Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit Boosts Ridership in San Francisco

The new rapid bus line has cut travel times by 35 percent and boosted ridership on the Van Ness corridor.

1 minute read

November 11, 2022, 8:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Since the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (Muni) opened the Van Ness bus rapid transit project in April, ridership on the 49 Van Ness/Mission bus line has shot up, far outpacing the agency’s other bus and rail lines. Ricardo Cano reports on the line’s success for the San Francisco Chronicle.

“The 49 line had about 740,000 total boardings in September, up from 549,000 in March, the month before the BRT project’s April 1 premiere. That ridership haul puts the 49’s popularity behind only the 38-Geary and 14-Mission lines, which that have long been the Muni system’s workhorses.”

The 2 mile BRT project wasn’t without controversy during its six years of construction, but Muni seems to have kept its promises: “Early data from the transportation agency showed that the BRT lanes brought a 35% travel time savings for northbound trips on the Van Ness corridor.”

Another line on the Van Ness Corridor, the 47, is still suspended indefinitely.

Thursday, November 3, 2022 in San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog