San Francisco Lifts 5-Year Market Street Vehicle Ban for Waymo, Uber, Lyft

San Francisco has ended a five-year ban on private vehicles on Market Street by allowing select ride-hailing services, including Waymo robotaxis, Lyft Black, and Uber Black, to operate during designated off-peak hours and at specific pick-up and drop-off points. This move, part of Mayor Daniel Lurie's downtown revitalization plan, aims to combat declining foot traffic and the rise of abandoned retail spaces. While proponents argue that expanding transportation options will bring more visitors and business to the area, transit advocates and groups such as Streets For All San Francisco criticize the decision, warning it may increase congestion and favor only more expensive ride options. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency plans to monitor and evaluate the program to adjust service based on data and feedback. The debate highlights tensions between efforts to revive downtown commerce and concerns about maintaining pedestrian-friendly, low-traffic streets. Market Street remains closed to private vehicles except for the permitted ride-hailing and commercial vehicles.