Muni riders along San Francisco's Mission Street confused by recent service changes

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Buses are no longer stopping at certain stops. Flyers have been posted on bus shelters but that didn't stop the confusion.

Muni riders showed up at their usual stops, only to discover that the buses were driving past them.

Much to their surprise, changes have begun on Mission Street, a busy corridor, where people ride a Muni bus on this 2.5 mile stretch 65,000 times a day.

"I guess my opinion would be, it's always better to have more stops than fewer stops," said Muni rider Samantha Leven.

"I guess I just need to adjust my routine and go down one street, so maybe it's not the worst thing in the world," said Dave Hauser, a Muni rider.

Flyers are posted on muni stops, and being handed out along Mission Street. In all, 12 stops have been taken out of service, seven going toward downtown, five going toward Daly City.

"Some people are upset, you know the older people, they're upset. But what can I do?," said Yolanda Willis, Muni flyer distributor.

It's all part of a plan to ease traffic flow on Mission Street and to make the Muni ride faster. But some riders are worried about safety.

"Especially if you're walking alone at night, you don't want to walk too far. Especially if you're a woman, especially a lot of my female coworkers take that bus," said Muni rider Cyrus Heeramaeck.

Removing bus stops is just the first step. Red transit-only lanes will soon be added and later, left turn restrictions will be implemented.

The $3.8 million project is being paid for by voter-approved bonds. The changes are expected to be completed by the end of April.