Marin County commuters might soon see their bus rides along Highway 101 get a lot quicker. An innovative transit lane project just scored a big chunk of funding, moving it a step closer to reality.
The Transportation Authority of Marin approved contracts totaling $1.11 million. That money will kick off engineering work and environmental reviews for a part-time transit lane, letting buses scoot past the usual traffic jams between Novato and San Rafael.
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People have been talking about ways to make public transportation more efficient in this area for ages. If this thing works out, it could set the tone for more transit priority projects across Marin County.
Project Details and Funding
The Transportation Authority of Marin’s recent move is a pretty big deal for local public transit. The $1.11 million in contracts covers the early stages of a $7 million project aimed at transforming the commute between Novato and San Rafael.
Contract Breakdown and Project Management
Kimley-Horn and Associates landed a $910,000 contract to steer the planning phase. Caltrans is chipping in $200,000 for oversight, making sure everything lines up with state transportation rules.
These teams will work together to design a 10-mile southbound transit lane along Highway 101’s shoulder, stretching from Novato to San Rafael.
The project doesn’t start from zero; it builds on a thorough 2021 study. A $1.1 million Federal Transportation Administration grant, secured in 2023, is also helping pay the bills.
The team expects to finish the initial documentation by the end of 2026. They’re aiming to wrap up the whole project in about three to four years, though, as with any big plan, things could shift.
Benefits for Marin County Commuters
Folks in Corte Madera, Mill Valley, and Larkspur who head north to San Rafael or Novato could see real improvements. The part-time transit lane will kick in when traffic slows below 35 mph, letting buses dodge the worst of the congestion during rush hour.
Time and Cost Savings
The 2021 study found the transit lane could really pay off:
These changes would help riders from all over Marin County, including people traveling from Tiburon, Sausalito, and Fairfax who rely on these main transit corridors.
Impact on Local Transit Services
The transit lane will support several local bus routes run by Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit. Residents in San Anselmo, Ross, and Kentfield who take these buses to San Rafael or Novato could notice more reliable travel times.
Public transportation might just start looking a lot more appealing compared to driving, especially if these changes actually deliver.
A Model for Future Transit Projects
Transportation officials see this initiative as a possible template for other transit priority projects in Marin County. If it works, similar upgrades could show up along other busy corridors, helping communities from Belvedere to Dillon Beach.
The project fits with the county’s push to cut traffic, lower carbon emissions, and give people better public transit options. If bus travel starts to compete with driving, maybe more folks will leave their cars at home—whether they live in Woodacre or all the way out in Point Reyes Station.
As the project goes through engineering and environmental reviews, people in Novato, San Rafael, and nearby towns might finally get better ways to get around Highway 101. Who knows—this could really change the daily commute for a lot of us.
Here is the source article for this story: Marin agency approves contracts for Highway 101 bus lane project
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