Day 55 of the 16th St. crackdown driving the 49 bus

Bus drivers on the 49 Muni route in San Francisco consistently observe illegal street vending and drug use at the 16th Street BART plaza, even with police presence. One driver reported that gatherings begin as early as 6:30 a. m. and persist throughout the day, impacting the transit experience. When police attempt to disperse vendors, they often relocate to nearby stops, which complicates transit operations.

By the time the bus reaches Civic Center, it fills with passengers who have to adjust for limited seating. The driver, trained to manage disruptions, frequently deals with obstacles such as cars and unruly passengers. This ongoing situation raises questions about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies in the area. The San Francisco Police Department's approach has not significantly changed the plaza's dynamics. Community discussions may be necessary to address the underlying issues contributing to these challenges.