Commute from SF/Castro to Lake Merritt? (Oakland, Orange: houses, transfer to)

[InternationalOrange]

Hi, I’m wondering what the commute (via public transit) would be like from Castro/Market Streets in SF to a job that's near the Lake Merritt BART station? Since it appears to be a reverse commute, would it be faster, or are there just as many people heading towards Oakland in the morning?

Also, could you tell me a little about the area around the Lake Merritt BART station? From what I'm heard it sounds relatively industrial, and I’m wondering what’s around there as far as restaurants, etc. Thanks!

[bentobox34]

You will take MUNI light rail from Castro station to Civic Center, then BART to Lake Merritt. It will not be any faster as a reverse commute because you will be on trains, and they go exactly the same speed in either direction. The advantage will be that you will be able to get a seat. Actually the MUNI ride and the BART ride up until Embarcadero will still be in the peak commute direction, it's only the section from there to Oakland that will be "reverse".

The area around the Lake Merritt station is pretty bleak. There's not much right there other than liquor stores and donuts... starting four blocks west on 8th/9th, once you get past Harrison, is Chinatown so I hope you like Chinese food. There is a wider variety of food along Broadway and on 12th/13th/14th between Harrison and Broadway, but at this point we're taking about 15+ minutes walking distance from the BART station.

[jade408]

There are lots of govt. offices in the vicinity. Some are occupied, some aren't. It isn't my favorite place at night because there isn't much foot traffic after dark. But it is right by the Oakland Museum, which is great. It is a tiny bit sketchy, but far better than the area around Civic Center BART.

The BART ride is about 20-25 minutes from around Civic Center.

[ssmaster]

Originally Posted by InternationalOrange

Hi, I’m wondering what the commute (via public transit) would be like from Castro/Market Streets in SF to a job that's near the Lake Merritt BART station? Since it appears to be a reverse commute, would it be faster, or are there just as many people heading towards Oakland in the morning?

Also, could you tell me a little about the area around the Lake Merritt BART station? From what I'm heard it sounds relatively industrial, and I’m wondering what’s around there as far as restaurants, etc. Thanks!

if you walk a few blocks into the jack london apt area the chop bar and encuentro are decent dining choices
Encuentro Café & Wine Bar - Oakland, CA

Chop Bar - Oakland, CA

[rkwalton]

That's a very easy commute. I was just in the Castro last night to see Rachel Maddow speak (it rocked). You'd just take the light rail to BART - Civic Center, transfer to BART and that's it. Flip it for the reverse commute.

However, I have not a clue what's around the Lake Merritt station. You can always head to Google Maps, but in the address and search for specific things: coffee houses, restaurants, etc.

[Natural510]

Laney College is also next to Lake Merritt BART, so there are quite a few pedestrians during school hours, but on nights and weekends it can be a ghost-town. And yea, not alot of food options unless you hoof it to Chinatown.

[InternationalOrange]

Thanks for all the info! One other related question -- would it be reasonable (safety-wise) to take a walk/run on the trails around Lake Merritt after work, say in the summer, when it's still light out?

[Natural510]

Oh yea, hundreds do it every evening.

[jade408]

Originally Posted by InternationalOrange

Thanks for all the info! One other related question -- would it be reasonable (safety-wise) to take a walk/run on the trails around Lake Merritt after work, say in the summer, when it's still light out?

When its dark, it can feel really dark around the lake. Lots of trees, paths and such. So I like to go during the day time. Too many dark spots on the Lake at night.