Transit Solutions

“The Transportation Key” (editorial, Feb. 16) cogently outlines why Southern California needs a regional approach to dealing with the threat of perpetual gridlock. The ingredients necessary to make this happen are leadership and vision. For too long transportation planning has been dominated by shortsighted parochialism and a fixation on magic-bullet solutions (e.g. maglev, busways, rapid transit, privatization, cyber-tran, eliminating HOV lanes or smart shuttles).

Taking in the big picture and being flexible, we can begin devising strategies. Of paramount importance is for all levels of government, the private sector and the public to be involved and have a voice in the process. Only in this way will everyone have a stake in the success of the strategies adopted. The alternative (a transportation meltdown) is unacceptable.

DANA GABBARD, President

Southern California

Transit Advocates

Los Angeles