Free Muni for Seniors and People with Disabilities Begins

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) reminded Muni riders that the Free Muni for low-to-moderate income seniors and people with disabilities program began March 1.

Following unanimous approval by the SFMTA board on Jan. 20, the SFMTA has worked tirelessly to meet the city’s demand for this program. In just over one month, the SFMTA has processed more than 38,000 applications for the Free Muni program expansion.

The program is available on Clipper card only, and the SFMTA has taken steps to streamline the process. In most instances, new applicants have received their Clipper cards in the mail. While, existing Clipper cardholders were mailed letters notifying them of their application acceptance. The notice will also include instructions on how to use the Clipper card. Customers who already have a Senior or Regional Transit Connection (RTC) Card may apply immediately online, by mail or by dialing 311. A new card is not required.  

“Approximately 8,000 multilingual applications, sent to 150 community organizations, senior centers, and 10 police stations are just a portion of the outreach by SFMTA staff,” said Tom Nolan, chairman of the SFMTA Board. “Their unflagging work comes with a reminder that Free Muni has income, age, residency and other requirements that govern this unprecedented program.”

The SFMTA Board engaged in a careful review of the agency’s financial health before voting to expand Free Muni. Nonetheless, over the next two years it is estimated the cost of the Free Muni program will be approximately $6 million.

“This program is about making public transportation affordable to some of our most vulnerable residents - seniors and people with disabilities,” said SFMTA Director of Transportation, Ed Reiskin. “Under Mayor Lee’s bold vision, we believe Free Muni aligns with his ‘affordability agenda’ to improve transportation for all who depend on Muni.”  

Applications may take up to four weeks to process. However, all applications received prior to February 13have been completed, and the Free Muni product has been automatically loaded onto customer’s Clipper cards and will be effective as of March 1.

"It is getting harder and harder for low-income seniors and people with disabilities to live in San Francisco.”  That’s why Betty Traynor, board president for Senior & Disability Action, believes the Free Muni expansion program offers many people peace-of-mind. “Rents and evictions are sky-high and low-income communities and communities of color are being pushed out of the city. Free Muni is a step in the right direction. This says that our city values the participation of seniors and people with disabilities in our community."

In passing the Free Muni for Senior and People with Disabilities legislation, the SFMTA Board also voted to approve a 12 percent increase in Muni service last year as part of the agency’s two-year budget. Seven percent of this increase was approved during the Jan. 20 Board meeting—along with Free Muni for Seniors and People with Disabilities (a 3 percent increase was already approved last year).