Muni relaunches 1-California express service for first time since Covid outbreak

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is bringing back a different version of its 1 California express bus in the Richmond District as a pilot program starting Feb. 21.

Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the SFMTA suspended its downtown Muni express buses as workers in the Financial District and downtown area were told to work at home. The suspended routes included the 1AX and 1BX, which served the Richmond District.

Now, as employees trickle back into downtown offices, the agency said bringing back the 1 express bus service will ensure riders will have a quicker way to get to the Financial District from the Richmond District.

Director of Transportation Jeffrey Tumlin said in a press release:

“Express service on the 1 California will help alleviate that crowding and allow passengers to get to the Financial District more quickly.”

The 1X California will offer express bus service from the Richmond District to downtown during the morning and evening commute hours. In the morning, buses will depart from Geary Boulevard and 33rd Avenue at 8 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

From there, the bus will make stops along 33rd Avenue, 32nd Avenue and California Street through Arguello Street and then make four stops in the Financial District.

During the evening, buses will depart from Sacramento and Davis streets at 4:30 p.m, 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Supervisor Connie Chan, who represents the Richmond District, said in a press release:

“The 1X California is a great first step to help our workers, seniors and families to get to their daily activities more efficiently and is a critical step to continue the revitalization of our economy.”

Mayor London Breed said in the press release that “reliable and efficient” transit options are essential in downtown’s recovery:

“It’s good for workers who are returning to the office, and it’s good for our restaurants and shops to have more customers able to have ways to visit them.”

During the pilot program, the SFMTA will evaluate the bus service and may make adjustments as needed. More information about the route can be found on the agency’s website.

Last year, the SFMTA brought back the 8AX Bayshore and 8BX Bayshore express bus routes after the community and Supervisor Shamann Walton demanded the agency bring them back to serve Visitacion Valley residents who travel to Chinatown.