Waymo, premium rideshares can now drive on car-free corridor of SF's Market St. for limited service

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Something you haven't seen in five years. Some autonomous and human-driven rideshare vehicles are now allowed to cruise down San Francisco Market Street during certain hours, in Mayor Daniel Lurie's latest efforts to revive downtown.

Starting Tuesday, the street reopened to Waymos, Uber Black and Lyft Black.

San Francisco's Market Street has transformed in many ways since Jan. 2020, the year private cars were no longer allowed to drive on the road.

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Though the pandemic had a rough impact on businesses shortly after, local nonprofit Streets Forward says some of the changes to the road since then have been positive.

"Muni has become 14% faster and more reliable, and the number of roadway crashes and injuries on Market Street has decreased 40% since the since this part of Market Street was made exclusively, exclusive for people walking, biking and taking public transportation," said Luke Bornheimer with Streets Forward.

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Mayor Daniel Lurie gave the green light for Waymo back in April, then just last week added Uber Black and Lyft Black.

The Mid-Market Business Association and Foundation has applauded the mayor's move.

Some of the local businesses saying it could be a help.

"I think it's a good thing. They can recognize my business more. They can get dropped off here," said My Huynh, Cafe Dolci owner told ABC7's Suzanne Phan last week.

RELATED: Car-free corridor on SF's Market Street opening to Waymo, premium rideshares next week

While most businesses are praising the move, many traffic and pedestrian safety advocates are not so sure, and will mean an increased safety risk for pedestrians.

Streets Forward said they, like the mayor, want to see a downtown revitalization. They just don't see opening the road up to cars as the option.

"We can make Market Street more appealing to people, so that they want to spend more time down here, versus just adding noise and air pollution and cars to the street, which will actually just push people away from the street," said Bornheimer.

There are several designated pick-up and drop off spots along Market Street.

Waymo only can operate between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and again between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Uber Black and Lyft Black can operate during those same evening hours.

This return of limited car service is an evaluation, or pilot program.

RELATED: Waymo robotaxis will soon be allowed to drive on 'car-free' section of SF's Market St., mayor says

Officials say it will asses safety, transportation efficiency and demand.

Streets Forward said it fears that the limited service will eventually expand.

"This is very clearly a step towards allowing private cars on Market Street, 24/7, for the entirety of car Free Market Street. And so this will have disastrous effects for Market Street in downtown," said Bornheimer.

Walk SF has also spoke out against this. They plan a protest at 5 p.m. on Tuesday on Market and Montgomery Streets.

They say they're demanding Mayor Lurie reverse his decision and keep Market Street car-free.