Overview
- Caltrans outlined scenarios in a recent webinar for dedicated high-speed bus lanes and express service linking San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento.
- A sample run estimates the San Francisco–Los Angeles trip at about 3 hours 12 minutes at roughly 120 mph, which would cut hours off current car travel.
- A preliminary review says most U.S. freeways are built for about 85 mph, so the concept would require separated lanes, major upgrades and purpose-built buses.
- Researchers say safe operation at high speeds would hinge on automated driving, stronger braking, active suspension and radios that let vehicles communicate with the road and each other.
- Planners named I-5, I-80 and U.S. 101 as key corridors with State Route 99 as a likely first segment, while warning stations could be costly and the study still awaits funding and would complement rail.