SF Muni Mobilizes Free Rides for Parade
San Francisco waives Muni fares March 7 for Chinese New Year Parade, excluding cable cars
Muni Offers Free Rides March 7 for Parade
San Francisco riders can travel free on Muni all day Saturday, March 7, 2026, for the Chinese New Year Parade. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency will waive fares citywide except on cable cars, transit officials said. The free service aims to encourage public transit use during the popular annual event, which starts at 5:15 p.m. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors supported the initiative through a general fund allocation.
Parade Route Spans Downtown and Chinatown
The parade begins at 2nd and Market streets, proceeding west on Geary Street before turning right onto Powell Street. The route winds back east on Post Street, then turns north on Kearny Street and ends at Columbus Avenue. Multiple Muni routes serve the parade area, including bus lines 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 14R, 15, 30, 31, 38R, and 45. Metro and streetcar lines F, J, K, L, M, N, and T also provide access near the route. The event is free to attend, though officials didn't specify whether bleacher seating will be available.
Street Closures Begin Afternoon of March 7
Street closures along the parade route will begin at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on March 7, lasting until approximately 9:30 p.m., according to transit officials. Portsmouth Square Garage at 733 Kearny Street in Chinatown will offer one hour of free parking through March 8. The agency didn't say how many parking spaces are available or whether reservations are required. Officials strongly encourage attendees to use public transit rather than drive, citing the free Muni service and expected traffic congestion.
Free Service Covers All Routes Except Cable Cars
The fare waiver applies to all Muni bus, Metro, and streetcar services throughout the day on March 7. Cable cars remain excluded from the free service offer, officials said. Riders won't need special tickets or passes—they can simply board without payment on covered routes. The agency didn't specify whether the free service extends past midnight or ends at the conclusion of March 7 service. Transit officials said the initiative supports the city's efforts to manage large crowds at major public events.
Riders Can Plan Routes Using Real-Time Updates
Transit officials expect heavy ridership on routes serving the parade area and encourage riders to allow extra travel time. The agency didn't provide specific service frequency adjustments or whether additional vehicles will be deployed. Riders attending the parade should plan their trips in advance and consider alternative routes if their usual lines are affected by street closures. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for all Muni routes serving the parade area.
