Bay Bridge metering system upgrade is moving slowly

QIn March you wrote that the metering lights on the Bay Bridge were to be replaced by the end of this year by a more sophisticated system. As the end of the year approaches, is this still on track? — Etai Weininger, Oakland

ASadly, no. Bridge officials say a new metering system probably won’t be ready for testing until late next year. When you’re upgrading a 40-year-old system with new software and hardware, you’re going to uncover unexpected obstacles.

The new equipment will allow the meters to almost instantly respond to minute-by-minute traffic patterns. Currently, lights are set on a fixed-timing plan that can’t decipher between a car with a flat tire, a multi-vehicle crash blocking several lanes or thousands commuting to San Francisco.

The lights were installed in 1974 and have gone through only minor tweaks since. Sometimes the lights will turn off — or on — for no apparent reason. Other times state workers have had to scurry out onto the bridge to pin- point the problem.

The state is replacing equipment with 50 pavement detectors, 16 signal heads, five variable message signs and two new controller cabinets. The next phase will upgrade the hardware and software that operate the lights — essentially the heart of the metering system.

QI, like many others, have noticed the gradual deterioration of driver behavior. It’s only become more prevalent on sites like Nextdoor where you have neighbors pitted against each other.

On one side you have neighbors unabashedly publicly shaming drivers for various moving violations or reckless behavior, ironically putting the public at risk when they try to snap a photo of the perpetrator while they’re driving. On the other, you have folks who think it’s inconsiderate of folks to publicly shame drivers when they should just report it to local law enforcement and let them deal with it.

That being said, if we wanted to ask local officials, law enforcement, etc., to install speed cameras, stoplight cameras or speed bumps/humps, what’s the appropriate route we should take? — Bao Tran, Walnut Creek

AThere are three options: Call your city’s public works department, local police or elected officials. But don’t get your hopes up. Speed cameras on city streets are not permitted by the state and there are no red-light cameras in Contra Costa County. Speed bumps are often opposed by first responders slowed on their way to emergencies.

QI have a question about the toll lanes that may require three people in cars to ride for free. I drive a Miata. It only has two seats. If I have two people in my car can I still flip my FasTrak flex to three or am I doomed to always pay tolls because I drive a fun car instead of a big car? — Laura Daniel, Concord

ALadies just want to have fun. Rules are still being studied. For now, set it to two, and you’ll most likely get a 50 percent discount.