The Metro board will likely decide this Thursday whether to put a sales tax measure for traffic improvements on the November ballot. As part of that decision, the Metro board will also approve an accompanying expenditure plan which details the many projects throughout Los Angeles County to be funded by the tax in the next few decades. One of the first projects to break ground under the proposed plan is the Foothill Gold Line from Glendora to the county line in Claremont.
Read what Metro CEO Phil Washington wrote today about the proposed tax measure; published in the Los Angeles News Group papers, including the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
An LA County transit plan for today and tomorrow: Guest commentary – San Gabriel Valley Tribune
A Metro Orange Line bus lets passengers off at the Sepulveda Metro Orange Line Station on Nov. 5, 2015. (Photo by Dean Musgrove/Los Angeles Daily News)
By Phillip A. Washington
June 21, 2016
[Excerpt]:
After three years of collaboration with regional partners and hearing from voices across Los Angeles County, Metro staff has a final recommendation to ease traffic and improve transportation — the Los Angeles County Traffic Improvement Plan.
This ongoing, sustained funding plan proposes a new half-cent sales tax starting in 2018 and a replacement of the current Measure R tax starting in 2040 until voters decide to end it. The recommendation provides a long-term game plan — a blueprint for mobility.
If the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s board of directors decides to go forward, voters in November would have an opportunity to take charge of their transportation future and keep pace with the growing needs of today and tomorrow.
If voters approve the measure, the benefits are endless: improved freeway flow; expanded rail and bus system; improved streets and fewer potholes; enhanced bike and pedestrian connections; and more accessible, convenient and affordable programs for seniors, students and the disabled. The plan embraces technology and innovation, creates jobs, generates countless economic benefits and reduces pollution. And built into the plan are provisions to protect and monitor the public’s investment through a transparent, independent oversight process.
Click here to read the full commentary.