Board of Supervisors Resoluton

Resolution recognizing March 18, 2025, as Transit Operator Appreciation Day in the City and County of San Francisco. 

WHEREAS, Public transit operators have served communities for centuries, beginning with the first organized horse-drawn carriage routes in Paris on March 18, 1662; and 

WHEREAS, On March 18, 2009, two Seattle transit enthusiasts celebrated the first Bus Driver Appreciation Day to show their admiration for those who dedicate their lives to moving people safely and efficiently; and 

WHEREAS, San Francisco became the first major United States city to establish a government-owned-and-operated transit service in 1912, with public sector employees operating streetcars along Geary Street; and 

WHEREAS, In 2025, Muni Operators began an independent effort to encourage San Franciscans to ride Muni and show support for operators through simple tokens of appreciation and recognition via Muni's commendation system; and 

WHEREAS, Over 2,500 Muni operators, 100 paratransit operators, and hundreds of other transit operators serve in this difficult and often thankless public-facing civil servant role; and 

WHEREAS, Despite the challenges of operating large vehicles in a dense urban environment, Muni's collision rate is lower than the target in 37 of the last 42 months as of October 2024; and 

WHEREAS, According to the Federal Transit Administration, attacks on transit operators nationwide increased by 121% between 2008 and 2021, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures; and

WHEREAS, Even in the face of these difficulties, operators frequently go above and beyond the call of duty by assisting riders with directions, supporting those with mobility issues, and connecting individuals in need with essential health services; and 

WHEREAS, Since July 2019, Muni employees have received over 5,600 official commendations from satisfied riders; and 

WHEREAS, Muni operators, as members of Transport Workers Union 250A, along with other agency operators represented by their respective unions, play a central role in San Francisco’s labor movement and serve as a pillar of working-class stability and success; and 

WHEREAS, Transit operators appreciate all forms of recognition, from a Resolution at the Board of Supervisors to a simple “Thank you, driver!” from riders; now, therefore, be it 

RESOLVED, That the Board of Supervisors commends the contributions of transit operators, including those who operate Muni buses, light rail vehicles, BART trains, streetcars, cable cars, ferries, and paratransit vehicles, all of whom transport hundreds of thousands of people throughout San Francisco each day; and, be it 

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Supervisors encourages residents and visitors to the City to thank their transit operators today and every day; and, be it 

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Supervisors recognizes not only transit operators but also the many essential workers—including Station Agents, Car Cleaners, Mechanics, Maintainers, Dispatchers, Controllers, and others—who keep San Francisco’s transit system running safely and efficiently; and, be it 

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Supervisors acknowledges the essential role that transit plays in the recovery of downtown and affirms that, without transit operators, San Francisco’s economic vitality would be deeply imperiled; and, be it 

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Supervisors commits to advocating for sustained state and local funding to ensure the financial stability of Muni, BART, and other regional transit agencies, recognizing the essential role of transit in San Francisco’s economic recovery and vitality; and, be it 

FURTHER RESOLVED, 

That the Board of Supervisors urges all San Franciscans to ride Muni and thereby join in celebrating March 18, 2025, as Transit Operator Appreciation Day 

in the City and County of San Francisco.

https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/30_bag_031825_250238.pdf