Golden Gate Transit

Countless Bay Area commuters use the Golden Gate Transit to get to and from the office and around town. From buses to bridges to ferries, it is San Francisco’s lifeline between San Francisco and Marin.

Golden Gate Transit connects downtown to MUNI transit.

Golden Gate Transit is San Francisco’s transportation district, which operates the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Ferry, as well as the city’s bus routes. Through their official website, you can also receive news updates and find out about special events happening that affect the city’s transportation.

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of three operating divisions which is a major part of the city’s transit system. Both commuters and tourists use the bridge daily, and the transit website offers plenty of historical information about the bridge, as well as daily commuter info.

The Golden Gate Bridge has a few rules that are different than most other bridges in California:

• Carpools are for three or more people, instead of the standard two. This is to ease congestion on the bridge and also to keep on budget with what has been projected by the district.
• The bridge has different toll rates for cash and FasTrak drivers. Not a FasTrak member? Expect to pay an extra dollar.
• The bridge is rarely closed, but can close if wind gusts become too strong. If you are not a regular commuter on the bridge, you may want to check the weather report before planning a trip to the bridge.

A second division of the transit system is the Golden Gate Ferry which, like the bridge, helps transport daily users. The TransLink system was established fully in 2007 to help ferry-goers get through the system more efficiently. The card is the same size as a credit card and automatically deducts the correct fare of each transit trip, keeping you ticket book-free and on your way. After an account has been successfully opened, customers can add electronic cash via a website, by phone or at the freestanding "Add Value Machines" located near the ferry.

The final division of the transit system is the Transit division, which not only applies to the transportation district as a whole, but also to the bus system carrying travelers in and out of San Francisco. With extensive routes available throughout San Francisco and Marin counties, you can view the bus schedule online, as well as view San Francisco commute times if you are visiting the city for business or pleasure.

Unlike the ferry that often stops operations on major holidays, the buses usually run on an adapted schedule.

San Francisco takes pride in its multifaceted transit system, and you can even purchase gifts online to celebrate its functionality and excellent upkeep. Golden Gate Bridge ornaments are available during the holiday season, and books, postcards and DVDs are available year-round.

Know someone moving to San Francisco or perhaps visiting for an extended period of time? You can also buy ticket books online as a gift for those needing to get into and out of the City.

The transit system has also initiated a few interesting studies, the most recent being the Golden Gate Bridge Physical Suicide Deterrent System Project. The bridge is unfortunately a popular place to commit suicide in the Bay Area, and the city is working toward making the bridge exist solely for transit and tourism purposes, and never to end one’s life. The bridge has suicide hotline phones installed on it, and there is also a camera system and a watch group in action. Occassionally, there are public meetings focusing on this issue, and they will be advertised via the official website of the project.

This San Francisco transit system is one of the most complex and organized in Northern California, and is utilized every single day. Visit the homepage of the transit system for further information and fun historical facts. You can even view a live webcam displaying images from the bridge or take a virtual walking tour.

• Ferry Building at the Embarcadero
• Why Is It Called the Golden Gate Bridge
• Fun Things to Do in San Francisco

• Coit Tower
• Coupons for Monterey Bay Aquarium
• San Francisco Tattoo
• Bay Area Dog Hikes
• Best Dim Sum in San Francisco Chinatown

• 1989 San Francisco Earthquake
• Main Page
• Golden Gate Park History
• Who Designed the Golden Gate Bridge
• Facts on the Golden Gate Bridge