Tuesday, August 18, 2009

How to Commute Between Tiburon and San Francisco

By David DuPont

There are several ways in which to commute to San Francisco from Monday through Friday. They include commuter bus, bicycle, ferry and, naturally, your car. To many commuters, one of the most impressive sights during their trip is the truly spectacular Golden Gate Bridge. A piece of information about the bridge is that, the bridge cost $35 million when it was built in 1937 and it was financed entirely with Bank of American bonds.

To many Californians, driving one's own car is the most attractive option since the actual commute may not be the only travel plans for any given day. Perhaps a trip to the gym, a lunch date, and a business meeting are part of your schedule. Often, these may be arranged handily by taxi or public transportation, such as the bus or a picturesque cable car!

According to Motorvista.com, the 2000 Census figures provided information that 84% of all commuters in Tiburon ride in a car and those who commute from Tiburon typically spend thirty to thirty-four minutes getting to work. Its fascinating that, of the estimated 4,179 workers living in Tiburon, an amazing 86% drove to work alone; consequently, they couldnt travel in the HOV lane to shorten their drive. Nowadays, some owners of hybrid vehicles may travel in the HOV lanes. FastTrak devices make the trip over the Golden Gate Bridge go faster. When your account runs out, it is replenished automatically from your credit card.

Except for a chauffeured limo, the Golden Gate Transit offers what is perhaps the most attractive option " not driving, but riding to work in an air-conditioned bus instead. While not very glamorous, these motor coaches are quite dependable and have they even have restrooms onboard.

From Monday through Friday, Golden Gate Transit provides two buses from Tiburon & Main to 8th & Folsom in San Francisco. The first one departs Tiburon at 6:32 am and arrives in San Francisco at 7:36 am and the second one departs at 7:23 am and arrives at 8:34 am. Perhaps the only worry you might have during the heavy part of rush hour is whether you'll be able to find a seat. To find the schedules, simply Google Golden Gate Transit.

Then, there is the Blue and Gold Fleet ferry, which offers commuter services from Tiburon. The Ferry takes you via San Francisco Bay to the San Francisco Financial District. The Ferry ride takes about 15-20 minutes and is extremely pleasant. The ferry serves coffee in the morning and cocktails in the evening. For the schedule, just Google "Blue and Gold Fleet." Or call (415) 705-8200.

Upon your return, be sure to distinguish between the ferries leaving from the Ferry Building at the Embarcadero (Financial District, at the end of Market Street) and those leaving from Pier 41 (Fisherman's Wharf). The F streetcars travel between the two ferry landings, if you find yourself at the wrong pier.

The Embarcadero ferry terminal for Tiburon is next to the North end of the Ferry Building. The line for the Tiburon boat forms inside the metal doors. Just remember to get on the boat with the "Tiburon" placard, usually the M.V. Zelinsky. (Information courtesy of Boat Etiquette)

For those adventurous and enterprising Tiburon bicyclists, the trip to the San Francisco Financial District can take less time if you are an aggressive cyclist. A detailed map of the bike path of the 22.3 mile trip is available on the Web site www.bikely.com. But, remember, safety comes first!

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