San Francisco County Transportation Authority
Moving the City

Project Status

In 2007, the Authority Board approved the feasibility study final report for the Geary Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Study.  At that time, the Board called for environmental analysis and engineering.  The environmental analysis will identify the benefits and impacts of BRT alternatives, recommend a preferred alternative for Geary, and develop a set of strategies to mitigate potential impacts of BRT implementation.

The Transportation Authority is leading the environmental study, in partnership with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA).  The Study Team and other public agencies are working collaboratively with the Geary BRT Citizens Advisory Committee (GCAC), as well as inviting public participation through community meetings.

With approval of the feasibility study, the Study Team is now poised to begin more detailed analysis through an environmental review of BRT on Geary.  Once the project scope is refined through this study, the engineering and construction phases can proceed, with BRT service potentially beginning in 2011-12.

Latest News

First GCAC Meeting

The inaugural meeting of the Geary BRT Citizens Advisory Committee (GCAC) will be held on Thursday, July 31 at 6:00 pm at the Transportation Authority.  Click here for details.

GCAC Appointment

On April 15, 2008, the Authority Board appointed 11 members to the Geary BRT Citizens Advisory Committee.  Click here to view the agenda from this meeting.

Bus Rapid Transit

Bus rapid transit (BRT) is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to speed up buses and make service more reliable and comfortable. BRT systems typically:

• Give buses their own traffic lane so they can run faster with fewer impediments;
• Give buses priority at traffic signals so they spend less time stopped at red lights;
• Provide real time information to riders so they know when the next bus is coming;
• Build high-quality and well-lit bus stations to improve safety and comfort; and
• Provide streetscape improvements and amenities to make the street safer and more comfortable for pedestrians and bicyclists accessing the transit stations.

Geary Boulevard is the most heavily used transit corridor in the northern part of San Francisco.  Almost 50,000 daily transit riders rely on Geary bus service that can be slow and crowded.  The implementation of BRT features, such as dedicated bus lanes and high-quality bus shelters, are being considered to improve service for existing riders, attract new transit riders, and prevent increased auto congestion caused by existing riders switching to driving because of dissatisfaction with transit.

Environmental Analysis

The objective of the environmental analysis is to idenfity a preferred alternative for Geary 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; and
• Complying with federal and state requirements.