Taraval and 35th Avenue station
| Company type | Light rail station (former) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | January 14, 1923 |
| Defunct | February 10, 2018 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
Taraval and 35th Avenue served as a light rail station on the Muni Metro L Taraval route, situated within San Francisco's Parkside district. This stop commenced operations on January 14, 1923. The outbound platform ceased service in 2017, followed by the closure of the inbound platform in 2018. The vicinity includes track features such as a crossover used for short-turn operations and a wye utilized for storing out-of-service trains.
Closure
Similar to numerous stops along the L Taraval line, the Taraval and 35th Avenue station did not have dedicated platforms; trains halted at poles positioned before the intersection, compelling passengers to cross active traffic lanes to board. In March 2014, Muni's Transit Effectiveness Project—later renamed MuniForward—recommended removing multiple stops, including this one, to improve stop spacing and decrease overall travel duration.
The SFMTA Board approved the L Taraval Rapid Project on September 20, 2016, scheduling construction between 2018 and 2020. While the inbound stop at 35th Avenue was initially preserved, early modifications resulted in the outbound stop being discontinued on February 25, 2017.
Responding to local business concerns about parking reductions caused by proposed boarding islands, SFMTA introduced a pilot program targeting inbound stops such as 35th Avenue. This initiative involved painted markings and signage directing drivers to halt behind trains to ensure safe passenger boarding. Conducted from April through October 2017, the six-month trial achieved a compliance rate of only 74%, falling short of the 90% goal. Consequently, plans were made to install boarding islands at all stops included in the pilot.
Due to its close location to the Taraval and Sunset station and the presence of a nearby crossover that impeded island installation, Muni recommended complete removal of the 35th Avenue stop. In December 2017, the SFMTA Board voted to eliminate remaining inbound stops at both 17th Avenue (a decision later reversed) and 35th Avenue. The inbound stop officially closed on February 10, 2018.