First Name | Walter |
---|---|
Last Name | Brewer |
Email Address | catcar38@verizon.net |
Affiliation | Self |
Subject | Plan Mismatch with SB-375 |
Comment | Accessment of San Dirgo’s 2050Regiomal Transportation & Sustainable Communities Strategies Plan in SB-375 Terms. A Structural Mismatch: A reader is supposed to learn the mass transit oriented SCS, following SB-375 guidelines, is responsible for meeting energy and emissions reduction values at least through year 2035. But while SCS provides attractive opportunity for such savings in the non-mobile category, the vigorously promoted associated mass transit contribution is nearly meaningless. Instead, on-road vehicles, even assuming only short term mpg improvement, provide 95% of the savings in support of meeting the GHG CARB standards through 2035. The remaining 5% provided by an extensive mass transit overlay, along with walk/bike provisions, spends nearly 50%, ~$47 billion, of the transportation capital budget and absorbs only 4% of travel growth. With very optimistic mode share assumptions, 2.5% of total. Considering the amount of land used, access to mass transit commuting increases significantly especially for low income travelers. But autos continue 3 times more accessible. Overall Region work trips in less than 30 minutes actually decrease in the process. (Tables TA 3.1, an d 5.2 in 2050RTP/SCS provide concise numerical proof.) Thus the Sustainable Communities Strategy with emphasis on expensive mass transit, does not contribute meaningfully to SB-375 central transportation improvement objectives. Looking Forward: The Supreme Court in San Diego has ruled against 2050RTO/SCS because it dies not meet GHG levels directed by Executive Order. Traffic congestion is also higher than the Plan’s 2008 baseline year, and Regional Total mobility is decreased. Trips to work for example take 10% longer. Energy and emissions savings planned to start for vehicles in 2025 will assist meeting 2050 standards. Even lighter weight automated personal vehicles should also be given consideration. Resources from SCS less effective mass transit can be reallocated. Planning Process. This Region devotes insufficient resources to an independent objective facts based process of checks and balances to correct deficiencies encountered before major commitments are made by responsible officials. And offer a range of alternatives for comparison by the public on a consistent basis. In the 2050RTP/SCS case, with emphasis on the environment and energy and emissions reductions, there is a clear mismatch between Regional system performance analysis, and allocations that were approved for facilities. The Superior Court finding of one important deficient aspect, should prompt a reassessment and reallocations that should have occurred before the Plan’s approval. 2050RTP/SCS is not a suitable template State-wide for other MPOs. |
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Date and Time Comment Was Submitted | 2014-01-10 04:30:07 |
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