Rail Seen as Alternative to the Automotive Glut

In the front page article, “Hopes for O.C. Tax Hike Pinned on Fed-Up Drivers” (May 29), Russ Burkett and Dave Ellis are quoted as saying that there is probably too much transit in the plan, Burkett claiming that people say they want rail transit but won’t use it. I hope these negative opinions do not influence the voters.

Fortunately Orange County has an opportunity to make a small step toward a more balanced transportation system. The 20-year Master Plan for Transportation in Orange County does include a rail transit element. This is a unique opportunity for Orange County because the Santa Fe right of way between Fullerton and San Diego is for sale. If Orange County is able to purchase the right of way within the county, the present rail system will be upgraded by adding stations at Buena Park, Mission Viejo and north Irvine; by laying double tracks; building grade separations, and by adding two new intercity trains and two new commuter trains. It is also proposed to initiate four commuter trains daily from Orange County to Riverside on the Santa Fe tracks.

It is estimated that this initial service will attract 8,000 riders a day on the L.A.-to-San Diego run, and 6,400 a day on the Riverside run. This equals the carrying capacity of two freeway lanes on the Riverside Freeway and two on the Santa Ana Freeway (one lane in each direction).

When a freeway lane reaches capacity, the only solution is to add more lanes to the freeway. The rail system’s capacity can easily be increased to accommodate demand.

We are being told that “no one will ride the rail system.” Ironically, we already have a rail system in place, Amtrak. It is being utilized by Orange County riders. It now carries 4,600 passengers per day in and through Orange County. Ridership is increasing at about 6% per year.

As inadequate and inconvenient as the system is, it is successful from a financial perspective. It is the least subsidized transportation system in the county at present, with virtually no operating or maintenance subsidy. In contrast, about 45% of street and road funds come from general taxes and assessments. Contrary to popular belief, only 21% of the road funds come from gas taxes.

It is difficult to understand how making the system more convenient will make it less successful. One reason that Orange County is married to the automobile is that no efficient alternative has been available.

In the last five years, 310,000 vehicles have been added to our streets and freeways. If we project those figures over 20 years, it is painfully obvious that we will need more than freeways and streets to move people and goods both within and through the county.

Another consideration that is difficult to factor in, but is of utmost urgency, is the overconsumption of energy and consequent pollution caused by our present transportation system. We are also being warned of a coming greenhouse effect on world climate.

We need to make a commitment to a more efficient use of resources and begin to provide an alternate to the automobile.

FLORENCE CAVILEER

Fullerton

Florence Cavileer is a member of the 20-Year Master Plan Citizens Committee.