Yesterday we did what we could to clear up one reader’s confusion about how the SF MTA’s proposal regarding Cable Car and Express bus use would work for Fast Pass holders — basically, to use those Muni services, you’ll need to get a Muni “A” Fast Pass, the same one you have if you regularly ride BART within SF.
I wonder what’s the policy for those who want to just take the express bus for a local trip, say taking the 38BX from 25th & Geary to Park Presidio? Or how about the folks who take the 8X from Chinatown to Market?
Is there an additional fee for “M” passholders That’s the Fast Pass that works only on Muni who need to use the route, or will there even be a premium cash charge? This question also goes to the Cable Cars too.
MTA spokesperson Kristin Holland tells us that “According to the proposal before the Board of Directors at tomorrow’s meeting, “M” pass holders would pay the full cash fare for cable cars or express service.”
So, basically, it’s like if you’re a “M” Fast Pass user, you’re doing the same thing you’d do if you ride BART: you pay the full fare. If you’re riding an express bus, Holland says that “a new premium cash fare for express service” is not being proposed, so you’d pay $2. If you’re riding a Cable Car, you’re paying $5. It doesn’t matter if you’re riding one block or end to end, you’re paying that fare.
Perhaps anticipating that response, Akit’s already commented:
I don’t think the folks to frequently commute between Chinatown and Market Street are going to like being told their “M” pass is banned on the 8X. Once they learn that, the 30 and 45 is going to get even worse.
Guess, if the proposal presented to the MTA board tomorrow is accepted, we’ll have to wait and see.
