Taraval and 40th Avenue station
| Company type | Light rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | January 14, 1923 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
Area served | Parkside district, San Francisco |
| Products | Light rail transit services |
Taraval and 40th Avenue serves 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, coinciding with the launch of the L Taraval line’s second segment.
Service
In August 2020, bus services temporarily replaced rail operations along this corridor to facilitate upgrades to the L Taraval line. The improvement project concluded on September 28, 2024, marking the restoration of train service.
During early morning and late-night periods when trains are inactive, the stop is additionally served by the and bus lines.
Reconstruction
Originally, the Taraval and 40th Avenue stop lacked dedicated platforms; passengers would board directly from the street after crossing vehicle lanes. In 2014, Muni proposed relocating stops to the far side of intersections, incorporating boarding islands and transit signal priority to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
The SFMTA Board gave approval for the L Taraval Rapid Project in September 2016, scheduling construction between 2018 and 2020. While boarding islands were planned for 40th Avenue, they were ultimately placed on the near side without new signal installations. Initial improvements such as painted clear zones were rolled out in early 2017.
Merchant opposition concerning parking space reductions for boarding islands led to a trial implementing painted stripes and signage instructing drivers to stop behind trains at five inbound stops, including 40th Avenue. This six-month pilot ran from April through October 2017. With only 74% driver compliance observed, plans proceeded to install boarding islands at all stops except 35th Avenue, which was closed in 2018. Additional painted clear zones were applied to remaining inbound locations during 2018.
Construction of the project’s first phase, spanning from 33rd to 46th Avenue, began in September 2019. When Muni Metro service resumed on August 22, 2020, L Taraval operations west of Sunset Boulevard remained suspended due to ongoing construction. Rail service was again replaced by buses starting August 25 because of overhead wire complications and COVID-19 related staffing shortages.
Work on the outbound platform commenced on November 24, 2020, followed by inbound platform construction starting March 15, 2021. The initial phase—including platforms at 40th Avenue—was finalized by July 2021.
External links
- SFMTA: Taraval St & 40th Ave inbound and outbound
- SF Bay Transit (unofficial): Taraval St & 40th Ave