Q & A

* Anaheim Transportation Network Executive Director Kelly Vasquez

The massive Santa Ana Freeway widening project, to begin in late 1996, will affect Anaheim until the turn of the century.

The help ease traffic congestion during the four-year project, public agencies, businesses and community organizations have banded together to form the Anaheim Transportation Network.

Among goals of the nonprofit association, funded by state grants and membership fees, are promoting van-pools, implementing a clean-fuel shuttle and organizing a fixed-fare taxi service operating out of the Metrolink rail station at Anaheim Stadium.

Founding members are the city of Anaheim, Walt Disney Co., the Mighty Ducks, the stadium, the Pond of Anaheim, the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Pacific Bell, Anaheim Plaza and the Greater Anaheim Chamber of Commerce.

Executive Director Kelly Vasquez spoke with Times correspondent Alan Eyerly about the network’s activities and objectives: Q: What effect will the freeway widening project have on traffic in Anaheim?

A: It will be like a man-made disaster. But in the end, it will have a very positive impact. It will put Anaheim even more in the forefront as a destination than it is now.

Q: How will you alert network members about ramp closures and other construction developments?

A: We’re going to have a fax program so we can do updates on a daily basis, or as needed, so they can be prepared for any closures.

Q: Do you expect the freeway work to create a renewed interest in van-pools, car-pools, rail transportation and other commuting alternatives?

A: When the construction begins, employers will see that their employees will be more interested in participating in some ride-sharing mode. We’ll help employers help their employees cope.

Q: What are the advantages of joining an association such as this?

A: I think the main advantage is the fact that you get a voice . . . with regional agencies such as the Air Quality Management District. We have a working relationship with Caltrans and OCTA, so we’re very much in the loop on the [Santa Ana Freeway] construction.

Q: What will be the role of the Anaheim Transportation Network after the freeway widening is completed?

A: The ATN is a living, breathing organization, so we will shift our emphasis based on what our members’ needs are at the time. Hopefully we’ll be able to help them with not only their employees commuting in and out of the area and with visitor traffic, but by expanding to include residents.