S.F. transit systems point way to reducing greenhouse gases
Addressing climate change will require difficult choices both individually and collectively. But there are good choices, too, and transit is one that can make the most significant dent in greenhouse gas emissions.
There is a strong relationship between our daily travel choices and the environment. In San Francisco, the transportation sector generates fully 46 percent of the city’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Low unemployment (2.4 percent in San Francisco), coupled with median home values in excess of $1.6 million, means that more people are commuting longer distances to work in the city and throughout the region. This reality underscores the importance of building housing and office buildings close to transit centers and of providing funding to support enhanced regional transit connectivity.
Regional transit services, such as BART and Caltrain, make it possible for those who cannot afford or don’t want to live in San Francisco to make more sustainable transportation choices, meaning they can get to where they’re going without generating emissions.
Public transit provides a reason to be hopeful. On any given weekday in San Francisco, Muni carries 26 percent of all daily trips, yet generates less than 1 percent of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. That is a great deal for the environment.
Investments in the city’s public transit system, such as the Transbay Transit Center and Central Subway, will yield environmental benefits for years to come. Anywhere in the state, more people using public transit for more trips will be essential for us to collectively meet our future climate goals.
Because of its brand new fleet of electric trolley coaches, light-rail vehicles and hybrid diesel buses, San Francisco is now home to the greenest fleet of any major North American city and is one of only five agencies recognized by the American Public Transit Association’s Platinum Commitment for Sustainability. Taking the next logical next step, the SFMTA recently committed to operating an all-electric transit fleet by 2035.
San Francisco is also recognized as one of the most walkable and bike-able cities in the nation. The city’s focus on preventing traffic fatalities through its commitment to Vision Zero is helping to make the bike and pedestrian network a safer, more attractive option, paving the way for more zero-emission trips.
In 2017, the city surpassed two significant climate goals by reducing its annual greenhouse gas emissions by 28 percent below 1990 levels. Additionally, more than 52 percent of all trips to, from and within San Francisco are made on transit, by bicycle or on foot. In September, San Francisco will host the Global Climate Action Summit, which will help raise awareness and identify specific actions and commitments around this important global issue.
In 1973, the city and county of San Francisco adopted its landmark Transit First Policy, which states that “travel by public transit, by bicycle and on foot must be an attractive alternative to travel by private automobile.” Today, few global cities are as well positioned as San Francisco to lead on climate action.
Our city is projected to swell to 1.1 million residents by 2040, an increase of 26 percent. Neither our city streets nor the environment have the capacity to accommodate more cars. To protect our future and keep people moving through the city, the answer is clear. In addition to stronger fuel efficiency standards and adequate gas taxes, we — in San Francisco and statewide — must move more people in fewer vehicles. Meaningful reductions to the state’s greenhouse gas emissions will require conscious choices, both on the part of individuals and our elected leadership.