The Authority was originally created to administer the proceeds of San Francisco's first local sales tax for transportation, which began in 1990 and was passed by voters in 1989 as Proposition B.

In the role of CMA, the agency has been responsible for developing and administering the Congestion Management Program (CMP).

SFCTA also prepares a long-term Countywide Transportation Plan to guide future investment decisions.

As program manager for the TCFA, the Authority approves funding for transportation projects that directly benefit air quality by reducing motor vehicle emissions.

[2] Previous executive directors include José Luis Moscovich, Andrew Nash, Carmen Clark and Brigid Hynes-Cherin.