County shuttles that relay people to and from Muir Woods are supposed to alleviate traffic congestion near the famous monument, but residents of Muir Beach say shuttles pose hazards for drivers and cyclists along narrow, winding Highway 1. After a lively discussion at its regular meeting last Thursday—attended by Supervisor Steve Kinsey and about 30 locals—the Muir Beach Community Services District sent a letter to the Marin Transit Authority requesting that Muir Woods shuttles take an alternate route. Since shuttles both enter and leave the monument along the highway, they pass each other, often slowing to a crawl so they can safely squeeze by. “Since, during peak hours, the buses typically back up in each direction, these encounters can happen as many as four times during the six mile trip between Muir Beach and Tam Junction,” the letter states. It’s the norm to see “dozens of cars stuck behind the buses in each direction” and, though it is often illegal, frustrated drivers pass the buses to avoid the stoppages. Locals say they see near-crashes or dangerous passings almost every weekend. The service district wants the county to switch to the route commercial buses use as required by the National Park Service—a circular route that includes Panoramic Highway and ensures entering and departing buses do not pass. Board member Paul Jeschke said the district has been told the county shuttle uses Highway 1 because the drivers prefer it. “We don’t think that’s a really sufficient explanation,” he said. Considering that Muir Beach residents recently won another bus battle this month—the Golden Gate National Recreation Area pulled plans for a bus stop in town after a lawsuit was filed—maybe their mobilization will nab them another victory.