Round and round:

Muni riders on the 5R-Fulton Rapid line will soon get the thrill of going around traffic circles on their trips through the Western Addition. But transportation planners say that will help make the trips faster.

As part of a plan to reduce trip times on the 5R, the Municipal Transportation Agency board voted Tuesday to make several changes along the route, including the installation of two small traffic circles — where McAllister Street meets Steiner and Lyon streets — to replace stop signs. It will be the first Muni line to use traffic circles.