San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA – Mayor London N. Breed and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) have announced the completion of the L Taraval Improvement Project and the reopening of Muni’s L transit line. The project upgrades over two miles of the L line and local infrastructure, benefiting residents, small business owners, and visitors traveling between West Portal and the San Francisco Zoo.

“The L Taraval is a transformative project and a once-in-a-generation investment that will benefit the community for decades to come, and I am proud that we are completing it on time and on budget,” said Mayor London Breed. “We will continue to build on this success for the benefit of the passengers that expect our transit system to be safer, faster, and more reliable. We thank all of our City and regional partners for working collaboratively to deliver on this world-class transit project, but most importantly the surrounding community, including business owners, for their patience and guidance throughout this process.”

In service since 1919, Muni’s L Taraval route serves Sunset and Parkside residents as well as the Taraval Street commercial corridor. The improvement project began in 2019 and includes enhancements such as new safety boarding islands, replacement of worn rails, overhead wires, water and sewer lines, re-pavement of Taraval Street, new trees and landscaping elements, 71 new streetlights with upgraded LED lighting.

Starting Saturday, September 28th, L Taraval train service will resume between Embarcadero Station and SF Zoo. Riders will board trains at platforms or streets instead of using buses at curbs.

Taraval Street is part of San Francisco's high-injury network where 12% of streets account for 68% of severe traffic crashes. Prior to this project nearly ten people were injured annually on this corridor.

Earlier this month Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) awarded Van Ness Avenue's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) improvement project with its highest-level designation among U.S. transit projects. Last June Muni received its highest customer rating in over twenty years; 72% rated service as good or excellent up from last year's 66%.

“With a focus on safety we’ve made significant upgrades to L Taraval line for first time in almost fifty years,” said Jeffrey Tumlin SFMTA Director Of Transportation. “Riders will no longer have to exit train onto street alongside traffic.”

“I believe a renaissance is coming to Sunset," said Supervisor Joel Engardio."Residents merchants tourists all benefit from essential train line making possible more people experience wonderful food art culture events Sunset offers."

The improvement project was split into two segments: Segment A from San Francisco Zoo To Sunset Boulevard completed summer 2021; Segment B from Sunset Boulevard To West Portal began January 2022.

To support businesses during construction Mayor Breed partnered with Supervisors Joel Engardio Myrna Melgar directing $1 million relief funding while SFMTA partnered Office Economic Workforce Development Self Help Elderly Small Business/Economic Development team providing resources training consulting.

OEWD launched retail campaigns Take Time For Taraval Shop Dine SF highlighting online directory featuring local favorite restaurants shops services bingo-style game driving community support partnership People Parkside.

“Taraval merchants grateful project done street looks beautiful," said Albert Chow head People Parkside Sunset (POPS)."Now Taraval back business better than ever! Come see yourself!”

“Taraval Street major artery economic engine west side," said Supervisor Myrna Melgar."Now L can travel westernmost residents downtown core local businesses grow thrive improvements ensure seniors children workers families move efficiently city bay breakers.”

“Public transit backbone San Francisco economy core equitable accessible livable city," said Transportation Authority Board Chair District Eight Supervisor Rafael Mandelman."Transportation Authority proud provide $19M about twenty-five percent funding Segment B voter approved sales tax Prop K vehicle registration fee Prop AA programs.Congratulations SFMTA SF Public Works partners delivery important beautiful project.”

Upcoming Events On Taraval And In The Sunset

Sunset Night Market (September Twenty-Seven)

The highly anticipated Sunset Night Market returns tomorrow partnering Self Help Elderly OEWD launching Craving Sunset providing businesses increased exposure complementing market.

Movies McCoppin (October Four Eleven Eighteen Twenty-Five)

Fridays October People Parkside ensures residents visitors enjoy free movies food family-friendly movies Wonka Turning Red Little Mermaid Barbie.

Día De Los Muertos (November One Six PM Ten PM)

Fourth Annual Día De Los Muertos honors beloved dead celebrates spirits Folklorico dancers weave stories legends tales culture magnificent performance attendees invited create set up an altar offering loved ones.

Diwali Outer Sunset Farmer’s Market Mercantile (November Ten Nine AM Two PM)

Thanks partnership Sunset Mercantile Diwali Festival Light returns highlights cooking demos Queen Chutney Shanta Nimbark Sacharoff workshops live music food vendors.

Sunset Holiday Mercantile (December Seven Eight Eleven AM Five PM)

Tenth year features two days artisan makers vendors live music food fun activities.

Thirty-Seventh Avenue Ortega Events Throughout Year

Year-round connects community local businesses causes festivities events Thirty-Seventh Avenue Ortega Quintara.

Outer Sunset Farmers Markets Mercantile Sundays Nine AM Two PM

Rain shine two-block market stretching Ortega Quintara features farm-fresh produce flowers plants local makers food trucks entertainment.

Secondhand Saturday Third Saturdays April November

Curated stylish modern version traditional flea market sixty vintage vendors makers artists complemented live music local musicians food trucks rotating family-friendly activities.

SFMTA hosts community appreciation event partnership People Parkside Friday October Four Five Seven PM McCoppin Square celebration filled fun games activities prizes whole family first October Movies McCoppin series kicking off Wonka.

L Taraval Improvement Project collaboration SFMTA San Francisco Public Utilities Commission San Francisco Public Works San Francisco County Transportation Authority additional information visit link.