Muni Goes Free for NBA All-Stars and Lunar New Year: Celebrate Without the Carbon Footprint

MUNI tram

Photo by Anthony Sebbo

San Francisco is about to turn into a glittering circus of hoops and heritage this weekend, as basketball enthusiasts and festive revelers flood the streets for the NBA All-Stars and the Lunar New Year Parade. In a bid to save our beloved city from the fatal fate of congestion, the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency, aka SFMTA, has dropped some stellar news. Drumroll, please: MUNI rides will be free on February 15 and 16. That’s right, no fare needed to join the masses and dive headfirst into all the hype.

“Fares will be free citywide to help you get to the parade,” SFMTA declares, though in an epic twist of irony, our esteem for SF’s iconic cable cars won’t get the same courtesy. Guess a little nostalgia can’t ride for free. But hey, who needs cable cars when you can cruise on the J Church, K Ingleside, L Taraval, M Ocean View, or N Judah to soak up the vibrant celebrations?

If you’re planning on mooching off a ride to those dazzling floats and head-spinning performances, you’ll also be able to snag two hours of free parking at Portsmouth Square Garage in Chinatown. Just park, hop on Muni, and voilà, you’re immersed in a kaleidoscope of culture and athleticism without contributing to the city’s carbon footprint. Take that, gas guzzlers.

Speaking of athleticism, those trying to hit the All-Star festivities at the Chase Center can hop aboard the T Third Street line. Not only does it come with no fare, but it’s also the perfect way to avoid the inevitable headache that comes with parking anywhere near the center.

So grab your friends, your free Muni ride, and your Lunar New Year’s spirit. Whether you’re rooting for your basketball team or embracing the traditions of the past, now’s your chance to celebrate in style without draining your wallet. Let’s just hope the All-Stars bring their A-game as we ride the Muni into a weekend of chaos and culture. And remember, folks, leave the car at home; let’s keep our air clear and our spirits high.

AUTHOR: cgp

SOURCE: KRON4