Traffic apocalypse looms as rush hour delays could double in California metro

Bay Area drivers already facing some of the most expensive commutes in the nation could be thrust into even more rush-hour chaos if the region’s public transit system collapses, according to a study released Tuesday.The Bay Area Rapid Transit system, known to millions as BART, is staring down a massive financial crisis as ridership remains far below pre-pandemic levels and officials scramble for new tax dollars to keep trains running.The study by the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR) looked at the region’s three biggest highway bottlenecks during peak hour traffic — the Bay Bridge, Caldecott Tunnel and Interstate 680 — and what would happen if local public transportation systems don’t get funding to make up for severe budget deficits.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Transportation agencies are preparing for steep cuts as early as 2027.During the morning commutes, the time traveled though those pathways would require an additional 15 to 33 minutes if service cuts happen, the study claimed.

In the evening, drivers would need to account for 20 to 43 minutes added on to their current travel time.For the Bay Bridge, drivers there would essentially see commutes more than double in duration, the study claimed.The group alleged that transit cuts would force more people onto freeways, adding more than 498 million vehicle miles traveled each year after 430,000 people lose access to BART if their nearest station closes.The cuts could saddle commuters with $3,280 annually for fuel, tolls and parking.

the group said.There have been signs of improvement in BART ridership in recent months, but the system remains stuck in a massive financial hole.

The agency faces annual deficits between $350 million and $400 million, and combi...