The 415
Caltrans to review, update carpool lane hours after commuter backlash
North Bay commutes might have some relief in sight in 2026. After significantly expanding the duration of the HOV lane hours during the peak morning and afternoon commutes, Caltrans has agreed to review and update carpool lane limits following vocal backlash from commuters whose time stuck in stop-and-go traffic increased markedly since the new times went into effect in September. Caltrans has agreed to complete a traffic data analysis and determine permanent HOV lane hours by the end of January 2026, then quickly implement the updated HOV hours with signage changes reflecting the new hours in February, North Bay transportation officials said Dec. 19 in an announcement.
The unpopular carpool lane time increase came on the heels of the opening of new north- and south-bound lanes along the so-called Novato Narrows, an infamous commute bottleneck that had slowed traffic for decades prior to last summer’s completion of the years-long project to widen the 16-mile stretch. Caltrans in September changed the HOV lane hours to conform with those used throughout most of the rest of the Bay Area. Marin transportation officials raised concerns about added slowdowns at the time, and commuters almost universally panned the new hours when they went fully into effect.— JW
Nick’s Cove ‘shack’ is back An iconic pier on Tomales Bay is welcoming visitors back to its popular “boat shack.” Two years following a fire that destroyed the well-known structure at the end of the pier at Nick’s Cove in Marshall, a new boathouse was officially unveiled Dec. 10. The original boathouse, which dated back to the 1930s, was lost to a fire in January of 2024. The Tomales Bay resort and restaurant at the time vowed to rebuild the iconic structure and replace the vintage heirlooms that were lost in the blaze. Known fondly as the “boat shack,” the new building features a large deck and a picture window on the western wall. Like in its previous incarnation, the shack is also home to a piano for guests to play and a host of nautical décor along its walls. It also has a gas stove “for warmth and ambience,” Nick’s Cove officials said in an announcement. The restaurant built and maintains the boathouse, though the pier itself is for public access. “Now that the Boat Shack is back, it operates much in the same way it did before,” the announcement added, reminding visitors that the shack lacks table service. “Guests may order food and beverages from the bar and walk their food down to the boat shack to enjoy it.” Nick’s Cove is at 23240 Highway One in Marshall. Visit nickscove.com .— JW
SMART, other transit systems, now using credit cards Those public transportation Clipper cards are being clipped. Or, rather, they’re being supplemented by an easier way to pay for rides—credit and debit cards. Beginning this week, such North Bay public transit systems as SMART, Petaluma Transit, the San Francisco Bay Ferry and Golden Gate Transit will switch to the Tap and Ride system, which is intended to make it easier for commuters and travelers to board and pay for transit. Clipper cards, which are purchased at station kiosks and require uploading money to pay for rides, will still exist as part of the Next Generation Clipper process, which will offer various benefits and discounts to riders still using the Clipper cards. Transit administrators expect the more flexible payment system to result in an increase in ridership.— NBb
January 2026
NorthBaybiz 13
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