San Francisco Commute Speeds Drop Dramatically
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Driving into and out of San Francisco is taking longer these days, according to a new city study that shows a significant drop in commute speeds.
The San Francisco Transportation Authority report said that traffic speeds during the morning drive have dropped 17 percent on Highways 280 and 101. Traffic used to be an average of 48.9 miles per hour in 2009, but is now flowing at 40.6 mph.
KCBS' Holly Quan Reports:
On city streets there is a five percent drop, from 18.6 mph two years ago, to 17.7 today. Experts theorize that it could be the economic recovery putting more people on the roads.
Afternoon commutes, however, changed very little because people leave for home at varying times.
The study also found Muni buses moving less than four miles per hour on some city streets. On Main Street in the city's SOMA District, Muni buses traveled just 3.6 mph, compared to 14.3 for private cars.
Traffic planners said that this supports the need for more dedicated transit lanes in the city.
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