Mayor Lee Delays China Trip In Case Of BART Strike
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee is keeping a close eye on a possible Bay Area Rapid Transit strike and trying to minimize the impact on the city and its residents.
While Oakland Mayor Jean Quan flew to China on with a Bay Area business delegation, Mayor Lee delayed his Far East trip to stay home and keep close tabs on the negotiations, even though he has no official role in the negotiations.
"I just want to make sure that the city handles and mitigates all of the transportation challenges. That's why I'm talking with (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Director) Ed Reiskin and with police and CHP now to make sure the public is number one on our mind," Lee said.
He's also has some advice for those who are locking horns at the bargaining table.
"I can't take sides on this because I'm not at the table every day, but I do know some day there's going to be an agreement and they're going to look back and they're going to say, 'Should we have hurt the public who pays for this whole system? Should we have hurt them this much?'"
Mayor Lee Delays China Trip, Sticking Around In Case Of BART Strike
The walkout is forcing the Municipal Railway to concentrate its service along BART routes which, in turn, impacts public transit in other parts of San Francisco. Muni will prioritize bus and streetcar service along those routes, especially during the afternoon commute.
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