By The Transportation and Land Use Coalition

Imagine all the benefits of a subway system, the smooth ride and reliable schedule, in an above-ground bus system for a fraction of the cost. From the passenger’s point of view, BRT is like a train: fast, comfortable, and reliable. From the taxpayer’s point of view, BRT is like a low-cost bus. A BRT busway costs a fraction to build compared to a light rail system, and the vehicles themselves are more affordable as well. BRT is the solution for Geary Blvd., Van Ness Ave. and many other streets in San Francisco. Once it is in place on those two major corridors, current and potential transit users throughout the city will demand BRT on their main streets. Read more »

By Esme Vos
Founder, Muniwireless.com

The ink is barely dry on the contract between EarthLink and San Francisco, but the factions have already lined up on either side of the debate. In other cities it’s been the pro-muni broadband activists against the anti-muni broadband crowd (the telco and cable incumbents). In San Francisco, the opposition to the EarthLink plan comes from those who want the city to: (a) deploy a fiber network and (b) own the underlying infrastructure. I can see their point – having a fiber network guarantees high-speed Internet access and a city-owned infrastructure will prevent another cable-like monopoly from developing in San Francisco. But I will make the case for deploying the citywide Wi-Fi network now. Read more »