San Francisco Climate Action Plan2026 plan · progress dashboard

Taking action across sectors · 3 of 7

Transportation

The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, nationally and in San Francisco.

The City is taking an integrated approach to reduce these emissions by both encouraging the use of public transit, walking, and biking, and enabling the shift from gas-powered vehicles to electric.

The transportation sector is essential to the city, because how people and goods move shapes public health, safety, economic access, and San Francisco's ability to meet its climate goals.

Plan chapter begins on page 52 of the published PDF.

Goals

  1. By 2030Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled: Achieve a 25% reduction in per-capita Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) by 2030 and 30% reduction by 2040 (from 2019 levels), focusing housing where it will reduce the need for longer trips and increasing the use of transit, walking, and biking.
  2. By 2030Advance Zero-Emission Vehicles: By 2030, at least 25% of cars and small trucks registered in San Francisco are zero-emission; by 2035, at least 25% of large trucks and other heavier-duty vehicles; and by 2040, 100% of all cars and small trucks.

Accomplishments so far

Transportation emissions in the inventory

1.88M mtCO₂e in 2024, 28% below 1990 (2.61M).
19902.61M20002.89M20052.70M20102.79M20122.74M20152.63M20162.55M20172.34M20182.32M20192.20M20201.77M20221.86M20241.88M
Data table
YearmtCO₂evs 1990
19902,608,378—
20002,889,32411%
20052,698,4673%
20102,786,8467%
20122,735,9065%
20152,627,2911%
20162,547,524-2%
20172,336,427-10%
20182,318,118-11%
20192,200,855-16%
20201,774,899-32%
20221,858,798-29%
20241,880,516-28%

The plan's emission model expects this sector's actions, together with state and regional policy, to cut transportation emissions 65% below 1990 by 2030 and 86% by 2040 (Appendix D, Table 6).

Strategies and actions

4 strategies, 38 actions. Departments listed on an action lead its implementation.

Strategy 1 · 3 actions · 3 indicators

Maintain and expand San Francisco's fast, reliable transit system so it is the preferred way to get around the city.

  1. 1-1

    Minimize the impacts to transit service and maintain at least 2023 service levels given funding shortfalls with new revenue, cost reductions, and system efficiencies by 2027. SFMTA

    By 2027

  2. 1-2

    By 2040, achieve implementation of at least 85 miles of transit lanes and 150 miles of transit priority improvements (since 2014). SFMTA

    By 2040

  3. 1-3

    Advance major long-term transit capital projects and programs, including: SFMTA, SFCTA

    • Muni Metro Modernization Program: enter project development phase for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Core Capacity grant, complete installation of Train Control Upgrade Project initial technology demonstration and begin subway replacement and on-street technology installation. SFMTA
    • The Portal: obtain and execute a Full Funding Grant Agreement from the FTA and begin construction to extend Caltrain service from Fourth and King Street to the Salesforce Transit Center. SFMTA, SFCTA
    • Connect SF Transit Strategy Geary/19th Avenue Subway: complete pre-environmental phase. SFMTA, SFCTA
    • Bayview Caltrain Station: complete environmental phase and secure funding for subsequent phases. SFCTA

    No date set

Strategy 2 · 12 actions · 1 indicator

Ensure zero-carbon mobility choices are safe, viable, and inviting.

  1. 2-1

    Maximize delivery of projects to eliminate fatal and severe collisions and reduce all traffic collisions between cars, people on bikes, pedestrians, and people using mobility devices. SFMTA

    No date set

  2. 2-2

    Seek funding for and complete community-based transportation plans to prepare the next set of community-ready transit, pedestrian, biking, and rolling improvements that are technically feasible for funding. SFMTA

    No date set

  3. 2-3

    Seek funding and close gaps in the Biking and Rolling Plan's North Star network, especially prioritizing the needs, trip patterns, and mobility options for equity priority communities. Improve modal choices and access to first- and last-mile connections to key destinations like job centers, transit hubs, and commercial districts to support access to mobility, goods, services, and jobs. SFMTA

    No date set

  4. 2-4

    Facilitate the efficient delivery of pedestrian and bicycle network improvements and safety related projects across the transportation network by reducing regulatory and administrative barriers. SFMTA

    No date set

  5. 2-5

    Pursue opportunities to increase and expand Safe Routes to Schools programmatic and infrastructure offerings to support increasing the number of families who choose to walk, bike, take transit and carpool to school. SFMTA

    No date set

  6. 2-6

    Support training and education for the safe use of bicycles and micromobility devices to ensure that all road-users have a shared understanding and expectation of the rules of the road and how to safely operate their vehicles and devices in an urban traffic environment. SFMTA

