New ways of funding transportation projects and getting people out of their cars was touted by public officials and land use experts as necessary to reduce demand on roadways already strained to capacity. Proposals under consideration include a half-cent sales tax specifically to fund transportation improvements and turning some freeway lanes into toll roads during times of heavy congestion. The lack of capacity on the freeways is no longer a quality of life issue but has crossed over into an economic imperative because the rising cost of gasoline cuts into discretionary income, said David Rand, an attorney and member of the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council at the Mobility 21 conference in Woodland Hills that took place May 21. “More people who were reticent about using public transportation are now looking at using it and modifying their behavior,” Rand said. The conference focused on funding for transportation projects and how land use fits in with planning for transit needs in the San Fernando Valley. Mobility 21 is a coalition of transportation agencies and business organization from a five-county area. Since building new freeways or greatly expanding our existing infrastructure is not an option, city and transportation agencies need to be more efficient with what they already have. That can be achieved through “bold and controversial” ideas such as toll roads, reversible lanes, and giving economic incentives to promote carpooling, use of public transportation and telecommuting, said Gary Toebben, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, a member of the coalition. Much discussion took place about congestion pricing allowing single-occupant vehicles to use carpool lanes for a fee that changes depending on how congested the roadway is. Metro and Caltrans received a federal grant for a pilot project on Interstates 10 and 210 that could be in place by the end of 2010. The money raised from drivers could then be used for other transportation projects. While this method is worth giving a shot, the public will only go so far with radical ideas that cost them money, said Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board member Zev Yaraslovsky. Putting new commercial and residential development close to transportation hubs would help get people to use public transit rather than their cars. That is what is already taking place in North Hollywood where Metro has a Red Line subway station and the Orange Line busway, and in Universal City where there also is a Red Line station. An office and condo project is slated for the Universal Studio property, while the Metro Studio @ Lankershim project atop the Red Line station includes office and commercial space and production and broadcast facilities for NBC Universal. With the Valley lacking infill opportunities, the projects offered a good opportunity to support the viability of NBC, said Tom Smith, senior vice president of West Coast real estate for the entertainment company. NBC is still completing the environmental impact report that will identify the impact of the projects on traffic in the area. They are looking at using area shuttles for employees and future residents, and are in talks with neighboring Burbank on a bus connection with the Metrolink station in that city, Smith said.
