Time to get proactive about traffic problems
Traffic in the Southland still ranks first in the nation in
congestion. We’ve improved a bit, but we’re still No. 1, actually by
quite a margin. We’ve been No. 1 in a national study since 1987. What
a record.
Public transportation is still not too popular. Only 37% of trips
are by public transit.
Innovations such as ramp metering, service patrols and carpool
lanes ease freeway congestion.
On city surface streets, we have “traffic-calming” measures,
including stop signs, cul-de-sacs, speed bumps, street narrowing and
restricted parking areas. Are they effective? Somewhat, but not
nearly enough. Street bumps definitely slow me down, but fire and
emergency personnel don’t like them for that very reason.
The problem is getting worse in other major cities, as well. The
increase in population and our love affair with the automobile are
major causes of the problem.
One possible solution would be moving closer to work except for
the high price of residences, but the concept of urban villages is
becoming popular where rentals are being combined with retail stores
and places of employment.
If people want to live outside the city, let’s encourage business
to move with them.
If we don’t adapt, the smog level will increase, gas mileage will
drop, more time will be spent coming and going from work, and the
incidents of accidents will rise.
WESLEY GREENE
Burbank