    No date set

  7. 2-7

    By 2030, pilot e-micromobility storage/ charging infrastructure and shared electric fleet projects (e.g., bikeshare, e-bike lending, carshare), prioritizing protected lockers at public transit hubs, destinations, and multifamily sites, and considering offering valet and bike repair services. SFCTA, SFE

    By 2030

  8. 2-8

    Continue to make e-bikes more accessible to low-income residents by providing $1,000 incentives to 1,000 people through the Electrify My Ride program for Fiscal Year 25-26. SFPUC

    By 2026

  9. 2-9

    Ensure projects subject to the Transportation Demand Program in 2026-2030 are compliant to reduce driving (VMT) generated by new development projects. Planning

    By 2026

  10. 2-10

    Implement the Treasure Island Mobility Management Program by 2032 including new zero-emission ferry service, on-island shuttle, East Bay transit service, and a congestion pricing system with a robust affordability program. SFCTA

    By 2032

  11. 2-11

    Support the transition to zero-emission ferry vessels by facilitating construction and operation of charging infrastructure in San Francisco. SFCTA, SFPUC, Port

    No date set

  12. 2-12

    By 2028, study potential projected impact on VMT caused by Autonomous Vehicle (AV) operations in San Francisco over the next 25 years and their implications for public transit and active transportation, and identify policy tools to ensure AV deployment supports the City's climate and transportation goals. SFCTA

    By 2028

Strategy 3 · 13 actions · 4 indicators

Accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for remaining vehicular trips.

  1. 3-1

    By the end of 2026, establish a streamlined curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging permitting and provider management process to facilitate publicly accessible chargers in the public right-of-way in neighborhoods with a prevalence of multifamily units. SFMTA, SFPW, SFE, DBI

    By 2026

  2. 3-2

    By 2030, increase the number of EV charging ports across publicly accessible City-owned parking facilities by at least 250 and across curbside locations by 100, and provide load-managed charging at 10% of SFO-owned parking stalls. SFMTA, Port, RPD, SFO

    By 2030

  3. 3-3

    By 2030, provide technical assistance and/or incentives to bring all privately owned, publicly accessible large commercial garages into compliance with the local mandate to provide EV charging for at least 10% of parking spaces. SFE

    By 2030

  4. 3-4

    By 2026, establish a citywide urban freight team to implement truck and other medium-/ heavy-duty vehicle decarbonization strategies, including outreach to and technical assistance for small- and medium-sized fleets. SFE, SFCTA

    By 2026

  5. 3-5

    By 2027, streamline land use policy to facilitate charging projects, particularly for small- and medium-sized fleets. Planning, SFE

    By 2027

  6. 3-6

    Conduct a Site Suitability Study to identify up to five pilot locations for logistics microhubs by 2028 in collaboration with partners from the urban freight industry and begin implementation of recommendations. SFCTA, SFE

    By 2028

  7. 3-7

    By 2026, complete a feasibility study evaluating the installation of zero-emissions charging and fueling infrastructure at Pier 96 to support Port tenants and other local truck owners/operators in the transition to ZEVs. Port

    By 2026

  8. 3-8

    By 2030, forecast and plan for EV charging in SFO's future Consolidated Rental Car Center. SFO

    By 2030

  9. 3-9

    By 2028, complete and begin implementing the City Light-Duty Fleet ZEV Transition and Infrastructure Plan, including the installation of 400 charging ports to serve City vehicle fleets. ADM

    By 2028

  10. 3-10

    By 2027, initiate 100% zero-emission procurement for medium- and heavy-duty City fleet vehicles, where feasible with available technology. ADM, SFO, SFMTA, OTHERS

    By 2027

  11. 3-11

    Expand the EV Charge SF program to provide incentives and technical assistance to support at least 500 charging ports installed per year beginning in 2025 through at least 2029, and each year beginning in 2026, assess new/ emerging EV charging technologies (such as Vehicle-to-Grid) for inclusion in incentive programs. SFPUC

    By 2026

  12. 3-12

    By 2027, establish and maintain an EV Help Desk to field EV- and emerging mobility-related inquiries from the public, property owners, and charging providers, and fund ongoing, targeted education on the benefits of EVs and available incentives. SFE

    By 2027

  13. 3-13

    By 2027, revise Chapter 25 of the Environment Code, Clean Construction to align with availability of zero-emission technologies. SFE, Planning

    By 2027

Racial and Social Equity ReviewWhat the equity review said about this strategy

Equity impacts

ZEVs can be out of reach for many in EJ communities. Increasing ZEV use may have an impact on housing affordability if not carefully protected. A strong community voice is needed to ensure that the push towards ZEVs is done in a way that considers the needs and priorities of EJ communities. Historically, the adoption of ZEV technologies is greater in more affluent and wellresourced communities, often excluding or leaving behind EJ communities. Many opportunities also exist for workforce development and economic opportunities but are currently limited for EJ communities. ZEV vehicle-to-grid technology can strengthen community resilience although adoption remains uneven and inequitable.

