SFMTA Receives $49 Million from State Department of Transportation to Fund Central Subway, Persia Triangle Projects

State bond funds allow further progress on critical transit upgrades 

San Francisco--The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which oversees transportation in the city, today announced the receipt of more than $49 million in state bond funds to support the Central Subway and Persia Triangle projects.

The Central Subway Project will receive $48.4 million in state Public Transportation Modernization, Improvement, and Service Enhancement Account Program (PTMISEA) funds, allowing for continued progress on extending the T Third Line through SoMa, Union Square and Chinatown. The Persia Triangle Project, which will improve pedestrian amenities and transit circulation at three intersections in southern San Francisco, will receive $675,734 in PTMISEA funds.

“The continued support of our funding partners reaffirms the importance of these projects in creating jobs, building community connections and improving the quality of life in our city,” said Mayor Lee. “We are investing in the future of our city with these crucial transit improvements that will serve generations of San Franciscans.”

“This critical state funding will allow us to continue moving forward with these important upgrades to San Francisco’s public transit system,” said Tom Nolan, Chairman of the SFMTA Board of Directors. “These projects will improve San Francisco’s quality of life by reducing travel times and enhancing mobility. They will also help us meet the goals of the city’s Transit-First Policy. We look forward to the successful completion of these essential infrastructure investments.”

The PTMISEA Program was created by state Proposition 1B, the Highway Safety, Traffic Reduction, Air Quality and Port Security Bond Act of 2006. PTMISEA funds a variety of transit-related improvements, including capital projects and transit improvements. Over a ten-year period, the program will invest $3.6 billion in transit projects across California.

“The Central Subway will cut peak-period travel times in half compared to current transit options, easing travel through the busy 4th Street and Stockton Street corridors,” said Edward D. Reiskin, SFMTA Director of Transportation. “Our partners in Sacramento have consistently recognized that these projects are key to improving transportation in San Francisco now and for future generations.”

The Central Subway Project had received about $59.8 million in PTMISEA funds prior to this allocation. In total, the state has committed to invest about $307.8 million in PTMISEA funds to construct the Central Subway.

The Persia Triangle Project will reroute part of Muni’s 29 Sunset Route and install pedestrian improvements, including a bus bulb and modified curb returns, around the intersections of Persia and Ocean avenues, Ocean Avenue and Mission Street and Persia Avenue and Mission Street.