Maze drivers turn to Internet for guidance

By Francine Brevetti

MEDIANEWS STAFF

Contra Costa Times / ContraCosta.com

Article Launched: 5/2/2007

It was the best of commutes, it was the worst of commutes, according to Dennis Andrie, head of professional services at Emeryville technology company BigFix Inc. In his drive Monday and Tuesday from Castro Valley to Emeryville after Sunday's tanker-freeway meltdown, Andrie said traffic was lighter and he could sail right through.

But that's because "nobody can get from San Francisco to (Interstate) 580," he said. But once commuters reached Emeryville, things slowed down, he said.

"I've noticed a lot of rubbernecking on 580 when folks are looking at (Interstate) 80 in Emeryville," he said Tuesday. "They're right next to the ramp that fell down. Spectators can view it and there was a jam this morning. It will be the same tonight."

Andre used several Web sites to prepare him for the daily commute, including http://www.KGO.com, http://www.KCBS.com and http://www.sfbaytraffic.info.

It's safe to assume a lot of folks are using electronic tools to check out their itineraries, and a number of technology companies are responding by updating their Web sites and offering free services during the disruption.

Still, Keynote Systems Inc., a San Mateo-based test and measurement company for mobile communications and the Internet, reported no particular overload of the major news sites that people might be checking for routing information.

The two http://www.KRON.com and http://www.KTVU.com, each offer current traffic updates.

Sfbaytraffic.info also displays up-to-the-minute traffic conditions and links to a site with national reach, http://www.beatthetraffic.com.

In addition, daily newspapers, such as the Times, include links to traffic conditions on their Web sites, as well as suggestions for alternate routes. The Times' Web site is http://www.contracostatimes.com.

The premier umbrella site for all the Bay Area's public transportation is http://www.511.org, with links to AC Transit, BART, San Francisco Muni, the ferry services and the dozens of public and private transport agencies.

A separate page, http://www.511.org/promo/baybridge/accident.asp, is dedicated to the freeway accident and offers suggestions for alternative routes.

BART is also using the closure of the MacArthur Maze to lure more people to public mass transit. Contra Costa County is offering commuters who go to, from or through its county on BART a free $100 BART pass or one month's worth of Lynx or Transbay bus passes. Sign up at http://www.511contracosta.org/transit.html.

Maybe you've decided to work from home and ride this traffic nightmare out. Berkeley-based SightSpeed Inc., at http://www.sightspeed.com, whose products allow you to video-phone from your laptop, is offering free access to its "Pro" facility, usually $4.95 a month, for the next two months.

LogMeIn Inc. provides access to remote computers and network resources. Its "Pro" feature offers the same service for mobile users. Until June 1, LogMeIn is offering Pro to residents of the nine Bay Area counties for $39.95 per year instead of the normal $69.95. To access the discounted service, visit http://www.logmein.com, launch an account and type in coupon code TLUB-EYP8.

Want to ditch that heap and thumb a ride? Check out http://www.rideshare.511.org/carpooling. This site will match drivers to riders. For information on casual carpooling, check out http://www.ridenow.org/carpool.

May is also Commute by Bike Month, and there are plenty of biking Web sites, including http://www.commutebybike.com. MediaNews reports contributed to this story. Reach Francine Brevetti at fbrevetti@angnewspapers.com or 510-208-6416.

CONTACT: A. Gueziec or Y. Lhomme of BeatTheTraffic.com.