SoCal Transportation Falls Very Short, Agency Says

[marmar]

from the Pasadena Star-News, via MassTransitMag:



SoCal Transportation Falls Very Short, Agency Says


By Kerry Cavanaugh and Harrison Sheppard, staff writers, Pasadena Star-News




The region's transportation system is so clogged that Southern California residents and businesses will have to pay up if they want swifter freeways and efficient transit systems, according to a regional plan released Thursday.

Funding falls far short of the estimated $545.3 billion needed to upgrade and expand the transportation system throughout the six-county Southern California area.

And with $132 billion needed to fill the gap, the region should pursue pay-to-use programs including toll roads, benefit-assessment districts and cargo container fees, according to the plan by the Southern California Association of Governments.

"It's time to recognize the infrastructure problems that we're facing," said Alan Wapner, an Ontario City Council member who helped oversee the plan. "We've never really placed a value on private transportation."

The 30-year transportation plan outlines all projects eligible for funding and explains how to pay for them.

Some Los Angeles leaders said the region has no choice but to explore new ways to raise money for transportation projects - and they think voters can be convinced. .....(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.masstransitmag.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=3&id=4943