Long Delayed, $1.95 Billion Central Subway Opens in San Francisco

San Francisco’s first north-south subway opened last weekend, extending service on Muni’s T light rail line.

1 minute read

November 22, 2022, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Central Subway Construction

The Central Subway project, under construction in 2019. | Michael Vi / Shutterstock

San Francisco’s Central Subway, under construction for a decade and planned for four decades, finally opened to the public over the weekend.

“The subway cuts through the most densely populated parts of San Francisco and carries particular importance for the city’s Chinatown neighborhood, whose residents hope it will spur an economic revival,” according to an article by Ricardo Cano for the San Francisco Chronicle.

The first Central Subway train left Chinatown at 8 am on Saturday, and the Municipal Transportation Agency (Muni) is operating limited weekend service through the first week of January, according to the article. “When it opens for full service on Jan. 7, the T line will take riders from Bayview-Hunters Point to Chinatown via the city’s first north-south subway and connect riders to BART, Caltrain and Muni’s other light-rail lines on Market Street,” writes Cano.

More details on the long past and the potential future of the subway are available from a separate article by Cano and J.D. Morris published a few days before the opening.

The subway opens four years behind schedule and 20 percent over budget, attracting stinging criticism right up until opening day.

Saturday, November 19, 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

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

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

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog