A Muni Movie? Right in Our Backyard

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ON IT – Behind the Scenes – Bus Timelapse from Shadow Angel Films on Vimeo.

A lot of urban life happens on the bus, and filmmakers Heather Donnell and Chris R. Smith are making a short film about just that. Their movie is called “On It,” and they’ve just rented a Muni bus last Sunday for some pivotal scenes, watch this time-lapsed movie.

So what happens on the bus in this movie? From Heather and Chris:

ON IT is about a relationship under pressure and the complications that get in the way of the couple’s attempts to communicate. Six months into their relationship, Craig and Angela each have something important to tell each other, but can they find the courage to say it? One bus ride changes the course of their relationship forever.

Hmm. Mysterious and intrigue!

Heather told me they rented the bus by working with the San Francisco Film Commission Office and the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency: “There was lots of paperwork to obtain the permit, but both organizations were extremely helpful at pushing it through. We had a great experience with the bus inspector and the MUNI driver on the shoot day too.” You can find out more about the movie and Heather and Chris’s other projects at the Shadow Angel Films website.

Category: diaries, News Tags:

A Friendly Muni Trip From the Beach

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Photo by Whole Wheat Toast

Looks like there’s no sickout today. Phew. Earlier in the week: Delaine is new to Muni and San Francisco. One of her first brief encounters with Muni turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

Hubby and I decided to try our Clipper cards on Muni, being fairly new to the city. It was hot in our apartment on the bay on one of those sunny days last week, so we decided to head to the beach. We took the first train that came into the Embarcadero station–L Taraval, which took us to the zoo entrance, but also Ocean Beach. After wandering around for awhile in the cool, cloudy, breezy weather, we made our way back to the waiting train, and stood on the platform, unsure of where to get on.

After awhile the driver came around the corner, and politely pointed out to us novice Muni riders that we needed to stand at the “bus stop” to be able to board. He also gave us tips on using the Clipper card. Didn’t catch his name, but he was so very nice. I know we hear stories about rude Muni drivers, but I just want to say that we have had good service with our brief experience. I love the idea of a card I can use on all transit.

There’s been some questions about the Clipper cards on our Twitter feed. Seems like time to update our Muni newbie orientation!

Category: diaries, reflection Tags:

Before You Complain: Jazzy Muni Faregates Instructional Videos

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Since the new fare gates were installed at Civic Center and Powell station, I’ve been seeing lots of complaints about them on our Twitter feed. Fear not, the diligent Akit of Akit’s Complaint Department has made two great instructional videos on how to use the new machines, and a good tip about how visitors can avoid the 25 cent surcharge for a paper Muni ticket (now that the fare gates don’t take cash). Easy: get a Clipper card.

Akit also has a video on how to add fare to your card using the new machines. Check them out.

Category: News

Weekend Photos: Before you can blink

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Guilty Pleasures
Photo by Brandon Doran

It’s hard to keep our eyes away from the disaster in San Bruno. Meanwhile, in Muni news:

  • SFMTA Responds to Rumors of Muni Sickout, Warns Employees Not to Participate (SFAppeal)
  • Muni ‘Sickout” Flier’s Bold Threats (SFWeekly)
  • Muni Officials plan for worst, hope for false alarm (SF Examiner) (Full Muni sickout flier at SFist)
  • Anonymous fliers prompting concerns of sick out (SF Examiner)
  • Report: Muni collision rate has been rising (KGO-TV)
  • PERB Denies TWU Request for Injunction Stopping Muni Service Restorations (Streetsblog)

Next week we’ve got stories in the bag, thanks to all of your submissions, which made the first week of steering the Muni Diaries ship on my own not nearly as scary as I would have thought! Oh, and if you’re trying to figure out your plans for tonight, check out the opening party of The Classics, a “defining art exhibit featuring works by the true Bay Area graffiti art pioneers” at 1AM Gallery on Howard and 6th Street. I had a sneak peek of the show last night and saw that Muni makes several guest appearances in this amazingly curated show by Nate1.

Enjoy the t-shirt weather and these photos!

dot dot dot
Photo by Bhautik Joshi

Muni F-Market Boat Tram
Photo by Agent Akit

a book and a bike
Photo by Flickr user sxl

Muni in red
Photo by Daniell Lefebvre

Category: diaries, News

Muni Photog: Brad Evans

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Photographer Brad Evans of Citysnaps found inspiration from Muni when he came across a photo he took some years ago:

You run into a lot of interesting people on Muni. And it’s a great place to take some snaps from across the aisle. Seeing this photo again after I snapped it a few years ago reminds me that it would be good to spend more time riding and taking pictures on the rail cars and buses.

Here’s another great shot from Brad:

You can see more of Brad’s on his blog, Citysnaps.

If you’ve got great shots in and around Muni, our Flickr pool would love to have you!

Category: Photos Tags:
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