The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency reported Tuesday that ridership across its Muni system has reached its highest level since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic — when the number of people using public transit dramatically dropped.
Muni reported over 14.9 million people used its services in March, equivalent to 85% of ridership numbers in March 2019 and a jump of 8% when compared to the same month last year.
In a statement about the increase, the SFMTA said more people using the Muni Metro system have greatly contributed to the year-over-year recovery. The agency also pointed to popular community gatherings — such as the Chinese New Year Parade and Tulip Day at Union Square — as moments when ridership jumped.
Last week, the SFMTA Board of Directors approved a two-year operating budget. Over $3.1 billion was approved for fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28, made possible by cost-cutting measures and the assumption that voters will approve two sales tax measures in November that would provide the fiscally strained agency with much needed funds.
SFMTA staff have reported that changing travel patterns like a shift to work-from-home employment opportunities have “decimated downtown ridership.” The agency has said improvements to customer satisfaction, reliability, and creating a more efficient system will help attract more riders.