Mayor Lurie Announces Next Phase of Waymo Operations on Market Street to Drive Downtown's Comeback with New Transportation Options coming to Market Street August 26

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today announced the next phase of expansion of Waymo and limited passenger service on Market Street this month, advancing significant efforts to revitalize San Francisco's iconic corridor and downtown. Beginning August 26, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) will kick off an evaluation with Waymo, and a limited number of commercial black cars that operate on the Uber and Lyft platforms, to provide passenger trips on Market Street, including pick-up and drop-off at up to seven specific locations on Market Street during designated hours. During the evaluation, the city will work with the providers to review transportation and safety data, along with customer experience and demand, to expand and adjust service volumes and hours. Mayor Lurie announced in April that Waymo was invited to begin mapping on Market Street.

Mayor Lurie is taking major steps to revitalize the city’s downtown, with innovation and creativity at the center of Market Street’s revitalization—including supporting the Urban Land Institute and Civic Joy Fund’s Market Street Reimagined ideas competition. Hotel room bookings associated with events at Moscone increased nearly 70% from 2024, while his PermitSF initiative is cutting red tape for businesses and helping them grow. He is also keeping downtown safe, with overall crime down more than 40% in Union Square and the Financial District.

“The Market Street corridor is key to our city’s recovery, and by thoughtfully expanding transportation options, we are going to bring residents and visitors back to enjoy everything Market Street has to offer,” said Mayor Lurie. “With this new phase, we are identifying the tools to get people back to our theaters, hotels, and restaurants, and drive San Francisco’s comeback.”

“Market Street is one of the most vital corridors in San Francisco that we remain committed to. Keeping cyclists and pedestrians safe and ensuring Muni and emergency services run efficiently without disruption as we expand into this next phase is our priority,” said Julie Kirschbaum, SFMTA Director of Transportation. “We support the city’s broader work to advance our downtown recovery and will continue to help create safe, accessible, and reliable travel for everyone who uses Market Street.”

The Mayor’s Office and SFMTA have been working to prepare for limited operations on Market Street. Throughout the process, the city and service providers have prioritized maintaining safety and accessibility, while ensuring reliable and efficient Muni service along Market Street is preserved. These options on Market Street will complement our already robust transportation options, including Muni, biking, and taxis.

“Serving riders on Market Street is the result of Waymo’s strong collaboration with the city and our community,” said Nicole Gavel, Head of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Waymo. “We are proud to support a vibrant downtown and advance the corridor’s safety goals, given our technology significantly reduces collisions where we operate.”

“We share the mayor’s focus on revitalizing downtown and applaud his leadership in expanding transportation options on Market Street,” said Ramona Prieto, Head of California Public Policy and Communications at Uber. “It’s a meaningful step toward a more vibrant and connected San Francisco. Uber is committed to helping downtown thrive—by supporting local businesses, improving access, and working closely with city leaders, drivers, and riders every step of the way.”

“Market Street is such an important corridor for San Francisco, and we're glad to be part of its continued evolution,” said Nicholas Johnson, Public Policy Director at Lyft. “Our purpose is to serve and connect people to the places that matter most, and Lyft Black's service will restore that vital link to the area’s shops, offices, restaurants and entertainment.”

The city and the companies have agreed to provide limited passenger service on Market Street during off-peak hours in this initial evaluation period. Waymo can operate between 9:00AM and 4:00PM and between 7:00PM and 6:00AM, with Uber Black and Lyft Black operating during evening and overnight hours, between 7:00PM and 6:00AM.  Service hours and options may expand in the coming months as SFMTA evaluates impact. Pick up and drop off will be available at seven specified loading zones:

• Market at Mason Street, in front of IKEA
• Market at Sixth Street, southeast, in front of Blick
• Market at Taylor Street, northeast, in front of Warfield
• Market east of Jones Street, mid-block south, in front of Urban Alchemy
• Market east of Jones Street, mid-block north, in front of Prism apartments
• Market at Seventh Street, across from Proper Hotel
• Market at Eighth Street, southeast, Trinity Place and Lighthouse for the Blind

As part of SFMTA’s work to ensure all modes of transportation are safe and efficient, the city will monitor Muni performance, traffic conditions, safety incidents, and Waymo, Uber Black, and Lyft Black’s performance through shared data and street traffic observations.

“Ingka Centres’ Meeting Place at 945 Market Street, anchored by IKEA and the Saluhall food hall, was created to bring new energy and activity to Mid-Market—and improving access has always been central to that vision. The city’s decision to gradually allow rideshare pick-ups on Market Street will make it easier for residents, workers, and visitors to reach the neighborhood,” said Miia Kautovaara, Meeting Place Manager, Ingka Centres. “Ingka Centres appreciates this decision, which offers the community more convenient ways to connect with the area and all it has to offer. We look forward for the common efforts together with the city to ensure that San Francisco and Mid-Market remain welcoming, safe, and vibrant places for all.”

“The Mid-Market Community Benefit District appreciates Mayor Lurie's thoughtful approach in expanding mobility options to Market Street. This plan balances the need to preserve safety and transit reliability with the importance of providing access for institutions, workers, and visitors in our district,” said Tracy Everwine, Executive Director, Mid-Market Community Benefit District. “We look forward to working with the city and transportation partners to ensure this phased rollout supports a more vibrant, safe and accessible Market Street for everyone.” 

“This is great news and a welcome change for Market Street small businesses, which have weathered significant challenges in the past few years and could really use a boost,” said Jeannie Kim, owner of SAMS American Eatery, Haru and Fermentation Lab. “Adding more transportation options will help Market Street thrive once again and restore its status as the iconic commerce corridor of our great city.”