The SFTMA has put together an interactive map of Muni locations that allows the general public to decide which Muni stops should be included in the just approved 18-month pilot program that shares Muni bus zones with private commuter shuttles. Eligible shuttle service providers would pay a small fee (just enough to cover the cost of running the program) for permits to use these selected bus stops. With the data the general public submits using the interactive map, the SFMTA is hoping to answer questions like:

• If there are multiple shuttle stops in your neighborhood, would you prefer them to be concentrated at a central location or distributed?
• Which Muni stops should be included in the pilot network?
• Are there any locations that you notice shuttles stopping that aren’t Muni bus zones?
• Are there locations where there are operational issues like traffic that you see or experience around the shuttles?
• Are there locations that you feel are inappropriate for shuttle stops, why – and where should these shuttles stop instead?

Right now, for the Castro proper, the two main private Muni/private shuttle stops on the map that are being discussed are the outbound stop on Castro near Market outside of West Coast Leather and the outbound stop on Castro at 18th outside Harvey's. Someone has suggested getting rid of the first stop and consolidating it at the stop outside Harvey's since it includes "a lot of space in front which allows our bus driver to pull forward if there is a Muni bus behind him." Whichever side of the "Google Bus" argument you are on, you should check out the map and provide your feedback. Using the map you can suggest new spots or comment on already proposed suggestions. This opportunity and two open houses (this Monday and February 22nd) will be the only times the SFMTA will be taking public input on the shuttle stop locations to decide on how to move forward. via TechCrunch / James Mowdy