The Muni bus's turn at Market and Clayton streets in San Francisco stands out as one of the most difficult maneuvers in public transportation. Occurring around 100 times a day, this 180-degree turn affects traffic significantly, making it essential to have dedicated signals. Operators like Michael Terrell have devised methods, such as snapping a rubber band to maintain focus while making this challenging turn, which occasionally leaves the bus stranded in the intersection. The uniqueness of this transit aspect encapsulates the oddities of San Francisco's urban design.
Back when he regularly operated the 33, longtime Muni operator Michael Terrell used to wear a rubber band around his wrist. When he approached the Clayton-Market turn, he'd snap it on his arm a few times to focus.
You're in no man's land if you do lose your poles in the middle of the street, because the cars are not going to stop for you, Terrell told SFGATE.
Anyone who loves San Francisco knows that there are plenty of things about the city that don't make sense. In a city where you can stroll around (mostly) nude, a particularly angular bus route hardly sticks out.
I ride the 33 at least once every week, and for months I rarely paid any mind to the Market-Clayton turn - save for the stunning view, which overlooks the Victorians of Dolores Heights, the Transamerica Pyramid and the container ships trudging through the Bay.
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