San Francisco – F-Line Extension Delayed

Rail Transit Online – May 2010

A proposed 0.85-mi. (1.4 km) extension of the F-line heritage streetcar service from Fisherman's Wharf west to Fort Mason has been delayed by political and funding issues. All but $5.3 million of the $53.8-million project is unfunded, as is the $500,000 local share of a $1.4-million environmental study that must be conducted by the National Park Service because Fort Mason is within a park. The scheme would incorporate an upgraded 1914 trolley tunnel beneath Fort Mason that was closed in 1983.

The San Francisco MTA has asked the County Transportation Authority for the S500,000 but Supervisor Michela AliotoPier, whose district includes Fort Mason and Fisherman's Wharf, wants to freeze the project.

She's concerned that commuters from Mario County would cross the Golden Gate Bridge and park close to streetcar stations all day, increasing traffic congestion for nearby residents. She also said there's been insufficient consultation with the affected neighborhoods and believes the funding plan needs more work.

Proponents of the extension argue that public outreach has been extensively publicized and meetings have been well attended. Advocates also contend the parking scenario outlined by Alioto-Pier would be time-consuming and otherwise impractical for Mario commuters, who can use an express bus service direct to San Francisco's financial district.