L Taraval light rail cars to return to service

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency's (SFMTA) L Taraval trains will soon return to service following the completion of the L Taraval Improvement Project. 

 

This project aimed to provide an improved experience for Muni passengers, infrastructure upgrades and a safer street for all users.  

 

The project was a multi-agency effort between the SFMTA, SF Public Utilities Commission and SF Public Works and upgraded new infrastructure along a two mile stretch of the network. 

 

The tracks were upgraded for the first time in almost 50 years to give a smoother quieter ride and the vehicles have been given priority over other traffic. To help further boost safety, 22 new or extended boarding islands have been created to stop riders having to board onto the street alongside traffic as well as better lighting at crossing intersections. 

 

More than 175 new trees, median landscaping and public art have been installed - all chosen with community input. 

 

The project has not been without controversy. Local merchants were opposed to the boarding islands and transit only lane which would help to protect waiting passengers as they feared the loss of on-street parking would harm their business. To counter this, more parking was created on side streets.