Rachel Swan

Off leash, on track: Rogue pup tours train tunnel to cause latest BART delay The train operator attempted to explain the situation to frustrated passengers, noting that she had to be careful while following the four-legged intruder.

Off leash, on track: Rogue pup tours train tunnel to cause latest BART delay—What appeared to be a black Chihuahua had evidently separated from its owner at the West Oakland station and… www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/b... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Off leash, on track: Rogue pup tours train tunnel to cause latest BART delay The train operator attempted to explain the situation to frustrated passengers, noting that she had to be careful while following the four-legged intruder.

The train operator attempted to explain the situation to frustrated passengers, noting that she had to be careful while following the four-legged intruder.

Here’s how many times Waymo robotaxis stalled during S.F.’s December blackout The driverless car company had previously refused to disclose how many times the vehicle's stalled during the blackout, claiming the information was a trade secret.

Here’s how many times Waymo robotaxis stalled during S.F.’s December blackout—Last month Waymo submitted a report to the California Public Utilities Commission that logged 1,593 “stoppage events” in San Francisco on Dec. 20… www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/w... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Off leash, on track: Rogue pup tours downtown tunnel to cause latest BART delay The train operator attempted to explain the situation to frustrated passengers, noting that she had to be careful while following the four-legged intruder.

Latest BART delay isn't an equipment meltdown -- it's a joy-riding dog: www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/b...

BART’s fare gates will make a new sound next week. Here’s why BART passengers will hear two ascending notes — a perfect fifth, for those who took piano lessons — if they pause an extra beat while tapping their payment device to enter.

BART’s fare gates will make a new sound next week. Here’s why—“We wanted to make a clear, definitive, welcoming, ‘It’s OK to enter’ kind of sound,” said Ryan Greene-Roesel, BART’s acting director of access and accessibility. www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

BART’s cost-cutting plan risks a ‘death spiral’ that could end all train service Hidden deep in the contingency plan to slash costs at BART if voters decline to bail out the rail agency is an all-out nuclear scenario called Phase 3: Shut the rail system down altogether.

BART’s cost-cutting plan risks a ‘death spiral’ that could end all train service-“I’m not sure if people have fully woken up to all the impacts,” said former… www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

This data shows just how bad BART’s doomsday scenario would be for riders One in eight BART rides ended last year at stations that would close under the transit agency’s “Phase 2” cost-cutting scenario. That share represents well over 6 million trips.

This data shows just how bad BART’s doomsday scenario would be for riders–Many policymakers foresee disaster if Bay Area residents foist a mass transit… www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Newsom approves $590 million loan for struggling transit agencies Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday authorized a $590 million loan to bolster struggling transit agencies in the Bay Area, some of which could collapse without an economic lifeline.

Newsom approves $590 million loan for struggling transit agencies—Assemblymember Lori Wilson, who chairs the Assembly’s transportation committee, emphasized that public transportation is not a luxury but a necessity… www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

BART found a fix for the problem that caused 34,000 delays in a year The $4.3 million software upgrade means BART has cut one type of delay from being in the thousands to double digits.

BART found a fix for the problem that caused 34,000 delays in a year—At the same time, supporters of public transportation are pushing a sales tax for the November ballot to shore up BART, Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit… www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Here are 10 to 15 stations that could close under BART doomsday scenarios BART has nailed down the 10 stations that could close if voters decline to bail out the rail agency in November, a dire scenario that would gut service across the Bay Area.

Here are 10 to 15 stations that could close under BART doomsday scenarios—Officials at transportation agencies that link to BART worried about ripple effects, if the Bay Area loses parts of its rail backbone. A possible… www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Here are 10 to 15 stations that could close under BART doomsday scenarios During the day, trains would run every 30 minutes, as opposed to the 20 or fewer minute waits to which riders are now accustomed.

Scoop: Here are the 10-15 stations that would close under BART doomsday scenario: www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti...

The latest plan for California high-speed rail: Connect it to Yosemite Some outdoor enthusiasts said they loved the idea of connecting California’s high-speed rail to Yosemite National Park, citing the ability to rest instead of driving high tension roads.

The latest plan for California high-speed rail: Connect it to Yosemite—The concept would require moving a station from the city’s population center to an area that many people would consider the boondocks. Instead of… www.sfchronicle.com/california/a... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

This California bill sparked fears of a mileage tax for drivers. Here’s what it actually does Experts see many reasons to explore such a policy. With the shift in new purchases from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles, California stands to lose gas tax revenue that helps fund...

This California bill sparked fears of a mileage tax for drivers. Here’s what it actually does—Experts in transportation and land use see many reasons to explore such a policy. With… www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/s... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Super Bowl LX arrives in the Bay Area as America’s political tensions spill into Levi’s Stadium Roughly 130 million people are expected to watch the gladiatorial combat between massive humans wearing armor and iconography. Few sights are more captivating, or more stereotypically patriotic.

Hello! I wanted to share a piece I wrote about holding the Super Bowl, a.k.a. the nation's biggest marketing and entertainment event, biggest expression of Americanism and biggest moment for seven-layer dip ... at a moment when America is so fraught. Gift link: www.sfchronicle.com/super-bowl-l...

S.F. supervisor renews push for $1.4 billion Central Subway extension to Fisherman’s Wharf Supporters believe that with the addition of two or three stations, Central Subway could grow from a stub to a proper light-rail system that could reshape the city’s transportation network.

S.F. supervisor renews push for $1.4 billion Central Subway extension to Fisherman’s Wharf—With a price tag north of $1.4 billion, the Central Subway would be a herculean project… www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/c... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Has a gas station near you closed? This California law may be why As of Jan. 1, California is mandating that underground fuel tanks have two protective shells to prevent soil or groundwater contamination. Some station owners are scrambling to comply.

