Management claims that Muni Metro is running better than ever now--as one
of their justifications for dropping the extra cars. If that is the case,
why are morning rush-hour slowdowns approaching Embarcardero still the rule
rather than the exception? And, on three consecutive days during the week
of February 15, major delays occurring about 8:15 in the morning forced
hundreds of exasperated riders onto F-line streetcars, whose operators got
them to work with a smile on their face.
Another justification for dropping the service: The claim that the money
has run out. We believe that money can be found to continue the service
through the end of the fiscal year.
Here's what will happen if the cuts take place:
1. The number of morning rush hour cars will drop from 12 to 7.
Headways will increase from every 4-6 minutes to every 8-10 minutes.
2. The number of midday cars will drop from 8 to 5. Headways will
return to the former 15-minute level.
3. The number of evening rush hour cars will drop from 14 to 9.
Headways will increase from every 4-5 minutes to every 8-9 minutes.
4. Any runs missing because of no available operator will impact
service even more severely.
5. The F-Line will no longer be able to cope with a major Metro delay
or shutdown.
HERE'S WHY WE OPERATORS AND RIDERS ARE UNITED IN OUR STAND THAT MUNI
MANAGEMENT MUST NOT CUT SERVICE ON THE F LINE!!
1. Muni Metro carries over 100,000 people a day. It is often
impossible to squeeze into Metro trains, many of which, even at rush hour,
are single-car trains. Even with the five extra runs Muni intends to cut,
F-Line cars consistently carry standing loads. With the implementation of
the service cut, the F-Line will not be able to cope with a major delay in
the subway, and passengers will be passed up, increasing complaints and
operator PSRs.
2. Senior citizens and disabled passengers have consistently made the
F Line their preference to get to and from Downtown from Upper Market
Street and the Castro District. They choose the F for convenience. Having
reliable F-line service means not having to negotiate steps, escalators,
elevators, and crowded and stuffy Metro trains.
3. The F-line streetcars are reliable and maximum utilization should
be gotten from their availability and proven service record.
4. Since the Muni Metro Meltdown and the addition of the five extra
F-Line runs resulting from the Meltdown, Muni has never done a reasonable
ridership survey of any kind. We F-Line operators demand that a ridership
count be done BEFORE management even considers reducing service!
5. The F-Line has been one of Muni's very few success stories in
recent history. Its popularity among residents and visitors alike has put
pressure on Muni to increase service. These demands for improved service
levels, for the most part, have been resisted by Muni management, and it
took an operational disaster to institute the better service levels we have
today.
CALL ON YOUR SUPERVISORS! E-MAIL, PHONE AND WRITE MAYOR BROWN! CALL MUNI
MANAGEMENT! DEMAND THAT THESE RUN CUTS BE RESCINDED!
Peter Ehrlich