The following article appeared on The Source on August 19, 2016.

It’s official: Measure M heads to November ballot – The Source

By Paul Gonzales

August 19, 2016

Above is a fact sheet on Measure M. And here’s the news release from Metro:

More Mobility, Movement, Motion, Maintenance focus of Metro’s Sales Tax Ballot Measure

The Los Angeles County Registrar–Recorder Office  today officially designated the Los Angeles County Traffic Improvement Plan as Measure M on the November 8, 2016 ballot.

Measure M, brought forward by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), is an expenditure plan that would fund a wide variety of transit and highway projects; local street improvements; programs for seniors, students and the disabled, and more over the next four decades.

“Measure M addresses many of the critical transportation needs caused by our aging infrastructure and expected population growth,” said Metro Board Chair John Fasana.

Measure M asks voters to increase the countywide sales tax by a half-cent and continue the existing Measure R tax after it’s set to expire in 2039 until voters decide to change it.

The plan includes a host of major highway and transit projects across the county and many other programs. These include keeping fares affordable for seniors, students and the disabled; improving local streets and sidewalks; earthquake retrofitting bridges; improving freeway traffic flow; expanding the rail and bus system; enhancing bike and pedestrian connections, and; keeping the system maintained and in good working condition. The tax measure also embraces technology and innovation to adapt as transportation evolves.

“This plan came from the people, for the people, through a collaborative process where our partners across the county, and the general public, have helped craft the way we position the region for current and future transportation needs,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington.

The full expenditure plan is available for public review at www.metro.net/theplan.