Dear Supervisor Ammiano,
Thank you for your efforts to make the subject study a project for the
Transportation Authority. This study can be useful if done properly.
The study was included as part of Proposition ‘J’ which was unfortunately
supported by the voters. The voters supported a study. They did not
specifically support the ‘G’ Line, extension of the ‘F’ - ‘N’ Lines. .
The purpose of the extension was supposed to be as an alternative to
increased automobile driving into Golden Gate Park. We know, after an in
depth study of BART to Millbrae, that every proposed rail extension is
not good transit. The study should include a discussion of other
alternatives to improve transit and reduce driving which may have lower
cost and less impact on the Park and Muni while improving transit for
more City residents. I suggest that the following alternatives be
included as part of the study:
1) Improved signage on the 5 Fulton and in connecting Metro, BART, AC
and Golden Gate Transit stations and stops. This could consist of a
Golden Gate Park symbol and arrows in the Powell Station to the nearest
Metro stairway to the 5 stop. This is a recommended action in the SF
Sustainability Plan (Transportation 6-1-i). Currently a first time user
has a hard time finding their way efficiently through Metro mezzanines.
The new de Young should also consider an additional entrance (similar to
the back entrance to the Academy) near the entrance to the Park at Eighth
and Fulton. The study should also consider to cost of some additional 5
Line service if ridership is already close to capacity.
2) The 44 O’Shaughnessy already serves the Concourse area and is supposed
to run every 15 minutes during the day on Saturday. The study should
consider the cost of priority service for the 44. This year Muni decided
to actually provide scheduled service on the 22 Fillmore as a priority,
and they did. The study should also consider the cost of additional
service and/or additional Limited service from Glen Park to California.
Limited service could consist of the Limited running as a local from
Evans to Glen Park. Additional local service could be provided from Glen
Park to California. In this way some of the people boarding for a long
run would have faster service and there would be some additional service
for those who transfer to the 44.
3) Maybe it is time to consider a rerouting of the 29 through the Park
and stops in the Park for the 29 and 28. The 28 stops might be near
Kennedey Drive and require steps or ADA ramps.
I hope that the Transportation Authority study of the above would include
several steps of operating and capital costs and expected ridership
increases and decreases in driving.
4) Nearly half of San Francisco voters voted against the garage. They
wanted to reduce driving, The institutions want to have parking
available for their expected patrons. They believe that many patrons
will be willing to pay at least moderate parking fees in order to get
near the institution. Currently parking on the Concourse near the
Academy costs a dollar an hour on weekends and holidays. Gross receipts
to the Park from this source indicate that most of these parking spaces
are filled and paid for most of the time. The Concourse uses a small
number of parking fee boxes and no meters. Transportation consultants
know that increasing the price of parking reduces the demand for parking
spaces. I suggest that the Authority consider the impacts of charging
high parking fees for many areas of high parking demand near attractions
(with and without the proposed garage). The study should also include
moderate parking charges at greater distances from the attractions. In
this way there will always be parking available at reasonable distances
from all attractions. There should no parking charges for those who
visit the west side picnic and walking attractions. The collected funds
could be used to fund: some of the above additions to Muni service, Park
improvements, deeper discounts for transit users at the institutions
and/or to construct and operate the ‘G’ Line.
The purpose of transit has to become decreasing driving, air pollution
and the production of green house gases. Golden Gate Park is a wonderful
place to start this effort.
Very truly yours,
Howard Strassner
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