The Problem:
If you commute from San Francisco to Marin County, you know the frustration: The evening 101 bus from the Civic Center to San Rafael should be the fastest way home. Instead, it regularly takes 90 minutes or more.
Why? Because our carpool (HOV) lane is broken. It is constantly clogged with traffic, moving just as slowly as the general lanes. From the window of a bus, the reason is obvious: it is filled with single-occupancy vehicles. Between tinted windows and a lack of police presence, these violators know they won't be caught.
The Reality of Enforcement:
The math is on the side of the violators. Research shows that HOV violation rates in the Bay Area during peak hours are often between 19% and 24%. Because a single CHP stop takes 20-30 minutes, the statistical likelihood of being caught is negligible. Our "priority" transit lane has turned into an "honor system" that nobody is following.
The Solution:
We are calling on the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), MTC, and Caltrans to perform an immediate feasibility study to convert the US-101 carpool lanes into Tolled Express Lanes.
Converting to an Express Lane will:
Save our Buses: Express Lanes use dynamic pricing to keep traffic flowing at a minimum of 45mph. This ensures the 101 bus stays on schedule and moves people efficiently.
Fund our Roads: Instead of violators using the lane for free, solo drivers who want to get home faster can pay a toll. This revenue stays in our region to fund transit and infrastructure.
Use Technology to Catch Cheaters: Unlike manual police stops, Express Lanes use automated occupancy detection and cameras to identify violators, making enforcement fair and consistent.
Our Demand:
We, the undersigned, demand that Marin transportation agencies prioritize a study to convert US-101 into a managed Express Lane corridor. Public transit riders shouldn't be punished for choosing the bus. It’s time to stop the cheaters and get Marin moving again.
Sign this petition to tell TAM, MTC, and Caltrans: Fix the 101 Carpool Lane NOW!