Caltrans introduces new carpool hours for Hwy 101 in Marin, Sonoma Co. after public reactions

In the North Bay, new carpool hours are coming to Highway 101 in Marin and Sonoma counties after an outcry from thousands of commuters who complained that the current carpool hours were too long and caused major traffic delays. Caltrans says it listened and made changes.

“I feel like we got their attention. Maybe it’s a big deal to admit that these longer hours didn’t work,” said Katie Clayton of Rohnert Park.

Clayton is feeling a bit of triumph after taking her commute complaints to Caltrans, which changed carpool hours last September. It added hours of travel time for Clayton to Novato, where she works as a hairstylist.

“I’m glad they saw our screams. Lots of autographs, people in the salon talking about the hours, ‘What is this?'” Clayton said.

Clayton launched a Change.org petition last summer that now has nearly 9,000 signatures from commuters demanding the carpool hours between Windsor and Sausalito be changed.

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“If you commute into the city like I do, it’s been a nightmare. Traffic in Novato is increasing significantly,” said commuter Rich Carter.

Matt O’Donnell of Caltrans said the agency heard complaints, launched a traffic investigation and decided to make a change. Current carpool hours will be reduced from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday. The afternoon ride will be moved from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to 6:30 p.m

“We listened to where people were having the most problems. It turned out that the morning commute was the biggest problem, and overall the biggest impact between Novato and San Rafael,” said Caltrans spokesman Matt O’Donnell.

Marin County Supervisor Eric Lucan helped secure the carpool changes through partnerships with state representatives and local transportation authorities.

In a statement, Lucan said, “We have clearly heard from constituents who are frustrated with longer commute times, and I appreciate Caltrans’ willingness to listen and adjust hours to better align with peak travel times while we continue to support carpooling and public transit.”

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“I appreciate Caltrans for being flexible and changing his mind. It was not an easy decision,” Clayton said.

Clayton hopes her efforts to effect change will make her life and the lives of thousands of other North Bay commuters a little easier in the future.

“I’m happy to take on the role and speak on behalf of the people,” Clayton said.

Caltrans said the new reduced carpool hours will go into effect at the end of February.