Public transit systems take on traffic as US Open continues

Planning ahead for traffic, especially when a big event rolls into town, can be a headache. This is especially true for drivers on the Monterey Peninsula heading to work during the US Open.

For regular bus riders with MST, delays are out of their hands for the most part.

Keeping up with the ever-changing bus schedule can prove to be a problem.

“We want our regular riders to try and be as patient as they can,” says Monterey-Salinas Transit GM, Carl Sedoryk.

That same patience extends to bus drivers, too, who are dealing with a whole lot of people they have likely never seen before, thanks to the US Open’s reach.

“We have a lot of new people coming into the town who may not know exactly where they’re going,” says Sedoryk. “Maybe looking at their cell phones looking for directions and making questionable choices while on the roads.”

Those who normally take the bus to The Lodge at Pebble have felt the heat, as well.

“We do have daily service into Pebble Beach for workers early morning and evening service. We had to adjust though, though, because we will not be able to service The Lodge directly during the US Open.

MST worked with US Open organizers to allow for parking a few blocks away in order to accommodate the large amount of shuttles moving in and out of 17 Mile Drive.

There are tools bus riders can use, however, including the “Real Time” service MST provides.

Just look for the “Real Time” number for the bus you need and text that number to “25370” and you’ll be notified of any delays in arrival or departure time.