Photo diary: Cleanup on aisle 24-Divisadero
As photog justvisiting says, “the city has laid off a lot of janitors.”
Paper Muni Fast Pass Ends This October
Photo by Steve Rhodes
Rumors of “no more paper Fast Passes” have been flying around on Twitter. We knew it was coming (thanks to SFAppeal’s Chris Roberts) but we hadn’t heard about any official date from SFMTA until this week, when we found an announcement on SFMTA’s purchasing page:
The SFMTA is moving to TransLink! Online sales of monthly paper passes will end after June 22, 2010 (July pass sales period)
June 22, as in, less than two weeks from now?
We emailed SFMTA and talked to spokesperson Murray Bond. Here’s the skinny:
The last day to purchase monthly paper Fast Passes online at sfmta.com is June 22. They can also be purchased online at Translink.org through June 16 and thereafter at Clippercard.com. The paper passes will be phased out in October and customers must load them on a Clipper card beginning November 1.
You’ll need a Translink/Clipper card before November 1. To get one, see SFMTA’s site for a list of TransLink/Clipper card giveaways. If you don’t get the card at one of these giveaways, the cards are $5 (unless you choose the Autoload option).
If you use Wage Works, CommuterCheck, or some other employer-benefit system to buy your pass, you’ll need to tell your employer-benefit system to start loading your Fast Pass onto your Clipper Card before November 1.
Translink is changing its name to Clipper on June 16.
So, there it is. There will be no more paper Fast Passes after October 2010. A long, colorful era will come to an end.
More questions? Translink’s FAQ has some good answers. We’re sure many Muni Diaries readers will offer further nuggets of advice here, so have at it in comments, please.
Here’s a look at Fast Passes through the years (photos after the jump).
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Muni Photographer Brian Brooks: Full of Stories
Photo by Brian Brooks
Photographer Brian Brooks has been a regular contributor to Muni Diaries almost since the beginning. We love his black and white photos like this glimmering F car we featured in a weekend photo post. We caught up with him to talk about what inspires him to photograph public transit.
How did you get into photography?
I’m a transplant(circa 1994) from New Jersey and loved photography from an early age. My first job was at a 1-hour lab. A great way to learn about photography is through trial and error, working a lab where resources are unlimited is very helpful. I’m mostly self-taught with a few college classes here and there. I shoot about 40 percent analog and 60 percent digital.
What is it about Muni that inspires you to take photos there?
It’s where most San Franciscans can be seen. It’s also great because people are standing still, which gives you more time to focus on them. One of the most memorable moments was when a fare inspector ripped a transfer from my wife’s hand and I shot a photo of the interaction. It had expired while waiting on the platform for a late train.
How do you get a good picture on the bus?
I almost never ask people if I can take their photograph.) The few times I’ve asked while riding Muni they’ve always said, “No.” I can still see those photographs in my head. If you’re in the public space, you’re fair game.
What’s your line?
I’m more of a train person so the N-Judah is my line. Every time I ride Muni I can tell a story about it.
Check out more of Brian’s Muni photos on Flickr. Got Muni photos yourself? Join our Muni Photos Flickr pool.
Muni driver Tammy in YouTube documentary
Rider Carlos sent us a documentary he found on YouTube about a Muni driver. It was none other than Tammy, who held a great party on the 33-Stanyan for her riders (see Greg’s post about Tammy in May).
“The Front Seat — A documentary about San Francisco Muni Bus Drivers” was made by Sara Biegelsen at Digital Video Workshops. In it, Tammy talks about why she takes her job so seriously: “All these people on my bus, I’m responsible. Their lives are in my hands. You can’t put a price on that.” She also explains how drivers sometimes have to adjust their mood based on the line they’re driving.
Thanks, Carlos, for the tip. And thank you, Tammy, for your amazing attitude. It’s great to see you in motion.
That old Muni fare box is still for sale
Photo by Nick.Fisher
We first alerted you to the prospect of owning your very own Muni fare box last October. Today, its current owner has reposted it on Craigslist.
Just think: You could carry it with you and insist on paying only $0.60. Just be sure to carry plenty of dimes.
(Art diary) J-Church comin’ through
Image by captin_nod
As seen in Clarion Alley.