Muni aims to improve performance on 44-O'Shaughnessy bus route, other lines

Muni’s ongoing quest to improve service is now targeting the 44-O’Shaughnessy bus line that travels from the Richmond District to Evans Avenue and Third Street in the Bayview. The route is approximately eight miles long with over 60 stops in one direction.

The buses have trouble keeping on schedule because of traffic problems on Ninth Avenue where cars scramble to find precious parking spots between Judah Street and Lincoln Way and with double-parked cars elsewhere along the route.

To combat the problem, Muni officials plan to increase traffic enforcement along Ninth Avenue and  on Clement Street to help the 44-bus line keep moving along its route. They may also adjust the schedule to reflect actual travel times. The transit agency is evaluating using a dedicated northbound lane inside Golden Gate Park, as suggested by operators, to avoid cars queuing inside the park.

Other service improvements beginning this week include the extension of the 14L-Mission to the Daly City BART Station during morning and afternoon peak commute times. Muni has also added three buses on the 29-Sunset during the morning peak service and is spacing out buses to  run more evenly.

The next route being studied for improvements is the L-Taraval light-rail line, according to John Haley, transit director of Muni operations.