311 callers currently have the option of using 511 — if you happen to be at one of the select few Muni stops that actually display the stop ID. Otherwise, you’re simply directed to a live person. I’d be interested to learn what percentage of people calling 311 for NextMuni times actually hang up 311 to call 511, rather than just stay on the line to talk to a live person.

I agree that the SPUR list is not a cure-all, and SFMTA should obviously do its own analysis and not necessarily take the numbers at face value. After all, we’re talking about just a couple pages of suggestions — not a full, in-depth report. As I mentioned in the post, some proposals have more merit than others. And it is also true that the MTA does not itself possess the full range of authority necessary to enact all these changes unilaterally. The placard measure does require lobbying for a legislative amendment, and thus for all intents and purposes, isn’t a top priority at the present time.

That said, SPUR’s larger point is still valid: the MTA Board approved a deep cut to service, along with pass hikes, without adequately “scraping the barrel” to study a full range of other options.

Finally, I would simply note that the onus of balancing the SFMTA’s budget does not lie with SPUR. It lies with the SFMTA.

10M/year revenue from selling blue placards? This would have to be done by the state DMV which administers disabled placards, and is prohibited by state law – likely a non-starter.

5.5M/year savings by re-route 311 calls to 511? This has already been done – when you call 311 the 1st menu option you get is for Muni (press 1), and the then the menu directs customers to call 511 for departure times.

3M/year savings by implementing Translink? This is already planned – seems like double-counting to include this as projected savings.

10M/year savings from layoffs/furloughs/overtime reduction? Who do they propose laying off – what would the impacts be to Muni service, what other projects would suffer? Layoffs don’t guarantee savings.