San Francisco's Municipal Transportation Agency (Muni) revealed recently psychedelic-themed buses in the city.

San Francisco's Municipal Transportation Agency (Muni) revealed recently psychedelic-themed buses in the city.

San Francisco's Muni Unveils Psychedelic Buses and "Trippy Train" for Summer of Love Celebration

In a unique move to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead and the historic Summer of Love culture that shaped San Francisco, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has launched a fleet of vibrant, colorful buses and a Muni Metro train. Dubbed the "Psychedeli-bus" and the "Trippy Train," these vehicles are adorned with tie-dye starbursts, peace signs, stars, flowers, and swirling psychedelic patterns.

The psychedelic buses will run on the 7 Haight/Noriega and 5 Fulton lines, while the tie-dye-themed Muni Metro train will operate on the N-Judah route. These wraps celebrate the Grateful Dead's iconic status in San Francisco's history and vibrant culture, similar to the Muni worm logo.

Unlike typical vehicle advertising wraps funded by external sponsors, these were paid for by Muni’s marketing budget. The aim is to boost public morale and city pride in public transit, as well as serve as a reminder that Muni has been connecting people to major San Francisco moments for generations. SFMTA director Julie Kirschbaum believes these themed buses embody this sentiment.

To facilitate transportation for the upcoming Dead & Company concerts at Golden Gate Park from Aug. 1-3, Muni will provide extra service on relevant bus and train lines, including express options connecting Golden Gate Park with major transit stations. Concert ticket holders can also benefit from the “Your Ticket, Your Fare” program, allowing free Muni rides on concert days.

The buses and train were officially unveiled on July 22, 2025, with Mayor Daniel Lurie participating in the launch event, emphasizing the cultural link between the Grateful Dead and San Francisco. These special vehicles visually and symbolically connect San Francisco’s rich musical and counterculture heritage with its modern public transit system during a landmark celebration.

Muni is currently facing a severe budget shortfall and the likelihood of either deep cuts or a tax measure to help fund transit. However, the psychedelic buses and train are a testament to the agency's commitment to maintaining a positive, engaging image for its users, even in challenging times.

Riding a psychedelic bus to the Dead & Company concert will require some luck, as they will be among dozens of shuttles for the event. Nonetheless, these vehicles are expected to run through the rest of the summer, providing a fun, vibrant touch to the city's public transit system.

[1] San Francisco Chronicle. (2025, July 22). SFMTA unveils Summer of Love-themed Muni buses and trains. Retrieved from https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/SFMTA-unveils-Summer-of-Love-themed-Muni-buses-16742996.php

[2] KPIX 5. (2025, July 22). SFMTA unveils psychedelic Muni buses and trains for Summer of Love. Retrieved from https://cbsloc.al/3hq6jRy

[3] ABC7 News. (2025, July 22). Muni unveils Summer of Love-themed buses and trains. Retrieved from https://abc7news.com/traffic/muni-unveils-summer-of-love-themed-buses-and-trains/11742996/

[4] Muni Diaries. (2025, July 22). Muni's Summer of Love-themed buses and trains. Retrieved from https://www.munidiaries.com/2025/07/munis-summer-of-love-themed-buses-and-trains/

[5] CBS San Francisco. (2025, July 22). Muni unveils Summer of Love-themed buses and trains. Retrieved from https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2025/07/22/muni-unveils-summer-of-love-themed-buses-and-trains/

1. The vibrant, psychedelic-themed buses, running on the 7 Haight/Noriega and 5 Fulton lines, are a perfect finale to one's fashion-and-beauty-focused day, providing a fun, colorful means of travel to the entertainment and music events in the city.
2. Home-and-garden enthusiasts can embrace the Summer of Love spirit while journeying to their community gardens or local marketplaces, as these psychedelic buses also serve in connecting various neighborhoods.
3. Travellers searching for a unique, Instagram-worthy experience during their sightseeing tours can hop on one of the Trippy Trains on the N-Judah route, experiencing the energy of San Francisco's rich sports culture and historical landmarks alongside colorful, artistic graffiti.

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