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TRANSACTIONS NEWSLETTER ONLINE

December 2001

Facts & Figures

Bay Crossings Poll: Transit Tops List of New Transbay Options

The Bay Area's growing support for public transit as the best antidote for traffic congestion was reflected in a poll conducted earlier this year for MTC's Bay Crossings Study. One of the most striking results came when Bay Area residents were asked to name their first choice for relieving transbay congestion. More respondents chose a new bridge or tunnel for BART and/or other rail transit systems than any other option, followed by another auto/truck/bus bridge or tunnel, and the expansion of existing express bus and ferry services in lieu of a new crossing.

As for the preferred location for a new bridge or tunnel, the top choice was between the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, and north of San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Preferred Location for New Bridge or Tunnel (if Constructed)

South of Bay Bridge/North of SFO 39%
South of SFO/North of San Mateo-Hayward Bridge 20%
South of San Mateo Bridge-Hayward/North of Dumbarton Bridge 10%
South of Dumbarton Bridge 9%
No Preference 22%

Preferred Mode for Improved Bay Crossings

Bridge/tunnel for BART or rail transit 35%
Bridge/tunnel for cars, trucks, buses 30%
Expanding express bus and ferry services 27%
None or no opinion 8%

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