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ORDER OF BUSINESS 1. Call to Order Chairman McCray called the meeting to order at 2:21 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present:
3. Announcement of prohibition of sound producing devices during the meeting. Chairman McCray announced that the ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at the meeting. He advised that any person responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic devices might be removed from the meeting. He also advised that cell phones that are set on “vibrate” cause microphone interference and requested that they be placed in the “off” position. 4. Approval of Minutes On motion to approve the minutes of the September 16, 2008 Regular Meeting: unanimously approved. 5. Communications Chairman McCray noted that Robin Reitzes would be acting as counsel in place of Julia Friedlander. Board Secretary Roberta Boomer announced that Items 10.1 I, K, M and N and 10.8 have been removed from the agenda. 6. Introduction of New or Unfinished Business by Board Members Chairman McCray commended staff for their participation in the APTA Annual Meeting and Expo. 7. Executive Director’s Report (for discussion only)
Executive Director/CEO Ford presented special recognition awards to the winners of the 2008 Bus, Maintenance and Enforcement Roadeo. Awards were presented to Parking Control Officers Lawrence Manu, Luis Estrada and Eduardo Villarreal; Transit Operators Kevin Grady, Mitchell Johnson and Richard Walls; and the maintenance team of Sam Kuo, Steve Lind and Rick Hoang. Executive Director/CEO Ford discussed the Easter Seals Paratransit Project, the new hologram design on monthly transit passes, the Combined Charities Campaign, the Safe Driver Awards Banquet, the RailVolution Conference, the BART Earthquake Safety Program Church Street Station Retrofit and receipt of a “Safe Route to Schools” grant. Deputy Chief Antonio Parra, Director of Safety, Security and Enforcement, presented an update on Parking Control Officers training. Carter Rohan, Senior Director, Transportation Planning and Development, provided a status report on the Bicycle Program EIS/EIR. Sonali Bose, Chief Financial Officer, presented the FY08 year-end financial report. 8. Citizen’s Advisory Council Report Daniel Murphy, SFMTA CAC Chairman, presented the CAC recommendations. 9. Public Comment Larry Holmes stated that his neighbors organized a meeting regarding concerns about rerouting a bus onto their street. He thanked the SFMTA for accommodating their concerns. Mike Benardo stated that before we “improve” Muni, the former service cuts should be eliminated. Those cuts resulted in a loss of revenue service and money. He stated that the TEP desires to reroute the 6-Parnassus despite money spent on new overhead lines and poles. Do not eliminate the 3-Jackson or the 7-Haight lines. The 71-Haight/Noriega line is too crowded. San Franciscans want electric transit, not polluting diesel. Biodiesel still pollutes the air. Ernestine Weiss stated that things have been running well. The F-line has been in the newspapers for overcrowding and pass-ups. Drivers let too many people board. People spill their drinks on-board. Drivers need better training to prevent this. Drivers don’t make people move back when there’s room in the rear of the vehicle. The training department needs to talk about these issues. Emil Lawrence stated that there has been no word about the Taxi Advisory Group since formation. The group is lopsided with advisors from the hotel and restaurant industries, but it only has one taxi driver. A single taxi driver doesn’t represent all the drivers. The taxi industry skims more money than the SFMTA loses each year. Mark Van Veenendahl stated that F-line vehicles can go to the CalTrain station. Concrete has been laid for wheelchair access, but there are only four double-end cars in the fleet of PCCs. The track should have included a loop at the end of the line so single-end cars could run on the E-line. Andy Thornley, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, stated that they are encouraged about the status of the Bike Plan EIR. Environment review is not the point; the point is the SFMTA’s Bike Plan. The Coalition is favorable toward the SFMTA’s plan. He urged the Board to act decisively. Janice Evans stated that 30th Avenue at Lincoln is a major entry to the park and people have been hit due to speeding cars. Supervisor Ed Jew told them a stop light was going to be installed, but they would prefer a stop sign. THE FOLLOWING MATTERS BEFORE THE SAN FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION AS STATED, BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO, AND CITY ATTORNEY WHERE APPLICABLE. CONSENT CALENDAR 10. All matters listed hereunder constitute a Consent Calendar, are considered to be routine by the Municipal Transportation Agency Board and will be acted upon by a single vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Board or the public so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered as a separate item. (10.1) Requesting the Controller to allot funds and to draw warrants against such funds available or will be available in payment of the following claims against the SFMTA:
Items 10.1 I, K, M, and N were removed from the agenda at the request of the City Attorney and continued to the November 18, 2008 meeting. RESOLUTION 08-166 (10.2) Approving the following traffic modifications:
