The League supports measures to maintain adequate transportation as a public service with the least possible adverse environmental effects (1970-71). The League promotes the coordination of planning to improve and vary regional transportation facilities and modes of transportation, the exploration and encouragement of alternatives to the use of the automobile, and broad-based financing, both public and private.
2004 Wrote letter to County Board of Supervisors recommending a larger allocation of new funds in the sales tax proposal for public transit.
2004 Held a Forum on Measure A, a transportation sales tax.
1990 Supported Measure A which proposed a 1/4 cent county sales tax to fund local transportation improvements.
1988 Addressed the Transportation Policy Planning Committee on the unmet need for intercity transportation, particularly for the elderly and handicapped.
Natural Resources Position
Transportation - Background
“Transportation” was adopted as a study in 1970-71. The study considered transportation needs, existing systems, solutions to transportation problems and financing. Beyond that, and of paramount concern, was the early alleviation of air pollution: transportation systems should be judged by their effect on public health as well as safety and a smooth flow of traffic. Members concluded that transportation of people should be considered a public service and that Ventura County should join a special district* empowered to assume responsibility for total transportation planning.
This transportation district should establish the need for various modes of transportation, including bicycle and walking facilities. It should plan for and implement them into a total system which would meet human needs and not create or perpetuate “ghettos” of inequality of opportunity. Financing should come from a broad tax base (sales, highway user tax, subsidies) in addition to reasonable fares. Important criteria for testing present and future proposals for transportation solutions include these factors:
- Impact on environment:
- early alleviation of air pollution
- noise pollution controls
- influence on population density
2. Effect on the individual:
- convenience to destination (reliability, speed, safety)
- reasonable fares
3. Total planning by a transportation district:
- education of the public for knowledge and acceptance of benefits
- coordination of modes within the district and with connecting districts
- economic feasibility
- best use of land
- best use of existing facilities, including the railroad
- early alleviation of transportation problems
- efficiency and flexibility
- constant evaluation and research
*Subsequent to this study, the Southern California Area Transit (SCAT) was formed.
