The city finally released the concept study for the Central Subway extension to North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf. It is a very good and complete study and reports excellent results: The bottom line is that it is feasible, will generate lots of riders, and, most importantly, the cost-benefit ratio is “high” (meaning that it provides a high level of benefit in relation to its cost), as measured under FTA standards. What this means is that it could end up being the most cost-effective new rail project in the country, giving it an excellent chance of getting federal funding.
The coming weeks, the study is being presented to the Municipal Transportation Agency, the County Transportation Authority and the Planning Commission (the 3 agencies that participated in the study). We now need to produce a strong showing of support so that these agencies add the project to the official city and regional transit priorities.
On a separate note, we must continue to urge the city to acquire the Pagoda Theater site as a staging site and station location. While the study emphasizes that the Pagoda site is not strictly necessary, its availability would substantially reduce the amount of opposition that would result from digging up Columbus, or acquiring and demolishing another, existing, building.
Central Subway Phase 3 Exec Summary.
Here is the link to the full report, https://www.sfmta.com/sites/default/files/agendaitems/2014/12-2-14%20Item%2015%20T-Third%20Phase%203%20Concept%20Study.pdf
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