In the category of governmental agencies committed to the “one size fits all” mindset, I think Caltrans is near the top. It appears to be structured so that there is absolutely no incentive for any staff to even recommend ideas that go against its “the way we’ve always done it” culture.

Exhibit one is the Highway 101 Marin-Sonoma Narrows widening project between Novato and Petaluma. After 14 years of work, the job is nearly complete. The existing setup of two lanes in each direction will soon be accompanied by a third lane in each direction reserved for carpools and buses — so far, so good.

At both ends of the Narrows are existing lanes for high-occupancy vehicles. They are open to carpools at different times because of local peculiarities of traffic, different commute patterns and odd junctions with other highways.

In Sonoma County, lanes are currently reserved for HOVs on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in both directions. In Marin, they’re open to HOVs from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. southbound and 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. northbound.

Uniformity is Caltrans’ byword. Its plan, despite objections from the Transportation Authority of Marin, is to have HOV-only lanes in both directions and in both counties from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s set to be implemented within weeks.

Freeway traffic in Marin is already bad. I suspect Caltrans is about to make it much worse.

Afternoon northbound congestion will increase at 101’s junction with eastbound Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, where commuters head to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Ditto that for the Bellam off-ramp to Interstate 580 in San Rafael.

Currently, the northbound 101 carpool lane opens to HOVs at 4:30 p.m. That allows traffic to freely flow for 90 minutes longer than it will after Caltrans applies its one-size-fits-all hours “fix.”

The solution is to retain the different hours crafted to fit on-the-ground needs in Marin and in Sonoma counties. Caltrans signs can be placed at the county line marking the point of transition. Woe to central Marin freeway commuters if Caltrans gets its way despite Marin’s well-reasoned opposition.

Exhibit Two: Caltrans’ second one-size-fits-all strike out is on Tiburon Boulevard (aka Highway 131). Its idea is to add bike lanes on both sides as part of a needed repaving project. While the bike lanes won’t eliminate traffic lanes, I think the notion sounds dangerous for all involved — including motorists, buses, emergency vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. It will also eliminate four school bus stops.

The right of way just isn’t wide enough to do the job properly.

Caltrans has jurisdiction over what’s essentially a local road from 101 to downtown Tiburon because of its odd history. In the 1950s, a two-leg bridge from Tiburon to San Francisco via Angel Island was proposed. In preparation, Caltrans took over ownership and responsibility for Tiburon Boulevard. While the bridge idea evaporated, the state still controlled the roadway.

Highway 131 can be a traffic nightmare, particularly on school days. Again, Caltrans needs to think outside the box and relocate the bike lanes to adjacent streets, where available. Some neighbors will object, but the greater good calls for a safer bike route.

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Many Marin residents will be surprised to learn that they qualify for what are termed “low income” tax and fee exemptions. The income thresholds, in some cases, definitely include Marin middle-class families.

In some school and sanitary districts, the deadline to apply for a tax exemption is fast approaching. These exemptions are provided to aid seniors, low- to middle-income households and those with disabilities.

Information from the Marin Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers is available online at SensibleTaxpayers.org. Many programs (with seniors’ school parcel tax exemptions excepted) require an annual reapplication.

Columnist Dick Spotswood of Mill Valley writes on local issues Sundays and Wednesdays. Email him at spotswood@comcast.net.