Honoring the internet tradition of "Throwback Thursday" or #TBT, this blog looks back at one of the more entertaining transportation-related pranks in the region: the Golden Gate Tunnel.
Back at the turn of the century (where did the time go?) someone had the idea to put up a website espousing the virtues of the tunnel. It promised a way to go north from San Francisco, making the Golden Gate Bridge obsolete.
On its website the tunnel's faux general manager predicted: "The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed and sold for scrap within the next three years."
"Those who know, go below" was its slogan. A few bumper stickers even appeared and the tongue-in-cheek website got some media coverage, but that's all that was ever real about the tunnel.
The tunnel pranksters coined the term "transportainment" which promised users more than a way to travel. A donut court and spa were among the amenities provided in the tunnel.
"Because the Golden Gate Bridge is above ground, it attracts a lot of attention. But the tunnel is actually considerably more beautiful than the bridge," reads its website. "Unfortunately, it is impossible to see the tunnel to appreciate its full beauty."
The pranksters acknowledged the tunnel was not perfect.
"Due to budgetary constraints, some tunnel entrances may be too small for most vehicles. If you encounter an entrance that is too small for your vehicle, we recommend that you not to proceed," the website advised.
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