Photo by SFMTA Photography Department
The SFMTA recently completed two projects that keep Muni vehicles running reliably: midlife overhauls of 331 buses and rebuilding 25 cable car pulleys. The Prop K half-cent transportation sales tax helped fund both projects.
331 Buses Return to Service
The SFMTA recently finished the first phase of midlife overhauls for its New Flyer bus fleet, supported by about $11 million in Prop K transportation sales tax funds. Since work began in 2022, the agency has returned 331 40-foot and 60-foot motor buses and electric trolley buses to service.
A midlife overhaul involves substantial work on a bus's propulsion, suspension, and electrical systems, along with other components. The work improves reliability and allows vehicles to meet or exceed expectations for their useful lives.
The SFMTA purchased these buses between 2013 and 2016 with the support of $71.5 million in Prop K funds. As a condition of that funding, the SFMTA committed to keeping the buses in good working condition, including through a midlife overhaul program.
A second phase is underway for the next 221 buses, which entered service between 2016 and 2019. The Prop L transportation sales tax is providing $12.6 million for this second phase. The first bus from this group returned to service this summer.
All 25 Cable Car Pulleys Rebuilt
The SFMTA also finished rebuilding the last of 25 cable car pulleys, through the Cable Car Sheaves Upgrade Project, funded in part with $281,000 in Prop K funds. These large pulleys, also called sheaves, circulate the underground cables that cable cars latch onto to operate.
The sheaves had reached the end of their useful lives and were rebuilt according to the original design with new shafts, bearings, seals, and lubrication systems. As a final step, SFMTA will restore spare components that can be installed as needed to keep the cable cars running smoothly.