Software flaw halts Muni Metro double berthing

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has postponed double stopping at selected downtown Muni Metro stations after beginning the long-awaited policy on Sunday.

The policy permits two trains to stop at each platform, allowing to board and get off trains at the Civic Center, Powell and Montgomery stations.

A software issue, though, has led to the transit agency halting double stopping for now, said SFMTA spokesman Robert Lyles.

Lyles said after the feature went live on Sunday, officials noticed that the audio announcements and subway signs were not properly updating:

“Out of an abundance of caution for riders with disabilities, tourist, and those unfamiliar with the Muni system we thought it prudent to postpone double stopping while the software manufacturer generates a remedy.”

Lyles said he does not when double stopping might return, but said it the feature will return once the manufacturer finds a solution.

The feature was to address riders frustration in the second train of having to wait for the first train to disembark the station platform before it can let off riders.

Jerold Chinn

Jerold serves as a reporter and San Francisco Bureau Chief for SFBay covering transportation and occasionally City Hall and the Mayor's Office in San Francisco. His work on transportation has been recognized by the San Francisco Press Club. Born and raised in San Francisco, he graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in journalism. Jerold previously wrote for the San Francisco Public Press, a nonprofit, noncommercial news organization. When not reporting, you can find Jerold taking Muni to check out new places to eat in the city.