Transit Justice Coalition
Who is the TJC?
The Transit Justice Coalition (TJC) comprises organizations from all across San Francisco who understand that a thriving public transit system is a bedrock for equity in our city and that in order to create a thriving public transit system, it needs to be built with equity top-of-mind. The coalition, convened by San Francisco Transit Riders (SFTR), has been meeting since September 2022 to articulate a vision for San Francisco public transit that prioritizes the needs of transit riders who have historically been excluded from decisions around transportation and urban planning. Our coalition includes (but is not limited to) transit riders, disability advocates, climate advocates, members of labor unions, community groups, and affordable housing providers.
Mission Statement and Vision
The Transit Justice Coalition’s mission is to bring together transit riders, community organizers, advocates, labor, and more to shape and advocate for an equitable, fully-funded, and thriving transit system in San Francisco.
We envision a transit system where everyone – regardless of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and ability – can enjoy accessible transit options that reliably, affordably, and conveniently get us where we need to go in San Francisco and connect us to work, school, loved ones, essential services, and recreation throughout the region. We envision a transit system that is sustainably and equitably funded to support the changes needed to make public transit the mode of choice for all San Franciscans.
Transit Justice Coalition Charter and Membership Criteria
Interested in joining the Transit Justice Coalition? Submit an interest form here:
What We Need
Restore, Stabilize, and Expand Service
Service should be restored based on demand focused on existing routes that face crowding and new routes that create new connections between underserved neighborhoods.
Affordability
The framework for transportation funding should change from an enterprise to a public service with social value. We should look at alternative funding sources and keep transit-free or very low-cost for everyone.
Safety
It is vital that everyone – including operators, and riders – feel physically and psychologically safe while riding transit. We are committed to a transit future where everyone has safe access to public transit.
Access and Accessibility
We envision transit services, stops, and stations that are accessible for people of all abilities, all familiarity levels with transit, and speakers of all languages.
How We Get There
planning and decision-making
Workforce and Agency capacity
Funding
Building an equitable and accountable transit system for all San Franciscans
The goal of this report is to create a clear framework for what “accountability” means for the riders and communities that rely on public transit every day. In doing so, we hope to lay the groundwork for the new, sustainable, and equitable funding sources that will be necessary to ensure that our local transit agencies improve and remain accountable to riders.
The document is divided into two parts. Part 1 is about what transit service is needed, how people access transit, and ensuring transit is safe and affordable. Part 2 focuses on how transit decisions are made, how we support the transit workforce, and our recommendations for local transit funding.
Current Campaigns
Muni Now, Muni Forever
Goal: Address Muni’s budget deficit without implementing harmful service cuts.
Context: Muni is facing an operational budget deficit of up to $322m per year starting in 2026. To cut costs in anticipation of that deficit, Muni service cuts will start as soon as February 2025. The service cuts scenario presented at the Controller’s Muni Funding Working Group showed the reality of what service cuts could be to come if the deficit is not addressed.
Tactics: Education of the public and decision makers through letter-writing, office visits, social media/blog posts, webinars, rallies, public comments, and others as needed.
The Muni Now, Muni Forever campaign will leverage existing TJC and Prop L networks to create a broad coalition of TJC members and independent advocates to resist service cuts and rally around progressive revenue sources to address Muni’s deficit.
The Muni Now, Muni Forever campaign is the current focus of the TJC.
In-depth planning and discussion for this campaign occur at the weekly TJC meetings. The TJC acts as the steering committee of the campaign. Additional working groups may be created to work on specific topics, which are open to any organization or individual member of the campaign, even if they are not members of the TJC.
Articles Published
Call to Action: ‘Muni Now, Muni Forever’ Campaign Needs Your Help
By Transit Justice Coalition and Muni Now Muni Forever, StreetsblogSF | April 23, 2025
Transit advocates have launched a campaign to push legislators to fund San Francisco’s buses and trains.
No idea is too bold as S.F.’s Muni stares down $322 million deficit
By Rachel Swan, SF Chronicle | April 22, 2025
Muni is considering all types of ways to reduce its expenses or create more revenue, in response to a budget shortfall.
SFMTA unveils latest cost-saving proposal
By James Salazar, SF Examiner | March 13, 2025
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s latest service-cutting proposal saves money for the financially struggling agency.
Contact us
San Francisco Transit Riders
P.O. Box 193341, San Francisco, CA 94119
© 2018 San Francisco Transit Riders, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit
Tax ID 47-4568771