Renegade Transit Activists Install their Own Guerilla Benches at SF Bus Stops That Dont Have Benches

The SF Bay Area Bench Collective, a group of transit activists, installed eight unauthorized benches at Muni stops in San Francisco's Mission District over the weekend. These installations aim to address the city's significant lack of seating for bus riders, with the group stating that the benches serve over 3,222 riders per weekday. Designed by Chris Duderstadt, the benches reflect a need for better transit infrastructure, especially as city leaders face fiscal challenges that could impact Muni services. The benches may be subject to removal by SF Public Works, raising questions about the legality and future of the installations. The collective has previously installed 80 similar benches in the East Bay, which received positive community responses.

They argue that San Francisco's bus stops are among the least equipped in the Bay Area, often lacking essential amenities. The installation of these benches highlights the ongoing struggle for improved public transit conditions in the city. Recent legislative changes in Richmond, allowing such installations with permits, may influence the future of similar efforts in San Francisco.