SF’s New On-Demand Shuttle is Free (Until Dec. 11)
A new community shuttle has launched in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood.
The new Bayview Shuttle launched on November 12. It is an on-demand service that gives the public access to another transportation option, within minutes of booking. Hop into a safe, comfortable ride around Bayview and Hunters Point, or connect to BART, Muni, and Caltrain stations. No need to work around a schedule — Bayview Shuttle comes when you call, to a convenient pickup spot near you.
For the first month, until December 11, 2024, all rides are free.
After December 11th rides will be similar to Muni with an individual ride being $2.50 for adults, $1.25 for discounted rides (like seniors, riders with disabilities) and free for youth 18 and under.
With fares equal to Muni, the shuttle pilot program improves connections within Bayview Hunter’s Point and to the broader city. Riders can book trips through a mobile app or by phone. This project is specifically designed with a focus on the Bayview as part of SFMTA’s ongoing commitment to equity in this area and to correct decades of underinvestment resulting from structural and institutional racism.
Operated by our partner Via, the Bayview Shuttle is funded through a California Air Resources Board grant.
Shuttle service details
The service runs seven days a week.
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
During those hours, you can travel anywhere in the area highlighted in the graphic below.
You can also ride to or from the external access points represented by the letters.
These external access points include:
- 22nd St Caltrain Station (A)
- SF General Hospital (B)
- 24th St./Mission BART Station (C)
- Bayshore Caltrain Station (D)
At the external access points (A, B, C, D), vehicles will pick up and drop off passengers at designated zones. For rides booked within the service zone, the shuttle will pick up riders at “virtual bus stops.”
These locations will be within a block of the rider’s origin or destination. People with limited mobility can set up their user profiles to specify door-to-door service.
Shuttle accessibility
The shuttle service is designed to be accessible for everyone. During all hours of operation, the service will offer spacious standard vehicles.
It will also provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs). Customers can request this option through their user profile.
All vehicles are inspected to provide a comfortable and safe ride. Also, you can use the app or Bayview Shuttle Customer Care line to ask agents questions. Language options include English, Spanish, Cantonese and Filipino.
How to ride:
The process is simple. To book the ride, you can use the Bayview Shuttle mobile app or call the Bayview Shuttle Customer Support line.
After you book, you can expect a Bayview Shuttle van to pick you up within 15 minutes.
Here are step-by-step booking instructions:
Mobile App:
- Download the “Bayview Shuttle” app in the App Store.
- Open the app and click “get started”.
- Enter your phone number to receive a code via text message. Enter the code in the screen to create your account.
- Enter your name and email then tap on Next.
- Enter your payment method (Clipper card, Munimobile, or transit pass).
- Activate relevant features to improve your user experience. You can request wheelchair accessible vehicles and discounts for seniors or identify as a person with disability, for example.
- Enter pick-up and drop-off locations and choose the best transport option.
- Track your driver’s progress and travel to your location.
Mobile phone booking:
- Call Bayview Shuttle Customer Support at 415.873.1801.
- Provide the live agent with your information:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Provide the agent with your pick-up and drop-off addresses.
- Agent will provide estimated pick-up time and vehicle information.
- Agent will let you know where to meet your driver.
Shuttle fares
For the first month, until December 11, 2024, all rides are free!
After that, no matter the destination, type of vehicle, or service (door-to-door compared to corner-to-corner), the price is equal to the typical fare you would pay on Muni.
For example, if you pay a single ride adult fare, the price per ride is $2.50.
If you’re eligible for discounted fares, the cost will be $1.25 or free if you qualify for the Free Muni program.
You will have the chance to pay on board using our fare readers through the following methods:
- Clipper Card
- MuniMobile app
- Transit pass registered on the Bayview Shuttle app
If you’re unsure of what discount programs you may be eligible for, please visit the Transportation Resource Center at 5009 3rd St. Within the heart of the Bayview, this center serves as a one-stop center where you can have all your transportation-related questions answered.
Shaped by the community
The pilot shuttle program stems from the community-based transportation plan we published in 2020. Community members have been incredibly involved in the process, which is one of the primary reasons this shuttle project is so special.
Our community partners and Community Congress delegates planned and finalized major project elements. These included the service area, outreach plan and driver training curriculum.
Community members ensured that the shuttle service matched their needs and wants. Still, our community partners and Community Congress will continue to watch and evaluate the performance of the shuttle to make sure it lives up to the goals we set together:
- Improve Community Mobility
- Improve Community Health and Reduce Emissions
- Invest in the Community and Create Jobs
- Connect Residents and Transportation Services
- Support and Supplement Existing Transit Service
- Build Community Relationships and Ensure Community Control
For now, the pilot shuttle program is funded until March 2026. SFMTA staff will look for opportunities to extend the service.
To learn more about the service please visit the service landing page at SFMTA.com/CommunityShuttle
