I wonder if it would be feasible to change the taxiway lighting plan to have the letter T formed by sets of lights along taxiways? That would require adding lights to the existing lights so that the letter T was clearly visible to landing pilots (don't head for tea might be the motto).
Different rates of flashing might also assist with the colour code clearly not doing the job with 100% effectiveness. I intend these suggestions for all airports not just SFO.
Final suggestion, some change to the take-off-ready light signals from waiting aircraft. Pilots would soon get used to the different look of taxiways and this might prevent an accident like this near miss.
What if the lighting appeared like this?
L L ]] T T
L L :: T T
L L :: T T
L L :: T T
or even flat ground-level electronic signs embedded in ground at runway and taxiway end points saying RUNWAY and TAXIWAY in large enough script to be readable from half a mile ... only pilots flying could see these, no visual distraction to aircraft taking off. Should give enough warning to go around even if nobody else is aware. (or make a lane change)
