San Francisco’s oldest Muni bus yard, Potrero Yard, will close temporarily on February 14, 2024, as part of an extensive renovation project. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) announced that the facility, which has been operational since 1915, will undergo a significant rebuild to modernize its infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency.
Located between Bryant and Mariposa streets, Potrero Yard currently supports several key bus lines, including the 5-Fulton and 5R-Fulton Rapid, 14-Mission, 22-Fillmore, 30-Stockton, and 49-Van Ness/Mission. This yard serves approximately 111,000 riders per day, making it a critical component of the city’s public transit network. During the closure, SFMTA will reroute services from Potrero to other facilities, ensuring that there will be “no service impacts,” according to SFMTA spokesperson Erica Kato.
Details of the Renovation
The renovation plans include the construction of a modern, multi-level maintenance and storage yard designed to be earthquake-safe and capable of accommodating electric buses. This upgrade aims to streamline maintenance processes and improve working conditions for staff. The SFMTA is set to seek approvals for the final Project Agreement by mid-March, with the Potrero Neighborhood Collective expected to take control of the site by midyear, depending on the conclusion of ongoing negotiations.
During a recent briefing, Brent Jones, SFMTA’s director of transit, noted that adjustments to bus frequencies will occur, particularly on the 5R route, which will see an increase in service from every 12 minutes to every 8 minutes during peak times on weekdays. While there will be some schedule modifications involving a mix of 40-foot and 60-foot buses, regular routes will continue to operate from different facilities.
Impact on Housing Plans and Budget Considerations
Originally, the project included plans for 465 affordable apartments to be built atop the new yard. However, those plans were put on hold last year as the SFMTA adjusted its strategy to manage rising construction costs. The current focus is on the transit facility itself, with a smaller housing parcel remaining in the project scope.
The project timeline indicates that design and permitting will extend into 2026, followed by construction from 2026 to 2030. Operations at the new yard are expected to commence in 2030. Pricing discussions between the SFMTA and the developer are confidential, but once a deal is finalized, construction can begin shortly thereafter.
As the relocation plans are finalized, riders are encouraged to stay informed through Muni service alerts and route notices. Updates from the Potrero working group and the SFMTA board will continue to provide the public with information as negotiations and approvals progress.
