SAN FRANCISCO—Mayor Edwin M. Lee and all 11 members of the Board of Supervisors announced on May 13 a proposed $500 million general obligation bond to appear on the November 2014 ballot that is aimed for infrastructure projects that would fix the City’s transportation network without raising taxes.
According to a press release from the Mayor’s website, the bond will impact the reliability of the Muni rails and travel speed, upgrade transit stops and stations, improve pedestrian and bicycle safety and prepare for growth near the City’s busiest areas.
“San Francisco deserves a safe, reliable and affordable transportation system, and today we are making an historic investment in our City’s vital transportation infrastructure as we plan for a growing and successful City,” said Mayor Lee. “This investment will make it easier for San Franciscans to get around the City as they go to work, school, home and everywhere in between. If passed this November, the $500 million general obligation bond will improve MUNI, improve pedestrian safety and improve our bike network – all without raising property tax rates.”
“The City is dense and crowded – and growing. Getting around can be a headache at times,” said Board President David Chiu. “This bond will be a turning point for improving transportation in San Francisco. It’s a meaningful, sound investment that’s integral to San Francisco’s long-term economic vitality.”
“We talk with our neighbors and the communities we serve each day and we hear about what they want and need: a dependable transportation network to get around the City,” said Supervisor Katy Tang who is the lead sponsor of the proposed bond measure. “The transportation bond proposal is a sound investment, with dozens of projects to better serve our residents across San Francisco.”
“With the general obligation bond on the ballot, San Franciscans will finally have the chance to put the resources forward to advance our transportation system that has languished over several decades,” said Supervisor John Avalos who is also County Transportation Authority (CTA) Chair.
Some key investments for the bond measure include:
• Muni Forward Rapid Network Capital Projects and other transit improvement projects: $230 million
• Transit stop accessibility improvements: $30 million
• Muni maintenance facility upgrades: $70 million
• Pedestrian safety enhancements: $68 million
• Traffic signal replacement: $22 million
• “Complete Streets” projects, including new or enhanced bikeways: $52 million
The SF 2030 Transportation Task Force discovered that in order to meet the current need and future demand the City needs a $10 billion investment for transportation infrastructure through the year 2030. The city has already discovered $3.7 billion, but must account for the remaining $6.3 billion that will be needed.
“The City has made it a priority to take a long-term, strategic approach to managing public assets that need to be addressed to improve safety and life quality in our neighborhoods” said SFMTA Director of Transportation Ed Reiskin. “Transportation will now be part of the City’s Capital Plan, allowing us to make crucial investments in transit reliability and street safety that will make a noticeable difference today and into the foreseeable future.”
“San Francisco needs and deserve a world-class transportation infrastructure that is safe and reliable for everyone, whether you ride a bus, walk, bike or drive,” said Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru. “This thoughtful plan sets us on the right course and makes sense for a 21st Century San Francisco.”
If the bond is approved by the Board of Supervisors before July 22, the bond measure will appear on the November 4, 2014 ballot for residents to vote on. In order for the bond to be approved, a two-thirds majority vote is needed by San Francisco voters.
Citizens are asked to attend upcoming monthly meetings to learn more about the measure and how it will impact the city’s transportation system. For additional information visit www.sftransportation2030.com.
By Ladale Anderson
