The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is exploring the idea of high-speed buses that could travel up to 140 mph on its freeways, a proposal officials say could one day reshape long-distance travel throughout the Golden State.

Under the concept being evaluated, a statewide network of high-speed bus service would connect major locations, including Sacramento, the Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego. The system would rely on dedicated freeway lanes, purpose-built transit hubs and a long-distance express bus service designed to move passengers between regions more quickly and efficiently than conventional bus travel.

“Long-distance travel by bus could become an attractive and affordable way to go between California metropolitan areas,” Ryan Snyder, Caltrans’ feasibility studies manager, told KCRA Wednesday.

As part of the research process, officials are also looking at international models to see how similar systems might function in the state, including Australia’s Adelaide O-Bahn busway and…