Recommendations

  • Implement targeted outreach and education, as well as workforce development programs that benefit EJ communities.
  • Ensure EV incentives do not cause an undue burden on EJ communities and look for ways to reduce barriers to EV ownership in EJ communities.
  • Where feasible, push to incorporate more community feedback, and target EJ communities for their input on ZEV incentives.
  • Prioritize programs and incentives for EJ communities to take advantage of ZEV benefits.
  • Focus incentives for EJ communities and build outreach and education to highlight resiliency benefits of ZEVs.

Partly reflected in the final plan. TR-3-1 prioritizes curbside charging in multifamily neighborhoods; TR-3-12 funds targeted education; TR-2-8 continues low-income e-bike incentives.

Source: 2026 Climate Action Plan, Appendix C. Adoption status is our reading of the final text, pending SFE confirmation.

Strategy 4 · 10 actions · 1 indicator

Integrate transportation planning and project delivery with land use, housing, public facilities, and economic development efforts to ensure coordinated and accessible travel options.

  1. 4-1

    Ensure funding and project delivery from Muni Forward and the Biking and Rolling Plan respond to development patterns resulting from the City's adopted Housing Element Update 2023 and Family Zoning Plan. SFMTA

    Ongoing

  2. 4-2

    Maximize the coordinated benefits of improving transit facilities, by including housing and transportation services in new projects as technically and financially feasible through the Building Progress program. SFMTA

    No date set

  3. 4-3

    Support small businesses and retail corridors by meeting commercial loading needs and maximizing transit access, foot traffic, and customer access. SFMTA

    No date set

  4. 4-4

    Invest in staffing and streamlining in the review of development agreement projects to speed and maximize the delivery of transportation benefits that integrate with the overall network. SFMTA, OEWD, SFPW

    No date set

  5. 4-5

    Implement the Better Streets Plan and standards, integrate NACTO standards, and adhere to urban design best practices in development projects to ensure walkability, safety, comfort, and equitable access for pedestrians and cyclists, where funding permits. SFMTA, SFPW, Planning

    No date set

  6. 4-6

    Support local, state, and federal legislative opportunities advocating for authorizing road pricing/tolling and use of revenues for transit service and affordability programs, as well as advancing a state Road Usage Charge framework. SFCTA

    No date set

  7. 4-7

    By 2027, publish the San Francisco Freeway Network Management Study, and begin advancing equitable programs and policies that will manage vehicle traffic and increase transit service (e.g., provide discounts and exemptions for low-income individuals). SFCTA

    By 2027

  8. 4-8

    Set parking rates and policies to ensure convenient access for those who drive to businesses, services, recreation and jobs both at the curb and off-street, to help reduce VMT from people double-parking or circling/ searching for parking. SFMTA

    No date set

  9. 4-9

    By the end of 2026, complete the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Strategic Plan and identify policies and programs to increase walking, biking, and transit use. SFCTA, SFMTA, SFE

    By 2026

  10. 4-10

    By 2028, support the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in administration and evaluation of the ongoing regional transit pass pilot program known as Clipper BayPass Phase 2, and establishment of a permanent pass program in partnership with operators in the Bay Area. SFMTA, SFCTA

    By 2028

Racial and Social Equity Review2 equity review entries

Draft strategy T 2-5: By 2026, begin implementing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategic plans, policies, and programs to increase walking, biking, and transit use.

Equity impacts

EJ communities can face barriers to benefiting from TDM (transportation demand management) opportunities. These may include commute time burden, transportation costs, and heightened risks to pedestrian safety.

Recommendations

  • Encourage community buy-in from EJ communities early and often, to ensure concerns, barriers, and impacts are understood and addressed in the implementation of TDM.

Not traceable in the final text. Became action TR-4-9 (complete the TDM Strategic Plan by end of 2026).

Draft strategy T 3: Utilize pricing mechanisms to optimize the transportation system, reduce climate impacts, and advance equity.

Equity impacts

EJ communities are often left out of the decisionmaking process and face greater barriers to participation and adoption. They are often already overburdened financially and may face greater commute time burdens as well, impacting their quality of life.

Recommendations

  • Explore ways to mitigate potential impacts to EJ communities by partnering with CBOs (community-based organizations) and community stakeholders to address concerns around this strategy implementation.

Partly reflected in the final plan. Pricing folded into Strategy TR-4; TR-4-7 names discounts and exemptions for low-income individuals.

Source: 2026 Climate Action Plan, Appendix C. Adoption status is our reading of the final text, pending SFE confirmation.