Muni driver inspires Peninsula church

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Photo by Montauk Beach

The driver-rider relationship is a strained one in these parts. While we (and you, judging by your tweets @munidiaries) would agree that there are some pieces of work out there, let’s not forget about the good eggs in this basket.

Linda Wilson-Allen, a driver on the 45-Union/Stockton line, is one such egg. In a San Francisco Chronicle feature last month, she said she treats her job like ministry. Soon thereafter, she was called upon by Menlo Park Presbyterian Church to share some inspirational words for its congregation. Read more in The Gospel Herald Ministries.

Whichever spaghetti monster floats your boat, I think we can all agree that her attitude probably results in way happier passengers than average.

We have a couple other favorites here on Muni Diaries. There was Tammy, the Muni driver who threw a party for her passengers on the 33. And let’s not forget the Muni driver who sings the names of the stops. We’re sure there are more unsung heroes out there, so send them our way so they can get the props they deserve.

At least someone isn’t hunting Muni bus drivers

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Photo by Joe Lares

I mean, right?

This American Life recently aired a crazy story called, “Diana, Hunter of Bus Drivers.” Here’s a sample:

“The first murder happened at 7:45 am, on August 28th, on bus route 4A. That morning, a woman hailed bus 718, climbed the steps, pulled a gun and shot the driver. The driver jumped out of the bus trying to escape but died on the sidewalk. The killer, witnesses said, was a middle-aged woman with dyed blonde hair — or maybe it was a wig — wearing a cap, plaid shirt and jeans. Nobody saw how she escaped. Or at least nobody would say.”

Read or listen to the rest of this story out of Juárez, Mexico on the TAL website. Then thank your Muni driver on your next ride.

Transit News: Muni murder, BART strike, BART strike, and BART strike

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Photo by Steve Damron

BART and its unions are still talking, but a potential strike looms this Friday. Here’s the latest on that and other Bay Area transit news:

  • BART Unions Give in a Little, Offer New Proposal With Lower Raises (SF Weekly)
  • BART Strike: Faux Point-Counterpoint Gives Commuters an Even Less Clear Picture of Labor Dispute (SF Weekly)
  • Business Community Prepares for BART Strike (SF Weekly)
  • BART talks likely to go to 11th hour—or beyond (SFGate)
  • AC Transit workers reject 2nd offer, full transit strike looms (KTVU)
  • San Francisco man accused in Muni killing pleads not guilty (SF Examiner)
  • Monday 10/14 – Forum on Level Boarding and Caltrain/High Speed Rail Platform Height Compatibility (Green Caltrain)

Your Weekend Traffic Advisory: Hardly Strictly, Marin Headlands closed, Bridge to Bridge run, Castro fair, football

Lots in store this sunny, warm weekend. Enjoy it!

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
From Friday through Sunday the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Concert will take place at the Speedway, Marx and Lindley Meadows in Golden Gate Park. The concert will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., each day. An attendance of 40,000 participants is expected each day.

The Park streets in the immediate area will be closed. No city street closures will be required.

Concert patrons are encouraged to allow plenty of travel time. Gates will open at 10 a.m. before the first concert each day.

Muni Service—From Friday through Sunday
The 5L Fulton Limited special bus service will be in place from approximately 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. The service operates from McAllister and Jones streets to Fulton Street and 25th Avenue making limited stops at Polk Street, Van Ness Avenue, Fillmore Street, Divisadero Street, Masonic Avenue, Stanyan Street, Arguello Boulevard, Park Presidio Boulevard and 25th Avenue.

Post-concert:
After the final concert, the 5L Fulton Limited special bus service will operate one-way eastbound departing from either 30th or 25th avenues and make limited stops at Arguello Boulevard, Stanyan Street, Masonic Avenue, Divisadero Street, Fillmore Street, Van Ness Avenue, Polk Street, McAllister and Jones streets.

Limited bus service will stop at approximately 8 p.m.

Heavy ridership is anticipated before and after the event, the SFMTA will provide additional light rail service on the N Line from approximately 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Read more

Transit News: BART strike, M-Ocean View plans, Muni killer, BART to SFO

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Photo by Telstar Logistics

  • State Republicans try to pass bill preventing BART strike (ABC 7)
  • BART strike backup plan: more buses and carpool lanes, maybe even BART trains (Contra Costa County Times)
  • M-Ocean View plans get good response (SF Examiner)
  • How Will BART Expand to Serve Its Growing Ridership? (SPUR)
  • D.A.: Muni killer was ‘hunting’ for victims (SFGate)
  • Excess Baggage: The Forgotten Costs of the BART SFO Extension (SF Weekly)
  • Try a seat on BART — while you can (SFGate)
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