
From a SamTrans press release:
The project is currently in the strategic planning process, with a focus on developing conceptual alternatives to connect Redwood City to Union City via the Dumbarton Rail Corridor. These alternatives are based on the public relations and stakeholder engagement that has taken place over the past two years. SamTrans, which owns the rail corridor, and Facebook are working on developing this alternative analysis to see what a public transportation option using the old rail bridge might look like. This work will be completed by spring 2021. At this point, SamTrans will continue his role as project manager for the region.
The aim is to connect Caltrain, ACE, BART, the Capitol Corridor and California High-Speed Rail. According to SamTrans, they are “working with local and regional funding partners on a funding plan for the future project. Currently, measure W and regional measure 3 contain funds for the project. “
Streetsblog urges proponents to join the virtual community meeting on Monday, March 15th, 6pm to 7.30pm. Link here or use Zoom Webinar ID: 968 8464 7203. Or call (669) 900-6833.
San Francisco Mayor Breed wants to make common spaces permanent.
Last but not least, Mayor London Breed announced legislation on Friday that would make the “Shared Spaces” program in San Francisco permanent. The program enables companies to set themselves up on sidewalks, curbs or parts of the roadway via a simplified application portal. This has been a lifeline for many restaurants and other small businesses that were otherwise unable to provide food and other goods and services due to the need for social distancing under COVID-19 guidelines.
From the mayor’s statement:
Shared spaces have brought people so much joy and opportunity to safely enjoy their neighborhood and support local businesses in an otherwise incredibly challenging time. They have also been a lifeline for business owners, providing restaurants, cafes, and stores with the space they need to provide outdoor services and keep their businesses going. It was amazing to see people dining and having fun outdoors and I know this program will be an incredible addition to our city as we relax and move forward.
Legislation is supported by supervisors Ahsha Safai, Rafael Mandelman, Catherine Stefani and Matt Haney.
