Dylan Fabris, Community and Policy Manager of San Francisco Transit Riders, has expressed concerns over Mayor Daniel Lurie's decision to permit Waymo-only vehicles on Market Street. He argues that this move is dangerous and undermines democratic processes and transit equity. Fabris made these remarks on the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition's (SFBC) website.
"Allowing Waymo exclusive access to Market Street essentially creates a nearly two-mile-long City-sanctioned monopoly for the Google-owned tech company," said Fabris. "All while the City is cutting vital Muni service on the same corridor. Transit riders will now not only need to deal with increased transfers and delays brought on by upcoming service cuts, but also the delays and hazards caused by a fleet of new Waymo vehicles flooding Market Street."
According to Planetizen, Waymo is poised to gain a unique advantage in San Francisco by potentially becoming the sole ride-hailing service allowed on Market Street, a corridor closed to most private vehicles, including Uber and Lyft. Although the original Better Market Street policy restricted ride-hailing to preserve transit efficiency and safety, the city quietly permitted Waymo to survey and map the area in preparation for future service. If final approval is granted, Waymo would have exclusive access that its competitors lack, raising concerns about fairness and the city's shifting priorities for one of its most important streets.
The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition reports that allowing vehicles like Waymo onto Market Street threatens to undo five years of safety and transit improvements achieved through a car-free policy built on decades of planning and public input. Since removing private cars, the corridor has become safer and more efficient, with Muni travel times improving by 14% and thousands more safely walking, biking, and using public transit each day. The Mayor’s decision not only disrupts Muni’s ongoing recovery but also endangers the daily commutes of hundreds of thousands, reversing hard-won progress in favor of a less safe, less functional Market Street.
The Market Street fact sheet indicates there is no clear link between increased traffic and higher retail sales, lower office vacancies, or greater tourism. In contrast, projects focusing on activating public spaces, such as the UN Plaza and Civic Center revitalization efforts, have been more effective at drawing foot traffic and investment. Rather than reversing car-free policies, the city has an opportunity to build on public realm improvements through initiatives like the Urban Land Institute and Civic Joy Fund competition aimed at creating a new community-centered vision for Market Street’s future.
According to the San Francisco Transit Riders website, as Community and Policy Manager at San Francisco Transit Riders, Fabris leads advocacy efforts focused on creating a more socially and environmentally just transportation system. Having grown up in the car-centric suburbs of Southern California, he now embraces the freedom and connectivity offered by San Francisco’s public transit network.