RESOLUTION 08-167 Items 10.2 M, N and O were removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of the public. PUBLIC COMMENT on Items 10.2 M, N and O: Ernestine Weiss stated that the footpath was converted to a street after the Embarcadero Freeway was pulled down. This shouldn’t be a parking area. The Golden Gateway garage is right there. The area was originally devised as a footpath. It is only two lanes wide. There are many other places where people can park. Corinne Woods stated that the Ferry building lost parking when it closed the lot at Pier 1 ½. The Port is looking for incremental solutions to replace that loss. The loss of parking has become a huge problem not only for visitors to the Farmers Market, but also for the vendors. It’s important to add more parking. Bobby Coleman stated there has always been parking issues in the area. The Davis St. site has two lanes and is surrounded by parking garages. It’s near major transportation stops. Putting more parking there is not acceptable. It’s a precarious habitat for the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill. More time is needed to discuss alternatives. Bond Yee, Director, Parking and Traffic and Jonathan Stern, Asst. Deputy Director, Waterfront Development Port of San Francisco, presented the staff report. On motion to continue the item 10.2 M, N and O for one month to allow more time for public outreach and communication: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka (10.3) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to accept and expend $5,110,000 administered through FTA Section 5309 capital assistance for the SFgo Van Ness Corridor Improvements project. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) (Sonali Bose) RESOLUTION 08-168 (10.4) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to accept and expend $194,700, in state Safe Routes to School Program funds for the Clarendon Elementary School Project. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) (Sonali Bose) RESOLUTION 08-169 (10.5) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to execute an agreement with Saint Louis County to transfer ownership of Presidential Conference Committee Streetcar #1164 to Saint Louis County in exchange for two General Electric #1220 traction motors. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and agreement.) (Ken McDonald) RESOLUTION 08-170 (10.6) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to execute the Third Amendment to the Agreement with Howger Services for on-site mobile urine and breath collection services, to extend the Agreement through November 30, 2008. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and amendment.) (Tony Parra) RESOLUTION 08-171 (10.7) Authorizing the Department of Public Works to award DPW Contract No. 1499J: Contract 59 New Traffic Signals, to Phoenix Electric Company for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,493,301. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and financial plan.) (Bond Yee) RESOLUTION 08-172 (10.8) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to authorize the Department of Public Works to issue a bid call for the DPW Contract No. 1099J: SFgo Various Location Contract 1 for the installation of seven variable message sign displays and 11 closed circuit television cameras at various locations in the Bayview, Hunter’s Point, Panhandle, Inner Sunset, South of Market and Civic Center areas. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and financial plan.) (Bond Yee) Item 10.8 was removed from the agenda. (10.9) Approving the plans and specifications and authorizing bid call for Contract No. 1231, John M. Woods Motor Coach Facility – Vehicle Lifts Replacement, Phase I, and Potrero and Presidio Trolley Coach Facilities – Fall Protection Systems Project. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and financial plan.) (Carter Rohan) RESOLUTION 08-173 (10.10) Ratifying the agreement between the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District and the City and County of San Francisco for recovery of costs for supporting BART’s Earthquake Safety Program. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and agreement.) (Bond Yee) RESOLUTION 08-174 (10.11) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to execute a Real Estate and an Easement Agreement with 3563 TWENTY FIRST involving a modification to an existing easement in exchange for fee interest and rail transit improvements at 21st Street and Chattanooga Street. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, maps and financial plan.) (Sonali Bose) RESOLUTION 08-175 (10.12) Approving the designation of seven street-artist selling spaces at Harvey Milk Plaza from November 15th through January 15th in perpetuity subject to removal due to repair work, reconstruction, emergency, or security-related concerns. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and resolution.) (Roberta Boomer) RESOLUTION 08-176 (10.13) Authorizing the Executive Director/CEO to execute an agreement with PB Americas to conduct implementation consulting services for the Transit Effectiveness Project for an amount not to exceed $1,200,000 and a contract term of two years with a one-year option to extend. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution, maps and contract.) (Sonali Bose) Item 10.13 was removed from the Consent Calendar by a member of the public. PUBLIC COMMENT: David Pilpel expressed support for the next phase of the project. The team is solid. Early direction about how to make this a “go” will be needed. He urged the SFMTA to retain the TEP CAC and the continuity of public input. On motion to approve Item 10.13: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka RESOLUTION 08-177 On motion to approve the Consent Calendar (Items 10.1 I, K, M, N, Items 10.2 M, N and O, Item 10.8 and Item 10.13 severed): ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka REGULAR CALENDAR 11. Endorsing the staff recommendations for the Transit Effectiveness Project, as revised by the Ad Hoc TEP Review Committee, for the purpose of initiating any required environmental assessment. