(a) Strategies for managing traffic congestion are key to ensuring that San Francisco’s transportation system remains efficient, affordable, and safe as the number of jobs and the population in San Francisco grows. These strategies include improving transit, improving access to bicycling and walking, supporting walkable and transit-oriented neighborhoods, and managing vehicle use, parking, and traffic signals.
(b) Over the years, traffic congestion has increased in San Francisco, with San Francisco ranking among the top five most congested cities in the world, according to the 2018 INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, which analyzes traffic congestion in more than 200 cities across 38 countries. As congestion increases, it is vital that San Francisco continue to make its transit system faster and more reliable while ensuring that the City invests in streets to create a safer environment.
(c) Emerging technologies, including autonomous vehicles, are expected to further increase traffic congestion in San Francisco, with the San Francisco County Transportation Authority’s 2017 Report “TNCs Today” documenting that transportation network companies accounted for approximately 50% of San Francisco’s congestion increase from 2010-2016. As these technologies expand, it is critical that they complement existing transit infrastructure and improve first-mile-last-mile accessibility, while mitigating congestion.
(d) In 2014, San Francisco adopted Vision Zero, a plan committed to eliminating all traffic deaths in San Francisco. The Vision Zero High Injury Network guides the City’s investments in infrastructure and ensures prioritization of critical Transit First, pedestrian safety, and bicycle safety projects. In San Francisco, 13% of streets account for 75% of the City’s severe traffic injuries and fatalities. To further the goal of Vision Zero, San Francisco must increase capital investments in street safety.
(e) In 2017, the San Francisco Transportation 2045 Task Force identified a projected $22 billion funding gap for San Francisco’s transportation system through 2045 and possible revenue sources to close that gap, including a tax on rides facilitated by transportation network companies.
(f) In 2018, the Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 1184, which confirmed the City’s authority to impose a tax on net rider fares for rides originating in San Francisco, including rides facilitated by transportation network companies and rides provided by autonomous vehicles.
(Added by Proposition D, 11/5/2019, Eff. 12/20/2019, Oper. 1/1/2020)