The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has been awarded nearly 40 million USD by the US Department of Transportation to support the purchase of up to 24 new 40-foot diesel–hybrid buses.
The funding is intended to help the agency maintain reliable and efficient service as it manages ongoing financial pressures.
The grant, issued through the Low- or No-Emission programme, will enable SFMTA to continue modernising its bus fleet and reduce the risk of service disruption caused by ageing vehicles. The agency plans to use the funds to advance the replacement of its hybrid fleet, which currently includes around 575 buses.
SFMTA Director of Transportation Julie Kirschbaum said:Modern, reliable buses are essential to keeping San Francisco moving. This federal investment strengthens our ability to provide excellent service today while accelerating the agency’s efforts to avoid costly breakdowns and loss of service. We thank the Department of Transportation for supporting reliable public transit, especially at a time when our financial outlook is unpredictable.
SFMTA is addressing a projected 306 million USD budget deficit, expected to grow to 434 million USD by 2030. The agency has identified 160 million USD in internal savings through efficiency measures. Additional external funding, such as the newly awarded federal grant, supports its ability to continue operating a citywide network that serves more than 500,000 passengers each day.
The funding announcement comes as the city implements Mayor Lurie’s Heart of the City plan, which aims to support the recovery of San Francisco’s downtown area. City data indicates decreases in crime in the Financial District and Union Square, increased hotel bookings related to events, and rising levels of office occupancy.
Mayor Lurie has noted that public transport remains central to the city’s recovery, noting that many residents rely on buses for work, education and medical appointments.
Mayor Lurie said:San Francisco’s recovery depends on a strong and reliable public transit system. This funding will help SFMTA continue delivering efficient, affordable bus service that San Franciscans rely on to get to work, school, doctor's appointments, and so much more. Thank you to the U.S. Department of Transportation and our federal representatives for their support in keeping our city moving and accelerating our comeback.
SFMTA expects that investment in newer vehicles will help sustain and potentially enhance service performance by reducing breakdowns, improving passenger comfort and supporting more consistent operations.
The agency will now begin procurement of the new hybrid buses, which will contribute to San Francisco’s long-term plans for a lower-emission transport network.
