CSFI SFMTA Public Input Survey

SFMTA Public Input Survey

Help shape a more accountable, transparent, and responsive SFMTA.

What's Happening:

The SFMTA manages our city's public transportation, streets, parking, bike lanes, and more. SFMTA is an Enterprise Department, meaning it engages in revenue-generating activity. As a public good, there has not been an expectation that SFMTA will turn a profit. Currently SFMTA does not generate a profit or break even; it relies on approximately $500M of general fund dollars to operate each year. Over the next 2 years, even with substantial taxpayer support, SFMTA is projected to run a deficit of an additional $320,000,000.

Given the intense level of taxpayer support, many residents have raised concerns about safety, transparency, spending priorities and lack of community input.

Why It Matters:

The SFMTA has broad authority to make decisions that impact every San Franciscan, from how safely we get around, to how accessible our streets are, to often "hard to understand" road reconfigurations, to how our tax dollars are spent. Without strong oversight and public input, these decisions can result in unintended consequences.

We want to hear from you: what do you think about SFMTA, MUNI, and their impact on your daily life?

You're encouraged to answer honestly — your feedback will help the community better understand one another's concerns and perspectives and collectively the results will be shared with decision-makers to help them gain information about what the public wants.
Name (will not be shared with survey results)*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
What district do you live in?*
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors adopted a "Transit First" policy in 1973. It contains a laundry list of principles, the first of which is “To ensure quality of life and economic health in San Francisco, the primary objective of the transportation system must be the safe and efficient movement of people and goods”. Do you believe that the SFMTA is appropriately balancing the legitimate interests of all San Franciscans in their implementation of this policy?

YesNoNot sure
What is your primary mode of transportation in San Francisco?*

CarBikeMUNIRideshareTaxiOther
What is your secondary mode of transportation in San Francisco?

CarBikeMUNIRideshareTaxiOther
What is your third mode of transportation in San Francisco? (If you have a third mode)!

CarBikeMUNIRideshareTaxiOther

What has been your safety experience using different modes of transportation in the city?

	Very Safe	Somewhat Safe	Not Safe	Don't Know
Driving a Car
Riding a bike
Walking

What has been your level of ease using different modes of transportation in the city?

	Easy	Somewhat Confusing	Frustrating	Difficult
Driving a Car
Riding a bike
Walking

Do you believe the SFMTA is currently operating effectively in meeting the transportation needs of San Francisco residents?

YesNoNot sure
Which transportation modes should be given more priority than they currently receive from the SFMTA (select all that apply)

PedestriansStand-Up ScootersMotorcyclesBikesBusesCarsTaxisRideshare

What is your overall experience with MUNI?

	Satisfied	Somewhat Satisfied	Not Satisfied	Don't Use or Not Sure
Service Quality
Cleanliness
Timliness
Friendliness

If you choose not to ride MUNI, what are the reasons? (Select all that apply).

Bus doesn't run where I need to goCan't count on arrival timeNeed to transport others (elderly parents, work carpools, kids carpools, pets, etc.)Have too much to carryConcern for cleanlinessConcern for SafetyCostNeed to be delivered door to doorOther
MUNI has worked on ensuring consistent bus separation, such that riders can expect, for example, buses that are 6 minutes apart, and not have 3 arriving together. What is your experience of MUNI's timing?

Very dependablePretty dependableSomewhat dependableNot sureSomewhat inconsistentVery inconsistent
MUNI substantially increased cleaning during the pandemic and has maintained the same level of resources on cleaning since that time. What is your experience of MUNI's cleanliness?

Very cleanPretty cleanSomewhat cleanNot sureSomewhat dirtyVery dirty
Historically about 55% of the SFMTA’s operating budget was allocated to transit services (MUNI and paratransit), with the remainder funding street improvements, taxi regulations, and other agency operations. A change in accounting earlier this year reallocated costs, and now MTA attributes 77% of its spend to transit services. Were you aware of this break-down of SFMTA's $1.4B budget?

YesNoNot sure
Have recent SFMTA street changes or 'Quick Build' projects affected your ability to drive, park, or receive deliveries?

PositivelyNegativelyNo ImpactNot sure
How have the SFMTA’s recent street design policies (such as reducing car access or narrowing roads) affected safety in San Francisco?

Made streets much saferMade streets somewhat saferNo noticeable impact on safetyMade streets somewhat less safeMade streets much less safeNot sure
Do you believe recent SFMTA street changes have impacted emergency services (fire, ambulance, police)?

YesNoNot sure
What street or streets do you find the most problematic?
What street or streets do you love the most?
Do you believe there are sufficient opportunities for public input on decisions made by the SFMTA?

YesNoNot sure
Do you believe that the SFMTA accurately incorporates public input from everyday San Franciscans, not just special interest advocacy groups?

YesNoSometimesNot sure
What information would you like from SFMTA on projects? (Select all that apply).

TimingCostImpact on TrafficCost-Benefit AnalysisChanges to MUNI ServiceIs there a loss of driving lanesIs there a loss of parking spaces, how manyWhy doing itOther
Do you believe car ownership and access should be treated as a viable transportation option in San Francisco?

YesNoNot sure
Do you believe SFMTA policies unfairly impact low-income residents?

YesNoNot sure
Do you believe SFMTA policies unfairly impact people who need to drive?

YesNoNot sure
How familiar are you with the SFMTA’s independence from direct oversight by elected officials?

Very familliarSomewhat familiarNot at all familiarNot sure
Should elected officials have more oversight over the SFMTA’s spending and decisions?

YesNoNot sure
Do you think the SFMTA needs greater transparency and accountability in its community engagement processes?

YesNoNot sure
How confident are you that the SFMTA communicates trade-offs and priorities transparently to the public?

Very confidentSomewhat confidentNot confident
How would you rate the transparency and oversight of SFMTA’s fiscal management?

ExcellentGoodFairPoorVery poorNot sure
Do you believe the SFMTA should conduct independent cost-benefit analyses before making major changes to street design or transit services?

YesNoNot sure
Should the Controller’s Office engage an unrelated, unbiased third-party to conduct a cost-efficiency study of the SFMTA?

YesNoNot sure
A new parcel tax to fund the SFMTA deficit is slated to be voted on in 2026. Are you in support of this measure?

YesNoNot sure
Do you think SFMTA is operating well as structured, or needs to undergo a restructuring process?

Operating well as isShould be restructuredNot sure
Would you support reducing or redirecting the SFMTA's administrative and streetscape budget?

YesNoNot sure
Would you support a ballot measure that changes the SFMTA’s authority and increases community oversight?

YesNoNot sure
Would you support the declaration of a State of Emergency to urge SFMTA reform?

YesNoNot sure
Any other thoughts, comments?
Acquisition Method
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