The SFMTA is planning to replace the No. 6 Parnassus electric bus with an extended No. 52 Excelsior diesel or hybrid bus.

These buses are not only much noisier than the electric ones they will replace, but they are also not as efficient when dealing with our steep streets.

According to the SFMTA, "our trolley coaches are the only coaches that can successfully navigate San Francisco’s difficult topography. For example, these remarkable vehicles can climb a 23% grade with a fully-loaded bus."

The noise will certainly be detrimental to the quality of life for the residents living along the route south of Judah to Quintara Street and to the west on 14th Avenue since nearly all of it is up steep hills.

Noise pollution has been shown to significantly impact public health. Research suggests it can raise stress, affect mental health, and contribute to developing health issues such as high blood pressure. Children are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of noise pollution.

The diesel (or hybrid) buses will be gunning their motors while climbing the hill, roaring by many times an hour. We heard exactly how noisy that was when the electric buses were disabled a few years ago due to work done elsewhere on the line and non-electric buses were substituted.

Inner Sunset and Golden Gate Heights residents deserve better service. Restore the route with an electric bus.