Has a gas station near you closed? This California law may be why—Throughout the state, gas station operators who waited until the last minute… www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Imagine a Bay Area without BART. We got two test cases last year, when outages shut down the system down for hours. Many people got in their cars Bay Bridge backups increased by nine minutes, not counting miserable jams on the freeway approaches. Full report here:

Waymo scolded by judge after robotaxi company refuses to discuss details from power outage A judge scolded Waymo during an administrative rules proceeding after the company refused to disclose how many of its robotaxis had stalled during a power outage in San Francisco.

Waymo scolded by judge after robotaxi company refuses to discuss details from power outage—Zoox and Tesla also declined to provide data on vehicles stopped during the outage. Although Waymo’s staff… www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/w... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Yes, Muni buses are slow. But they’re also more efficient than you might think New data from the SFMTA proves that Muni buses really do crawl through traffic, but they also carry more riders than almost anywhere else.

I may be the last person to learn that Muni buses travel at under 8 mph. I found this rather staggering. Red lines could help. But are there other solutions? Should SF get rid of some bus stops? www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/m...

California Highway 101 traffic is still a mess, despite upgrades. Could this new fix help? This remedy will be installed next year along a segment called the Narrows, between Novato and the Sonoma County line. Caltrans recently widened those six miles by adding high-occupancy vehicle...

California Highway 101 traffic is still a mess, despite upgrades. Could this new fix help–Caltrans recently widened those 6 miles by adding high-occupancy vehicle lanes for carpools during rush hour… www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Bay Area bridge tolls will rise in January. Here’s how much more they will cost The Bay Area Bridge Toll Authority said there are specific reasons for increasing the tolls.

Bay Area bridge tolls will rise in January. Here’s how much more they will cost—At 88 years old, the Bay Bridge needs a lot of repair and regenerative surgery: coats of paint on her peeling towers, new fenders… www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Exclusive: Here’s what the Muni parcel tax would cost S.F.’s homeowners The progressive property tax would impose a flat rate for most single-family homes and place a larger burden on big landlords.

Exclusive: Here’s what the Muni parcel tax would cost S.F.’s homeowners—The philosophy, at heart, is to spare middle-class households and small businesses, while asking more… www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/h... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Muni tax: Some Boomer homeowners get exemptions. But what about Gen Z renters? Roughly a third of homeowners in San Francisco could be exempt from a parcel tax to save Muni, owing to a provision that spares seniors from having to pay.

Muni tax: Some Boomer homeowners get exemptions. But what about Gen Z renters?—More contentious, still, is the question of whether landlords will have the ability… www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/s... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

The Bay Bridge is set to undergo a major transformation — and it could improve your commute To anyone who grew up playing a game of sit-and-wait at the Bay Bridge toll plaza, this change could be mind-blowing.

The Bay Bridge is set to undergo a major transformation — and it could improve your commute—It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that state and regional officials removed… www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

California threatens to ban Tesla sales for 30 days Tesla has 90 days to fix claims in its advertising of self-driving and autopilot features that the state says are misleading, officials at the California Department of Motor Vehicles announced.

California threatens to ban Tesla sales for 30 days—At the heart of the case are four phrases or product descriptions from Tesla’s website that state officials characterize as ambiguous or that amount to false advertising… www.sfchronicle.com/california/a... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Muni may raise fees for parking as it stares down a deficit. But some violations will cost less Though small tweaks to Muni’s fare policy may escape notice, these new proposed parking rates will likely stoke controversy.

Muni may raise fees for parking as it stares down a deficit. But some violations will cost less—Some fees could go down, particularly for parking violations that have no impact on public safety. www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/m... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Highway 101 carpool hours to change following commuter uproar Pummeled by complaints from North Bay drivers, state and regional transportation officials say they will reduce the carpool lane hours on a recently overhauled stretch of Highway 101.

Highway 101 carpool hours to change following commuter uproar—This fall, Caltrans completed a 30-year rebuild of that corridor, widening a notorious bottleneck… www.sfchronicle.com/california/a... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Giant spheres in S.F.’s Union Square aren’t holiday decorations. They’re crime stoppers Rows of the 3,000-pound balls line the curbs at Union Square, resembling boulders affixed to podiums that look like part of a Greek column.

Giant spheres in S.F.’s Union Square aren’t holiday decorations. They’re crime stoppers—The fixtures have a clear purpose. Luxury shops have in the past been vulnerable to ram-raid burglaries, in which thieves… www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/u... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Bay Area transportation is at a crossroads: These are the 10 issues to watch in 2026 The next year will be a key period for transportation in the region as BART and Muni grapple with funding, robotaxis continue to expand and traffic remains an expanding issue for drivers.

Bay Area transportation is at a crossroads—At a moment when our whole transportation system could be dismantled and reimagined, here are the top ten stories to look out for. @airresources.bsky.social @mtcbata.bsky.social www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/arti... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com

Waymo wants to be Big Tech’s nice guy. Will San Francisco buy it? While Tesla’s Elon Musk joined the Trump administration, Waymo won the PR war and forged alliances in San Francisco’s City Hall. Then a tough fall spurred videos pointing out the cars’ faults.

Waymo wants to be Big Tech’s nice guy. Will San Francisco buy it?—Over the next several months Waymo will keep tweaking safety features as it eyes new territory in San Diego, suburban Los Angeles, Sacramento and Wine Country… www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/w... @rswansf.bsky.social @sfchronicle.com