Patrick Seidler and Deb Hubsmith: Ferry access solutions in works
By Patrick Seidler and Deb Hubsmith
Marin IJ, January 7, 2008
Related letters to the IJ
ARTICLES AND LETTERS in the IJ have focused on the growing use of the Larkspur Ferry Terminal and the need for additional automobile parking.
The Dec. 9 IJ editorial concluded: "Finding ways to encourage ferry riders to find other ways to get to the terminal, whether through shuttles or a commuter train, also must be a priority."
The most environmentally sound, healthy and cost-effective way of getting people to the Larkspur ferry, one that allows people to arrive and leave when they want to, and all without traffic, is on the way.
The county will start construction of the CalPark Hill Tunnel project in 2008. This project, which will be built on the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit's right of way, will provide pedestrian and bicycle access from Andersen Drive to Larkspur Landing and also will allow for future train access.
The Transportation Authority of Marin is doing environmental and engineering work to complete the northern portion of the Central Marin Ferry Connection Project. This will connect the CalPark Hill Tunnel with the Larkspur ferry. In addition, thanks to Measure A funds, the Transportation Authority, San Rafael and the county will complete a portion of the North-South Greenway from Puerto Suello Hill to Mission Avenue in December 2008. Funding from the federal Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program will connect the San Rafael Transit Center with Andersen Drive and Mission Avenue. These projects will combine to create a complete system for bicycle and pedestrian access to the ferry, on largely separated pathways, from the top of Puerto Suello Hill in San Rafael to the Larkspur ferry. The anticipated completion of these projects is 2010.
For connections from the south, the Transportation Authority has approved funding for a Central Marin Ferry Connection Project study to develop a preferred alternative for a Corte Madera Creek overcrossing to connect the Sandra Marker Trail to the Larkspur ferry. The Sandra Marker Trail portion of the North-South Greenway with a Corte Madera Creek overcrossing would provide direct access for Corte Madera and Larkspur residents to the ferry terminal on a pathway that would be separated from cars.
Once the Corte Madera Creek overcrossing is complete, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to reach the ferry from San Rafael, Larkspur or Corte Madera in less time than driving a car in the morning or evening rush hour.
Rather than the Golden Gate Bridge District spending $20 million on a new parking lot for an additional 569 cars, which averages $35,150 per additional space, we encourage the district to invest in completing the Corte Madera Creek crossing portion of the Central Marin Ferry Connection Project (a cost of about $12 million), provide covered and secure bicycle parking next to the ferry entrance and consider a financial incentive program for passengers to access the Larkspur Ferry Terminal by foot and by bicycle.
This approach would be more aligned with the goals of the new countywide plan, which promotes alternatives to driving, the largest cause of greenhouse gas emissions in Marin.
Ferry riders already have committed to getting out of their automobiles to travel. An incentive program would merely have the participants leave their cars at home. Our organizations would be happy to work with the bridge district to design a survey for its passengers that would enable an assessment of increased walking and bicycling to the terminal with the above infrastructure improvements and an incentive program.
We must work together to find ways to encourage ferry riders to get to the terminal by non-motorized means or by transit. We encourage all stakeholders, including the bridge district and the IJ, to promote the non-motorized system in this key section of the county before rushing to build another parking lot for greenhouse-gas-producing chariots that will further increase congestion and perpetuate the car culture we are trying to change so Marin will become more sustainable.
Patrick Seidler of Mill Valley is president of Transportation Alternatives for Marin. Deb Hubsmith of Fairfax is advocacy director for the Marin County Bicycle Coalition.
