There are a few different of ways to commute from Tiburon to San Francisco. These include bus, bicycle, ferry and, of course, your car. One of the most impressive sights when travelling between Marin County and San Francisco is the truly spectacular Golden Gate Bridge. Interestingly, when the bridge was built in 1937, it cost $35 million and was financed completely with bonds issued by the Bank of America.
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 the Motor Vista Web site, 2000 Census figures conclude 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.” Of the estimated 4,179 workers living in Tiburon, a staggering 86% drove to work alone. This meant they couldn’t shorten their trips by travelling in the HOV lane. A special program allows a certain number of hybrid vehicles in the HOV lanes. Devices provided by FastTrak make the trip over the Golden Gate Bridge go much faster. When it runs out of cash, it receives a cash infusion automatically from your credit card.
Except for a trip in a chauffeured limo, the Golden Gate Transit offers a much more attractive option ” not driving, but instead being driven in an air-conditioned bus. While not especially glamorous, these conveyances have restrooms aboard and are quite dependable.
During the week, this line runs two buses from Tiburon & Main to 8th & Folsom in San Francisco. The first bus leaves Tiburon at 6:32 am and arrives in San Francisco at 7:36 am and the second leaves at 7:23 am and arrives at 8:34 am. Probably the only worry you might have during the heavy part of rush hour is whether you’ll be able to find a seat. To locate the schedules, just Google Golden Gate Transit.
Some would argue that the ferry is the most pleasant way to go. Tiburon is served by the Blue and Gold Fleet. The ferry sails to the San Francisco Financial District via San Francisco Bay. The trip takes about 15-20 minutes and is quite enjoyable. There is coffee service in the morning and cocktails in the evening. For see 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!