Facts - Features: A package of treatments that provide rapid, reliable transit, including dedicated bus lanes, transit signal priority, proof of payment, high-quality stations, and more
- Length: ~2 miles from Mission to Lombard on Van Ness Avenue.
- Cost: $85-90M ($2011)
- Budget: Up to $75M from Federal Small Starts; up to $20M from Prop K.
Status - Van Ness Feasibility Study : adopted December 2006.
- Funding for Environmental Analysis and Project Development: appropriated December 2006.
- Environmental Analysis and Project Development: initiated March 2007.
- Joint EIR/EIS Scoping period: held September 18, 2007- October 18, 2007
- Construction: could begin in 2010.
- Service: could begin in 2011.
VN CAC & Meetings Van ness Citizens advisory committee
Background Retaining and expanding transit's share of travel in San Francisco is a major strategic challenge for the city as it grows into the future. The City's 2004 Countywide Transportation Plan helps to implement San Francisco's Transit First Policy by funding cost-effective Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) treatments on the city's network of Transit Preferential Streets, including Van Ness Avenue. The 2006 Van Ness BRT Feasibility Study Developed several configurations of BRT for Van Ness, identified initial benefits and impacts, and recommended the next step in project development- the environmental analysis. Browse here for more info on the Feasibility Study . A joint Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) has been initiated to meet federal and state rules. The EIR/EIS will determine any significant negative effects on the environment from BRT on Van Ness, identify measures to mitigate any effects, and provide the Authority Board with information needed to decide whether or not to build BRT on Van Ness Avenue.
Latest News
Next Van Ness BRT CAC meeting! The Van Ness CAC meets next on Tuesday, June 3rd. View the meeting agenda and materials for the most recent meeting, held March 4th. Summary of Fall 2007 Public Scoping Meetings! The Authority, in partnership with SFMTA, hosted two public scoping meetings in support of the joint EIR/EIS in October 2007. The purpose of these meetings was to obtain public input on the alternatives to be analyzed and the types of impacts to be evaluated. You can browse through the materials presented and watch a slideshow of the presentation here , or read the Summary of the Scoping Meetings . Updated Fact Sheet: Download this Fact Sheet on Van Ness BRT and spread the word!
Let the buses roll in San Francisco: Click here to read the January 21, 2007 editorial on Bus Rapid Transit in the San Francisco Chronicle. Project Background Retaining and expanding transit's share of travel in San Francisco is a major strategic challenge for the city as it grows into the future. The City's 2004 Countywide Transportation Plan helps to implement San Francisco's Transit First Policy by funding cost-effective Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) treatments on the city's network of Transit Preferential Streets. 
Van Ness Avenue is a key north-south spine in San Francisco's transit system, linking important east-west transit routes (such as the 38-Geary) as well as regional services (MUNI Metro, Caltrain, and BART). Today, Van Ness buses do not operate as quickly or reliably as is needed to provide rapid travel and effective connections. The Transportation Authority, in close coordination with the Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA), completed the Van Ness Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study as a key first step towards bringing major bus improvements to Van Ness Avenue, possibly including dedicated bus lanes, distinctive boarding stations, real-time bus arrival information, and urban design treatments. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is high quality transit service that reduces travel time, increases reliability and improves passenger comfort beyond regular bus service. BRT combines the flexibility of buses and the quality of light rail at a fraction of the cost. Typical BRT improvements include travel lanes for exclusive transit use; wider sidewalks at bus stops; traffic signal priority for transit vehicles; full stations with passenger amenities; multi-door boardings at sidewalk-level platforms; pre-paid boarding areas; and real-time information systems. The Van Ness Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study analyzed the feasibility of BRT treatments on Van Ness through technical analysis and community outreach. Improvements on Van Ness have been prioritized for early funding through the Transportation Authority’s 2005 Strategic Plan and Prop K, the 2003 voter approved transportation sales tax measure. citizens advisory committee The Van Ness Citizens Advisory Committee (VN CAC) advises Authority staff throughout the environmental analysis. VN CAC Meeting #1 VN CAC Meeting #2 VN CAC Meeting #3 VN CAC Meeting #4VN CAC Meeting #5 environmental analysis (joint environmental impact statement / report) Purpose The objective of the Environmental Analysis is to identify a preferred BRT Alternative for Van Ness Avenue, by: - Preparing a joint Environmental Impact Statement / Report (EIR/EIS) which identifies potential environmental impacts of the project alternatives
- Involving the public and partner agencies
- Complying with federal and state requirements
Impacts that will be assessed in this phase include: traffic operations; transit performance; pedestrian and bicycle conditions; parking; air quality; energy; construction impacts; historic and cultural resources; and visual and aesthetic impacts. Timeline The Scoping phase of the Environmental Analysis recently concluded. We are currently preparing the draft EIR/EIS. Documents and More Information
Project Schedule | December 2006 | Van Ness BRT Feasibility Study Approved
| Sept-October 2007
| EIR/EIS Scoping Period
| Winter 2008-09
| Draft EIR/EIS released
| | 2009 | Final EIR/EIS released
| | | | | 2010 | Final Design
| | 2010-2011 | Construction
| | 2011 | Open for service
| Fact Sheet: We want to hear from you! For more information on the Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit Corridor Project, the joint EIR/EIS, to comment, or to schedule a presentation for your community organization, e-mail Rachel Hiatt or write to: SFCTA- Attention Rachel Hiatt, 100 Van Ness Ave.-26th Floor, San Francisco CA 94102. |
