SAN FRANCISCO—Mayor Edwin Lee and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors has introduced a proposed $500-million general obligation bond for the November ballot that would go toward infrastructure projects aimed at significantly improving San Francisco's transportation network—without raising property taxes. The bond would increase MUNI reliability and travel speed, upgrade transit stops and stations, improve pedestrian and bicycle safety and prepare for growth on the city's busiest travel corridors.

Key investments planned for the bond include:

MUNI Forward Rapid Network capital projects and other transit-improvement projects: $230 million
MUNI maintenance facility upgrades: $70 million
Pedestrian safety enhancements: $68 million
“Complete Streets” projects, including new or enhanced bikeways: $52 million
Transit-stop accessibility improvements: $30 million
Traffic-signal replacement: $22 million

The bond will not raise property-tax rates and would include citizen oversight and regular audits to assure accountability and transparency. It is one of several recommendations of the SF 2030 Transportation Task Force, which Lee convened last year, as GlobeSt.com reported in February, to examine the city's transportation-infrastructure needs and prepare for its future. The task force found that to meet current need and future demand, the City requires a $10-billion investment in transportation infrastructure through 2030.

The City has identified $3.7 billion in funding, leaving a $6.3-billion funding gap over the next 15 years. The bond measure, which will begin to address the transportation-funding gap and allow the City to invest in much-needed local infrastructure, is part of its 10-year capital plan, which prioritizes critical capital projects that impact public safety and improve neighborhoods.

According to Lee, “San Francisco deserves a safe, reliable and affordable transportation system, and today we are making an historic investment in our city's vital transportation infrastructure as we plan for a growing and successful city. This investment will make it easier for San Franciscans to get around the city as they go to work, school, home and everywhere in between. If passed this November, the $500-million general obligation bond will improve MUNI, improve pedestrian safety and improve our bike network—all without raising property taxes.”

If approved by the Board of Supervisors by July 22, the bond measure will be on the November 4 ballot. To pass in November, the general-obligation bond requires a two-thirds majority vote by San Francisco voters.

Instant Insights /

Bond Measure Aims to Improve Transportation System

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