After years of trying and failing to make this work, Muni is finally (maybe) getting close to allowing "double stopping" or "double berthing" in downtown Muni stations, thereby alleviating some computer-created congestion in the Metro system's tunnels. As Hoodline reported this week, the SFMTA has resumed testing of new software that will allow a second train to pull into a station and offload passengers at the rear end of the platform during congested rush hours. This is after testing was called off in December due to a software problem.

Of course, because it's Muni, this may not actually lead to a great deal of time saving because trains will have to stop a second time at the front of the platform the allow passengers to board — even though we all know that at rush hour, past Montgomery, there won't be an inch of space on a K,L, or M when that train opens its doors a second time, because smart people will wait at the rear and pack themselves in.

Also, the double-stopping of trains will only happen, for some reason, at Montgomery, Powell, and Civic Center. Van Ness, Church, and Castro disembarkers will continue to experience high levels of frustration while their train sits in a tunnel waiting for the next train to leave the station.

According to SF Bay, SFMTA Director of Transportation Ed Reiskin confirmed that the new software was put in place last week "After quite a while, many months if not years of testing and evaluation and retesting." And, he says, "It worked flawlessly."

Would it make more sense at rush hour just to allow the trains to stop once, two at a time in each station, letting people on and off and leaving it to commuters to figure out if they need to be at the front or rear of the station to catch their next train? I would think so, but this might violate ADA regulations and/or make things confusing for many, and this is at least better than keeping trains trapped in tunnels for no reason with two thirds of the platform free and clear ahead of them.

And in related news, by the end of next year, Muni is getting 260 new rail cars, allowing the SFMTA to phase out some of the 20-year-old Breda cars that break easily and generally suck even though they're only 20 years old. These were made by a German company instead of an Italian one, so maybe that makes them better and more reliable. Also, they'll be able to create three- and four-car trains, which can't be done with the current cars because they're too heavy.

Previously: Muni Still Unable To Wrap Its Head Around Two Trains Arriving At Once
Muni Is Getting A New Fleet Of Train Cars, Starting This Year
Muni's New Light Rail Fleet By The Numbers