Question 1: Is it possible to create a system of public transportation that works? Would you agree that an underground metro (much better and more complex than the 5 stops on one line that we have in LA right now) is impossible? What about expanding the bus system? Do you have any other ideas for alternative transportation?
Question 2: California's gas tax is one of the lowest in the nation, much of which goes to help pay for the roads. Is it fair for us to complain if we don't want to pay taxes? Do you think there is another way around it? We have so much transportation, especially trucks, on the road in this state more than others. Do you think Californians should just accept that our roads are going to have more of a toll taken on them?
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Well to answer part of both your questions...I think that the California Gas tax should be raised, and a portion of the money should go to public transportation projects like Underground Metro systems. With less people willing to pay, in long term, the gas tax, they will hopefully begin taking the bus or train. Los Angeles has a couple of train systems in it already, but it does need more stops and more expansion! I feel that metro systems should be expanded to the east and west ends of the San Fernando Valley as well as to Valencia, and another metro added to Long Beach for larger commuter accommodations. I think that if Los Angeles continues to grow, these trains will be essential to having job opportunities in Los Angeles as well as to people saving money on their cars and ultimately reducing smog emissions in L.A as well as the Accident rate. The 405 Freeway is considered one of the deadliest Freeways in the world, and in order for accident rates to decrease, first we must build a travel system that is efficient throughout L.A and connecting suburbs. Los Angeles is a commuter city and so the transportation systems need to be improved.
I wish there was a way to expand the transportation system or put one underground, but I feel it would be very difficult to do so because the way LA is laid out. I think it is a good idea to try and figure out a way to put a better and more effective transportation system because people are tried of paying for gas and sitting in traffic. I think LA does need a system that will stretch all the way to the borders of LA and all come into the Center of LA or where major businesses are, such as also in Burbank. The city needs to find a better transportation system, whether it is an underground subway, train, or bus; whatever will benefit the city and not cause more traffic and more headache.
I think it possible to create a system of public transportation that works, the biggest problem will be that it will need to be at a time where the state has enough funding to support this. An underground metro would be our best option because although we currently have a train system right now above ground, it is very inefficient and does not have much support except when gas prices are over $4 a gallon. If we could afford to put the current lines and shift them underground, it would help because it could then travel faster and then it would be an added motivating factor for using the service.
While I support the theory of expanding the bus system, I do not think it would really work because of the current negative connotation of the California bus system. I personally would not sell my car and rely on either system until it is proven to be relatively reliable and convenient. More incentives for carpooling might help, currently the carpool lanes while better than the alternate lanes is still quite trafficky and not really a motivating factor. If companies provide more perks for people who carpool, this may be easier to begin with the state's current economic situation. For now, I think the best solution is for individuals to attempt to find the best solution for their needs rather than a wide-spread effort.
It is possible to create a system of public transportation that works. Other states, such as New York, have done so, so why can't we? I think that part of the problem is that people have interesting conceptions reguarding public transportation. People, though they complain about traffic, are still hesitent to take public transportation. It seems that they want less traffic, so OTHER people should take the buss/train etc. If there is an attitude adjustment then there can be sucess for public transportation. However, our public transportation at this point, needs some help. For example the train only makes select stops- you can't for example take the train to Studio City, the main stop for LA is Union Station. That's not convienent for a lot of people, so why can't we look at making public transportation more available? I also think the idea of ending the monopoly of buss systems in the Los Angeles area, the more public transportaiton that is available and easily accessable the more people who will be able to use it.
It would be very hard for L.A. to change up their public transit system. New York has an amazing system where someone does not even need a car. Sure they are all crazy drivers but they started early with a subway system and grew from there. It would be hard to even choose the places where the subway would go to. there are so many areas that it would be very hard to choose. the bus system could be expanded which i think would help the most. The bus system is already pretty good. On Devin's comment about the 405, yes it is deadly with cars going 80 and accidents happening all the time. With more people condensing and becoming more mobile and all leaving at around the same time and coming back at the same time there will be traffic. The best solution would for people to leave. Gas tax would be too much. More people more traffic. California pays for one of the highest gax prices in the country and add on gas taxes we will be paying the highest in the country.
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