Transit Funds

Your editorial (“Sharp Exit From a Dead-End Policy,” June 21) was correct in supporting the U.S. Senate’s move toward transit, and away from highways, in its funding priorities contained in the new federal surface transportation legislation. It is important that federal policy stay in step with the transportation and mobility needs of the country’s most populous and economically powerful region.

In Southern California, a public consensus has surfaced in support of a major new push for improved transit service. Transportation agencies, including the Southern California Rapid Transit District and Los Angeles County Transportation Commission, have responded with a comprehensive program, including a network of bus and car-pool lanes, clean and efficient buses and a renaissance in rail transit.

This public consensus has also taken the form of a significant financial commitment to improved transit investments. These local public funds, combined with federal and state gas tax funds, have translated into a $134-billion transportation investment program for Los Angeles County over the next 30 years. Many local officials have joined with me to make sure that a maximum amount of these funds are invested in transit vehicles--bus and rail cars in the Southern California area. Why should taxpayers export their dollars to Italy, Germany, etc. for transit cars when they could be made in our area?

Besides utilizing our local high-tech expertise for traffic solutions, our region should be on the cutting edge of implementing the most advanced transit technology solutions available, including the use of mag-lev. Mag-lev trains, operating on a cushion of air above the guideway, move without noise and have the capability of operating at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.

Legislation is moving through the Legislature calling for an advanced technology, including a mag-lev, “high-speed” demonstration project for our area. The U.S. Senate transportation legislation contains $750 million for the construction of a “prototype mag-lev” system somewhere in the country. We need to position our area to take advantage of this new support for mag-lev technology.

NICK PATSAOURAS

President, SCRTD Board of Directors

Vice Chair, LACTC