The last round of Muni service changes might have made the subway run a bit better, though probably not enough to stop sales of Mule's Muni Mess t-shirt, but there are still serious long term financial troubles for the SFMTA. Thankfully the San Francisco Board of Supervisors has reached a compromise on Supervisor Peskin's Charter Reform amendment.

If passed by the voters this november, the amendment will make sweeping changes to how the SFMTA operates. As it stands now the SFMTA is subject to meddling from nearly everyone, from worker unions, government bureaucracy, and a citizenry demanding faster service while refusing to let even a single, little used, bus stop be removed. Government bureaucracy is probably here to stay, but there is a lot else can be streamlined.

I've read through several previous drafts of the amendment which has a theme of checks and balances to it. The SFMTA will be given a lot more freedom to make decisions, spend the money it generates, and set standards, but in exchange are checks on those freedoms. There will be stricter environmental standards and it will be a lot harder for them to raise fares than it is now.