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, recommendations and resolutions.) (Ken McDonald) Director Jerry Lee reviewed the recommendations of the Ad Hoc TEP Review Committee. Wade Crowfoot, Office of Mayor Gavin Newsom, expressed appreciation to the SFMTA for the TEP. On behalf of Mayor Newsom, Mr. Crowfoot urged the adoption of the TEP recommendations so the SFMTA can begin implementation of important transit improvements for reliability, speed and convenience of the system. Julie Kirschbaum, TEP Manager, presented the staff report. Peg Stevenson, Controller’s Office, City Services Auditor Division Director, expressed appreciation to staff for their leadership. This project sets a new bar for the city for project analysis. PUBLIC COMMENT: Ross Woodall suggested more access for wheelchair users traveling from Forest Hills to West Portal. Alec Bash commended staff for recognizing the need to improve transit service along the Embarcadero corridor. The E-line extension will improve service and reduce headways on the F-line. If the waterfront is to achieve its potential, transit will need to be improved. Daniel Murphy, Rescue Muni, expressed their support for the TEP plan. The plan is the realization of many things that Rescue Muni has pushed for over the years. They urged the SFMTA to press aggressively to find revenue for the “revenue-enhanced” version. Kay Walker stated that the recommendation to restore the 17-line service on Buckingham Way will make a lot of people very happy, especially seniors and disabled patrons. Corinne Woods stated that the TEP is great. Please approve it. Mission Bay is being developed as a transit-dependent area. The 22-line is critical to the community. Neighbors are desperate to have this happen. Norm Rolfe stated that the SFMTA should get together with the Redevelopment Agency and the TJPA regarding establishing Folsom as a two-way street. The 11-line on Folsom Street could be rerouted to address a lack of service. He urged staff to have additional dialogue about transit service on Folsom. Carli Paine, Transportation and Land Use Coalition Group, stated that their group advocates for a socially just and environmentally sustainable transit. She encouraged the SFMTA to look at cost effective, data driven solutions that will improve transit. She congratulated staff and urged the Board to adopt the proposals. Evelyn Landahl stated that the 36-Teresita line is vital to people in the Mt. Davidson area. This connection to Forest Hill opens up the whole city to residents in the neighborhood. Irwin Lum, TWU-Local 250-A, expressed support for most of the TEP recommendations. He expressed concern about using motor coaches on the 14-Mission. This will limit resources when the Metro breaks down. The SFMTA needs to move carefully. Joe Sims, Bella Vista Neighbors in Action, expressed support for keeping the 36-Teresita on Myra Way. He thanked the SFMTA CAC for their input and Julie Kirschbaum for remaining open to community input. Sue Cauthen expressed appreciation for backing the idea of a public-private partnership. She stated that the Telegraph Hill Dwellers will try to earn the confidence of the SFMTA. Allowing only one minute for public comment isn’t good for the spirit of “Sunshine.” After two years of waiting, it is too bad to be limited. Claudine Cheng stated that she couldn’t be happier to hear the final recommendations. She expressed appreciation for responding to input from the neighbors. The community appreciated that their voices were heard. Irene Meshman expressed appreciation for the 18-line. The bus serves a community that has a lot of seniors and children. Vera Haile stated that she was sorry that the 38-Ocean Beach didn’t change. It should stay the way it is. Transferring on Muni adds 30 minutes to her total transit time. No meetings were held in the outer Richmond. She expressed hope that the Geary Ocean Beach line will be reconsidered. Babette Drefke stated that if the SFMTA is proposing to restore the 19-line to its original “1969” route, she has no quarrel. David Pilpel stated that the recommendations are better because of public comment and the TEP review committee. There are things he likes and things he doesn’t, but it is a package. There will be more trade-offs as a result of the environmental review. He expressed thanks for keeping the 66-Quintara line. He urged the Board to support this package. Emmet McDonagh stated that service is slated to be cut in his neighborhood. In the initial proposals no service cuts were proposed, but new recommendations include service cuts that weren’t presented to the neighborhood. Gail Switzer expressed appreciation for listening and supporting the neighbors by retaining 39-Coit transit service. This is a large step toward making San Francisco a “Transit First” city and she is committed to make this decision a “win-win.” Joan Wood stated that the original proposal for the 39-Coit would have been heartless. She had heard that the savings from the changes on the 39-Coit service would pay for the “Culture Bus.” She supports the new recommendation. Phyl Smith stated that she is happy to hear the recommendation for the 39-Coit. Herbert Weiner stated that the TEP recommendations will make people suffer. The elderly, disabled and poor were