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