Press Releases

For Immediate Release

Bay Area Ready for North Pole Visitor

Special Message from MTC

CONTACT:

Bill Hein
510.464.7780

Marjorie Blackwell
510/464-7884

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 23, 1998 . . . TravInfo, the Bay Area's traveler information phone number, received a highly unusual, long-distance call earlier today from the North Pole. While typical calls to TravInfo — 817-1717 —seek current traffic conditions on one or two routes, the North Pole caller tapped into the up-to-the-minute reports on all 31 highways, six expressways and eight Bay Area bridges covered by TravInfo.

As news spread among TravInfo staff and all through the region about the polar call, officials at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) responded with a special message.

"We want to assure Mr. S. Claus that we are doing everything possible to make sure the Bay Area's skyways and highways are clear sailing tomorrow night, Dec. 24th," said MTC Deputy Director Bill Hein. "The Freeway Service Patrol will be on duty on major roadways to clear stalled vehicles and help keep traffic moving, and we will allow all travelers in reindeer sleighs to use the high-occupancy vehicle lanes even though it may not be during regular commute hours.

"Also," Hein added, "if Mr. Claus wants to give his reindeer a rest, the Bay Area's transit agencies are ready to pitch in and deliver him and his load to their destinations."

As another incentive to the North Pole visitor, MTC commissioners plan to send him a special transportation award for using a vehicle that meets the highest standards of clean air.

MTC is the regional transportation planning, coordinating and financing agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

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