Commute options from Marin to San Francisco (San Anselmo, Larkspur: house, live in)

[KMG00]

My husband works in San Francisco in the Financial District and we’re considering a move to Fairfax or San Anselmo in Marin. I’m trying to gather a list of transportation options for his commute (fortunately only 3 days a week). Here’s what I came up with. Can you add anything to it?

1. Take a Golden Gate Transit bus
2. Drive to the Larkspur Ferry terminal and take the ferry.
3. Drive, which we’d rather avoid

Some things I looked into but don’t seem to exist:
1. Amtrak service
2. Casual Carpool/other carpooling (tried eRideShare.com Carpool / Rideshare Community as well)
3. Private commuter buses (Bauers looks like it launched a Marin-SF route in 2009, but it’s no longer on their site—must have closed it)
4. Zeppelin (no stops in Marin)

If any of you take the Golden Gate Transit buses in the morning, how crowded do they get?

Ok yes I’m just kidding around about the zeppelin but wouldn’t that be cool if Airship Ventures provided commuter service

[Charles22]

There must be some kind of internet service to coordinate carpoolers. You could even advertise on craigslist.

[KMG00]

Hi Charles, yes, there are some great carpooling services in the Bay Area, like Casual Carpool and erideshare. Unfortunately, I didn't see any existing carpools to the area we're considering. But that's a good point, he could potentially start his own and see if there's a demand.

[mayorhaggar]

If you want better commuting options then don't live in Marin. From there, buses, ferries and driving are your only alternatives, and the bridge and 101 in general in Marin and SF are crappy. BART is pretty damn convenient in the East Bay but keep in mind it is very expensive.

[KMG00]

Thanks, Mayorhaggar, but I have very personal reasons for considering this move. That's why I didn't say "should I move to Marin" but rather, "What are my options for commuting?"

I currently live in the East Bay and yes, it's very convenient. We like Transbay buses, too, as they're closer to our house than BART.

[CarlosAtun]

The drawback to commuting to SF from San Anselmo or Fairfax is the long drive on Sir Francis Drake Blvd to 101. Once you get to the freeway the commute traffic moves fine (bus goes in carpool lane) and the toll plaza is not backed up because most use Fastrack.

GGT bus has reading lights, recliner seats, tray tables, overhead rack heck everything but the bag of peanuts. Many SF employers offer tax-advantaged commuter checks that help pay the cost of the transit pass. If you ride the bus you can sleep, read, listen to music but please don't yack on your cell phone and you can relax and let someone else drive and be pleased that you are using energy-efficient transportation. Passengers are bland compared to colorful Muni riders and the drivers are very courteous.

A train across the bay? Now that would be an engineering challenge. When BART was being organized in the 60's and now Marin did not does not have the population to support it.

[KMG00]

Thanks, Carlos, that's really helpful! The GGT buses sound like AC Transit's Transbay buses--pretty nice, much easier than driving. He can often get work done on his laptop while he's on the bus, making for a shorter day in the office.

I am a 100% remote worker, lucky me, so I don't have to go anywhere