Your Commute: Decongestants

We have that cold that's going around (sniffle), so maybe that's why we find this decongesting plan so intriguing -- but Jake McGoldrick, chair of the SF Transportation Authority (and Chris Daly confrontation survivor), has proposed that San Francisco, like London and Singapore, start charging people tolls to drive into downtown during rush hour.

Under McGoldrick's plan, drivers would buy a one-day pass to drive on the busiest streets downtown, and the money would go to MUNI. (Though it does seem like BART and Caltrain should get some cash too, if we're cutting down on East and South Bay drivers as well.) Congestion charging's advocates say that it clears the streets, keeps the smog levels down, makes public transportation more efficient, makes certain areas more pedestrian-friendly, and makes your life shiny and bright too (ding!). We'd be the first city in the country to adopt such a plan if we actually decide to do it.

Of course, AAA says they think it's a terrible idea, and the chamber of commerce worries that no one would come downtown anymore. But, and maybe this is our bias showing, but honestly, who'd drive anywhere if they didn't have to? Additional bonus: more missed connections to read on Craigslist!

We really can't see anything bad about this proposal (but welcome enlightenment in the comments). Londonists, we'd love to hear what you guys think of the system too!