US 101 Commute Time Sign Activated In Redwood City

Highway 101 – 37 minutes. Caltrain – 32 minutes. This is the kind of real-time travel information drivers will see on a new electronic sign that has been activated in Redwood City. The changeable message sign, located on the northbound side of US 101 before Whipple Avenue, shows how long it will take in current traffic conditions to drive to San Francisco as compared to taking the train from the nearby Redwood City Caltrain Station.

Commuters can use the information to decide whether to take the train or continue on the freeway. Even drivers who may not be able to make a spontaneous decision to change their travel plans will see that Caltrain is a viable option for future trips.

A smaller electronic sign, located prior to the Whipple Avenue off-ramp, shows parking availability at the train station. The system is active during the morning and evening commutes only.

Similar signs near the Millbrae Intermodal Station have been in operation since July. According to data collected by the system, driving southbound on US 101 from Millbrae to San Jose during the evening commute is comparable to making the same trip on Caltrain. As freeway congestion increases, taking the train will become more advantageous. Projections indicate that in 10 years, the same trip on Caltrain will be as much as 15 minutes faster than driving.

Freeway travel times are updated using anonymous information from FasTrak transponders and in-pavement detectors. Train times are based on the Caltrain schedule. UC Berkeley’s California Center for Innovative Transportation developed the software that makes this service possible.

This pilot program is made possible through collaboration between Caltrans and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, which supports efforts to encourage alternate means of commuting throughout San Mateo County. The goal of the program is to reduce traffic congestion during commute hours and increase use of public transit.

For Caltrain schedule and fare information, call 1.800.660.4287 (TTY 650.508.6448).

12/14/07 - crd
Media Contact: Christine Dunn, 650.508.7927