Unfortunately it still focuses on alternative transit systems used by a tiny minority rather than the roads used by most everyone else, but there is a responsible call for more bridges, though more are needed, and also unfortunately, it calls for new taxes.
Editorial: New SACOG transportation plan maps a path to future
Published 12:00 am PDT Thursday, March 20, 2008
Expected to grow by another 1 million people in the next quarter-century, the Sacramento region can no longer plan new roads and transit as it has in the past.
In previous decades, cities and counties came up with their own individual wish lists for projects, and then the Sacramento Area Council of Governments would cobble them all together into a long-range document.
Things are different now. At a meeting today, the SACOG board will consider a new metropolitan transportation plan that will guide $42 billion in state and federal investments in roads, transit, bridges and other projects through the year 2035.
This consensus plan doesn't go as far as some – including this editorial board – would like in promoting alternative modes of travel. Nonetheless, it marks a major step in bringing a regional vision to the planning of transportation projects, and marrying that vision with realistic financial assumptions.
Compared with the version approved in 2002, the new $42 billion plan increases investment in transit by 21 percent, and would reintroduce street cars to the region.
It increases funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements by 56 percent. It also increases maintenance funds for local roads and freeways.
...But as SACOG's Mike McKeever has pointed out, the region can't earmark capital investments for transit projects that lack a clear source of operating revenue. That is why it's essential for transit advocates to press Placer and El Dorado leaders to pass a sales tax for transportation.
