During a press conference on October 4th, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) revealed that foot traffic at the Chinatown station of the Central Subway has skyrocketed by 58% compared to last year, making it the fastest-growing Muni station in the city.

Leading the session was SFMTA spokesperson and media relations manager Eric Cacado, who welcomed SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin and Public Relations Officer Jessie Liang to discuss these developments.

In the past year, the Chinatown station has outpaced traditional transit hubs like Church Street Station and Forest Hills Station, achieving an impressive annual ridership of over 1 million. It has rapidly established itself as one of the most dynamic stations in the San Francisco subway network.

Tumlin emphasized that this surge in ridership demonstrates the agency’s commitment to enhancing transit services for the Chinatown community. He also pointed out the growing support for public transportation from both local residents and visitors.

A significant factor behind this increase in foot traffic, Tumlin noted, is the series of night market events held in Chinatown. This year alone, there have been 12 such events, each drawing record numbers of attendees. One particular night market attracted nearly 4,000 visitors to the station on one day, setting a new record for foot traffic. These figures show that the Chinatown station is not only a transit hub but also a vital center for community engagement and cultural exchange.

What distinguishes the Chinatown station is its role as a cultural nexus for both residents and tourists. Community organizations regularly host various events in the plaza and surrounding areas, with activities occurring almost every weekend. From Ghost Festival celebrations to night markets and teen-focused activities, these events consistently draw large crowds. It’s a common sight to see couples taking their wedding photos right inside the station.

The passenger demographics at the Chinatown station reveal a notable trend: multi-generational families frequently use the subway, often with grandparents accompanying their grandchildren. This pattern is less common at other stations, but families favor the Chinatown station due to its accessible facilities, including elevators and escalators, as well as its spacious platform design.

During the Q&A segment of the press conference, a reporter asked about safety at the Chinatown station. Tumlin responded that while specific statistics are not yet available, crime rates across the Chinatown station and the entire San Francisco subway system have decreased by 48% over the past year. He attributed this significant drop to the cooperative efforts among the SFMTA, local police, and community safety programs.

Tumlin also highlighted that the Chinatown station is equipped with over 100 high-definition surveillance cameras, and each subway train is outfitted with at least 11 HD cameras. These technologies allow the agency to monitor conditions effectively at the station and on trains, facilitating prompt responses and efficient data sharing with law enforcement in the event of any criminal incidents, thereby enhancing overall incident resolution rates.