The 39-Coit has been saved.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of neighborhood activists and a sudden moment of lucidity from the MTA board, Telegraph Hill's bus will live to drive another day. Not only that, but the Union Street leg of the route, which was to be lopped off in any case, will be preserved, too.
And not only that, but Muni now favors extending the line to Pier 39, something 39 advocates have been beseeching them to do for some time now. (Numerology alone would seem to favor this extension, wouldn't it?)
The MTA board took the action Tuesday, finally acknowledging that a viable bus up to Coit Tower is the best way to reduce traffic on the hill. As part of the plan to extend the line to Pier 39, the Muni said it expects Fisherman's Wharf merchants and the community at large to help publicize the 39-Coit to help increase the ridership.
Keeping the Union Street leg is especially good news for hill residents. Try walking up to Montgomery with a couple of bags of groceries sometime and you'll know what I mean. Try it with a couple of balky Achilles tendons and you really know what I mean.
Anyway, I don't get to say this often but I'll say it now: Thanks, Muni.
Comments
the 39-bus is almost a dead line bus, hardly anybody is there unless they need to venture upward towards Coit Tower. now if muni can train their drivers that some locals are not really tourist but people living in the general vicinity, this could be a good thing, an advance in city civilization.
Forget the miracle! The #39 bus continues to breast Union Street because locals showed up at Muni's hearings, wrote letters, and did all the stuff people leave up to other people. The moral being--to keep what you want, be willing to fight for it.
Harvey, you might be heartened to know that the publicity surrounding the 39 and its potential demise appears to have boosted local ridership, somewhat. Anyway, congratulations to community organizers for saving the line from extinction, again!
I couldn't agree more with Pat Cady! This is a good example of what happens when people pooled their energies together and let our local government know what we want. Sure, it's not as exciting as marching in protest down Market St. and it takes a bit more time and effort but by gathering together as a group, we can work to make our neighborhood a better, productive, vibrant community.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!