never consulted. They will be confronted with adverse service conditions, such as the deletion of the 3 and the 26 lines. These inequities need to be addressed and any changes should address the needs of all riders. Tim Chan, BART, asked the SFMTA to provide more feeder service to BART. He stated that the TEP recommendations will result in frequent service. BART supports the TEP recommendations. Jacqueline Case thanked the Board for their solutions. Her neighborhood felt that they were fairly treated by the TEP process. They were consulted early and often. Changes can always get bogged down, but the SFMTA should move forward. Dave Snyder, SPUR, expressed support for the TEP recommendations and urged the Board to move them forward to the environmental review phase. SPUR also supports the Lifeline Pass. Paul Hogarth stated that the TEP recommendations will be a net gain for transit-dependent riders. They are happy that staff listened to the community regarding the 19-line proposal. They are unhappy that it’s been shifted from Hyde and Larkin Streets to Polk Street. It will be a hardship for a lot of riders. Cindy Wu, Chinatown Community Development Center, expressed support for the TEP. She stated that many public meetings were held. They look forward to the implementation phase and to finding creative solutions. Susan Mizner, Mayor’s Office on Disability, expressed appreciation for a project “done right.” This was a “first” - with seniors and people with disabilities were included up front. Most of the Disability Council recommendations were adopted. Manish Champsee, Walk SF, stated that the TEP seeks to increase public transportation and get more cars off the street. Howard Wong stated that he supports the public-private partnership. Rerouting the 39-Coit to Pier 39 will help tourism and enhance the experience of visitors to San Francisco. This is a “win-win” situation for everyone. RESOLUTION 08-178 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka The Board took a short recess. 12. Presentation and Discussion on the status of the Lifeline Pass and options to enhance the program and increase pass sales. (Explanatory documents include a staff report.) (Sonali Bose) Sonali Bose, Chief Financial Officer presented the staff report. Director Beach suggested that staff review the agreement Sacramento has with their Human Services department. He asked staff to study sales of transit passes at a volume discount. Vice Chairman Nolan asked staff to examine more options to pay for the Lifeline Pass. He requested information about the average income of a San Francisco resident. PUBLIC COMMENT: Razzu Engen expressed appreciation for a presentation that lays out the issues with the pass. He presented letters of support from various organizations and asked if some of the capacity issues could be addressed through the TEP. It’s unnecessarily hard to acquire this pass. Human Services Agency deals with a lot of fraud, which limits accessibility for working families. Bob Allen thanked the SFMTA for its collaboration. They realize the relative cost of the pass versus the cost of passes throughout the country. The Bay Area has the highest transportation and housing costs in the country. Service issues need to be looked at as part of the TEP. As a “Transit First” city the goal is to get people on public transit. He recommends lowering the cost, implementing the discount card program, making it more accessible and expanding the eligibility requirements. Jade Wu stated that she uses the Lifeline Pass every day. It saves money. She buys youth passes for her children. Raising the price of the youth pass will hurt. She asked the SFMTA to lower the cost of the Lifeline Pass and to find a place in Chinatown to sell it. Paul Hogarth, Tenderloin Neighborhood Council, stated that the recent budget increased the price of the fast pass from $45 to $50 in six months. Low income populations need to have a discounted pass that works. Currently the Lifeline Pass is only a ten dollar discount; it’s not useable on BART and only is available in certain locations. Make the Lifeline Pass less expensive so it works for people. They are strong supporters of making the pass more accessible. Marc Caswell, SF Bike Coalition, stated that SFMTA is a multi-modal system. There are a lot of low-income people who are transit dependent. These people need to have access to affordable public transportation. A reduced quality pass is not a true discounted pass. They support reducing the cost of the pass. Samantha Levens stated that she relies on public transit. It is difficult for her to afford a pass when she’s not working. In tough economic times, more people will be either laid off or will have their hours cut. Having a low-income pass would make it easier to get to work. She hopes the Board will consider raising the eligibility requirement to 300% of the Federal Poverty level. Mary Hernandez stated that a low-income pass would have helped her when she was struggling as a single mother. She suggests keeping the seniors, youth and disabled passes at ten dollars. How can anyone expect to increase the price with what’s happening today? Cindy Wu, Chinatown Community Development Center, stated that the pass isn’t accessible. There is a lot of interest in expanding access to the Chinatown community. The Chinatown community is comprised of families and seniors on low income. Having access to this pass would help them improve their quality of life. Bobby Coleman stated that the poor have limited strength, time and drive to go through the process to apply for this pass. The SFMTA needs to find a way to make this