Category: News

• Can Muni Drivers Make You Stow Your Camera Phone? (SF Appeal, hint: NO)
• Nathaniel Ford’s severance likely to be approved today (SF Examiner)
• Pay Nat Ford His Money and Get Him Out of Here (SF Weekly)
• BART plan to run wee-hour Saturday trains in doubt (SFGate)
• Despite Growing Unrest, Nat Ford’s Golden Parachute Is All But Assured (SF Appeal)
• First week of N-Judah Express bus called a success by Muni officials (SF Examiner)
• Muni’s No. 2 in charge resigns (City Insider)

Photo by Brian Kusler

Who had a hand in Muni boss Nat Ford’s departure? Matier and Ross report that Mayor Ed Lee was key in escorting Ford out of the building. Money quote:

[Lee] wanted someone with a “150 percent commitment” to running Muni – and that Ford, with his constant job hunting, wasn’t cutting it.

Matier and Ross also report that Department of Public Works Director Ed Reiskin maybe a likely replacement, though it’s uncertain whether Reiskin will actually be taking Ford’s place.

Read the rest of the story at SFGate.

• Mayor to Muni: Hit the 85 percent on-time mark (SFGate)
• Contract means more money for Muni (SFGate)
• Nat Ford’s Legacy (SF Weekly)
• Muni Will Never Make 85 Percent On-Time Goal (SF Weekly)
• Next Muni Chief to Be Local Hire (Bay Citizen)
• Cash-strapped Muni defends severance pay for chief (SFGate)
• Transit Cuts Turn One Bus Ride Into Three (Mission Local)
• Nat Ford’s Departure Is Timed Well (SF Weekly)
• Rec and Park director Phil Ginsburg flattered, but not interested in Muni position (SF Examiner)
• N-Judah mishap unrelated to lack of automatic control system, Muni says (SF Examiner)

Photo by geordino

A bit of good news after yesterday’s major Muni fail: All Muni Metro lines are running this morning, SF Appeal says, and no delays have been reported (yet). According to the SFMTA, as of today at 6:10am, “subway service has been fully restored.”

How’s your morning commute after yesterday’s epic meltdown?

We have a few witness reports from yesterday evening for you too.  A couple of commenters on Muni Diaries wrote in to share their experience having been on the N-Judah that took out wires and concrete supports, and in effect, wiped out the entire Muni Metro subway system for hours.

First, @heyitscarlosjr:

I was on the N train that caused this mess. It sounded like a major bang as if it crashed into something but we didn’t feel a jerk to it… The power went out on the train. The operator said they were looking into it, that it might be a few minutes. I didn’t wait, i went up to take the 6. I can’t believe that

And next, Lily:

I was on the N Judah when this happened. I was the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced during my time on public transit. Before we entered the tunnel a Muni worker looked like he was chasing our train waving his hands. As soon as I lost all cell phone reception sparks started flying everywhere outside of the train, and then the ceiling began to crack spaying debris onto the surrounding seats. We waited 20 minutes to be “rescued” and lead back up to the street. Fuck you for making me an hour late to work Muni!

Sounds like Carlos got off the N-Judah prior to what Lily is describing. In any event, it sounds spectacular if fail-ridden.

And SFMTA has issued its obligatory “Muni will investigate” statement, according to the SF Examiner. Possible culprit? Missing automatic train controls, which, according to the Examiner, “might have prevented a train from ripping wires and concrete supports off a subway wall.”

We’ll keep you updated, and keep us updated on your commute today.

Update (6:38 p.m.): ABC 7/KGO reports that the K, L, and M lines are back in operation. Crews are working on restoring the J and N, but there is no estimate yet when those lines will be back up.

Update (3:41 p.m.): The Examiner reports that an N-Judah LRV is the cause of the delays/stoppages. The light-rail apparently dislodged wires and pulled down a concrete support.

From the Examiner’s report:

[SFMTA Transit Director John] Haley said there is “no question” the evening commutes will be affected. He hopes to have the K-Ingleside, L-Taraval and M-Ocean View up and running by 3 p.m., but service for the J and N are not expected to resume underground until tomorrow. Haley estimated it will take eight to nine hours to repair the damage.

Original post: So reports the SF Examiner. 511 says shuttles are in place between Embarcadero and Castro. Also, the Examiner reports that the Church Street Station is closed. We’ll do our best to keep you updated.

@DavidCairns says: “Note to muni riders: outbound service only at Church station, inbound track evidently totally fucked”