San Francisco's Van Ness Avenue is making strides in public transportation with its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which has recently received an impressive Silver designation from the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP). The project, launched in April 2022, boasts dedicated transit lanes, signal priority for buses, and improvements to pedestrian safety, contributing to a significantly faster and more reliable bus service. According to the City and County of San Francisco, Mayor London N. Breed lauded the recognition, saying it demonstrates impactful transit investments. At the same time, SFMTA Director of Transportation Jeffrey Tumlin highlighted that the 49-Van Ness/Mission ridership is soaring above pre-pandemic levels, a testament to the project's success.

As reported by the City and County of San Francisco, the Van Ness BRT is not only faster by 36% but has also led to a remarkable 54% reduction in injury traffic collisions. These results are part of an ongoing evaluation expected to wrap up this fall, showcasing the varied benefits of the BRT project. In a city where efficient and sustainable transportation is a priority, the ITDP Silver certification sets the Van Ness BRT apart, not just on a national but on an international level, as it joins the ranks of other leading transit systems across the globe.

The BRT standard is a well-regarded framework for recognizing rapid transit systems and prioritizing passenger experience and environmental benefits. It spurs cities into adopting best practices, such as implementing dedicated bus lanes and platform-level boarding. As highlighted by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the Van Ness BRT's Silver Certification was based on a rigorous review that utilized the ITDP's BRT Standard scorecard, underscoring the system's quality and effectiveness.

The implications for local businesses and city residents have been significant. Chef/Owner Michael Buhagiar of Harris’ Restaurant said, per the City and County of San Francisco, "The Van Ness Rapid Transit project has made a significant difference for transportation to our restaurant". The transformative effect of the BRT project on Van Ness Avenue reflects the city's commitment to improving transit and urban life. As per the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, comprehensive results of a study on the BRT corridor's impact will be available by mid-October.