pass as substantial as possible. It can help people find a way out of poverty. Flor Ramos, La Voz Latina, expressed concern about the increase in the cost of the fast pass next year. She travels every day on Muni and BART. She buys two passes for $90 every month. She is a single mother and is presently unemployed. She asked that the Lifeline Pass be more accessible and be usable on BART. People won’t be interested in the pass if it can’t be used on BART. It would be a great benefit for low-income families. Sarah Sherburn-Zimmer, SEIU 1021, stated that many Muni riders can afford to pay a lot more than what they’re paying now. She has to choose whether to buy coffee or lunch, or whether to walk to work or risk getting a ticket for back door boarding. It’s hard to acquire this pass. There is no way for a working person to prove that they’re low-income. They are fighting to find more revenue for Muni, but this will hit people hard. Cristal Java, Transit Not Traffic (TNT) Coalition and SEIU 1021, stated that the Coalition is aware that Muni is desperately underfunded. They built the TNT Coalition to try to help Muni and support Proposition A. All groups in the Coalition understand how important Muni is and they’re all working to help find more money for Muni. Ms. Java stated that they don’t think that Muni should be inaccessible to those who don’t enjoy a certain level of financial freedom. Following comments made by Board members, Mr. Ford stated that he had heard consensus on finding a better way to distribute the Lifeline Pass and that the Board wants staff to move quickly. He stated that he had heard the debate about how to fund the pass and that staff should examine reductions in line items. He stated that staff will move quickly and will deal with the distribution issue. 13. Adopting the Transit Impact Development Fee and Office Space Development Fee Appeal Procedures. (Explanatory documents include a staff report, resolution and procedure.) (Sonali Bose) No public comment. RESOLUTION 08-179 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka 14. Presentation and discussion of FY08 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Service Standard Report. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and Service Standards Report.) (Debra Johnson) Exec. Director/CEO Ford reviewed the report. Director Heinicke requested information about the annual cost of claims. He asked staff to quantify their safety efforts. Chairman McCray requested that future reports provide information on on-time performance by the categories outlined in the TEP such as rapid network, feeder and community lines. No public comment. 15. Presentation and Discussion of the annual customer and employee surveys. (Explanatory documents include a staff report and surveys.) (Debra Johnson) Jon Canapary of Corey, Canapary & Galanis reviewed the FY08 customer and employee surveys. No public comment. 16. Presentation and Discussion of FY08 Year-End Review. (No explanatory documents.) (Debra Johnson) Item 16 was continued to the Nov. 4 workshop. 17. Discussion and vote pursuant to Administrative Code Section 67.10(d) as to whether to conduct a closed session and invoke the attorney‑client privilege. On motion to invoke the attorney-client privilege: unanimously approved. RECESS REGULAR MEETING AND CONVENE CLOSED SESSION CLOSED SESSION 1. Call to Order Chairman McCray called the closed session to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call Present:
Also present:
3. Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9, and Administrative Code Section 67.8 (a) (3) the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors will meet in closed session to discuss attorney‑client matters in the following case: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL Anticipated Litigation: __X__ As defendant or __X__ As plaintiff Also present:
4. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 and the Administrative Code Section 67.8 (a) (3), the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors will meet in Closed Session to discuss and take action on attorney‑client matters in the following case: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL Existing Litigation:
RESOLUTION 08-180 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka
RESOLUTION 08-181 On motion to approve: ADOPTED: AYES – Beach, Black, Heinicke, Lee, McCray, Nolan and Oka Also present:
5. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 and Administrative Code Section 67.10 (b), the SFMTA Board of Directors will meet in closed session to discuss: PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Executive Director/CEO Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr. ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE OPEN SESSION - The closed session was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. 18. Announcement of Closed Session. Chairman McCray announced that the SFMTA Board of Directors met in closed session to discuss anticipated litigation and the four cases of “existing litigation” with the City Attorney. The Board of Directors voted unanimously to settle the Lawee and Zhang cases and took no action on the Japantown Garage and Yates cases. 19. Motion to disclose or not disclose the information discussed in closed session. On motion to not disclose the information discussed: unanimously approved. ADJOURN - The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m. A tape of the meeting is on file in the office of the Secretary to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors. Roberta Boomer |
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