OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - Transit agencies are looking into possible ways to help relieve the horrendous morning commute on the Bay Bridge. They are even considering having buses travel the wrong way across the bridge.
The concept is to turn the far left eastbound lane that now heads to Oakland, into a buses only westbound lane that would head in the opposite direction to San Francisco.
No one seems more ecstatic about the idea than an AC transit bus driver who frequently crosses the bridge. "It's the best idea ever. We won't have to worry about a car cutting us off, we don't have to worry about slamming on brakes, motorcycles. Because it is ours and ours alone," she said.
Such a concept would require a special off ramp leading to the Transbay Terminal, and the bus lane would need a movable barrier similar to the Golden Gate Bridge to prevent head on collisions.
The total cost could reach over $170 million.
"BART is already full. Muni is already full. We want to be able to serve that economy with an infrastructure that can work, said Randy Rentschler of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
The idea wouldn't be popular for those with a reverse commute on the Bay Bridge, as they would lose a lane.
"Can the reverse commute handle losing a lane every day. We don't know the answer to that question," said Rentschler.
Still for those regularly stuck in upper deck morning traffic, the concept sounds pretty appealing.
"It's a great idea. It would really improve traffic a lot and give some more room on the bridge," said commuter Elizabeth Wilson.
This wouldn't become a reality anytime soon.
Studying the plan alone is expected to take about a year and a half.