Caltrans has begun exploring the feasibility of high-speed buses capable of traveling up to 140 miles per hour between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The concept is in its early stages, facing obstacles such as the need for dedicated lanes and advanced technological designs, including automation for safety at high speeds.
The big picture: U.S. freeways might currently support buses up to 85 mph, but speeds beyond that would require major infrastructure upgrades and precise vehicle control systems.
- A preliminary Caltrans report suggests setting a more moderate speed target of 80-100 mph could still offer major improvements and be more practical.
- Caltrans envisions the bus system as a supplement to, not replacement for, high-speed rail – especially to connect the current rail line endpoints at Merced and Bakersfield to the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
Zoom in: A proposed network could include major corridors like I-80, I-5, Highway 101, and State Route 99, reaching Sacramento, the Bay Area, Central Valley, Los Angeles and San Diego.
- The buses would use wide, dedicated freeway lanes with stations built into interchange shoulders, acting as transfer points and possibly mixing with regular traffic using automated systems.
What we’re watching: Caltrans is already planning express bus stations in places like San Diego and Contra Costa counties, with potential expansion in the future, according to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle.
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