beautifulplanet
Lead Service Attendant
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2014
- Messages
- 337
Yesterday, there were press reports that the Sacramento Transportation Authority will try to get feedback from county voters about the idea to generate more revenue for transportation, to build light rail and road projects, f.e. light rail to Sacramento airport, and a new 35-mile parkway called "Capital SouthEast Connector".
Here is a map of a possible expansion of the Green Line to Sacramento airport:
Image source:
http://www.sacramentogo.com/status-project/light-rail-to-sacramento-international-airport/
This new light rail line would not only serve the airport itself, but also provide reliable and convenient rail transportation to areas north of downtown Sacramento, like North Sacramento, the Gateway Park area and Natomas. It seems like RailPAC is supporting the idea of this light rail line, now it remains to be seen how many organizations and residents speak out in favor of implementing a 0.5% additional sales tax for transportation, to generate funding for this line and other projects.
At least in one press report, there were already several positive statements regarding light rail to the airport:
New Light Rail Extension to Sacramento Airport Proposed, Comes at a Cost
February 10, 2015
By Sonseeahray Tonsall
http://fox40.com/2015/02/10/new-light-rail-extension-to-sacramento-airport-proposed-comes-at-a-cost/
On the other hand, the idea of officials is that new funding stream will not go transit exclusively, and not only include road improvements, but also even construction of about 35 completely new highway miles in the south east of the metro area, as can be seen on this map:
Image source:
http://www.villagelife.com/news/folsom-approves-capital-southeast-connector-alignment/
At least some might be skeptical, that transit might be short-changed with this new funding mechanism, and in the end very little transit improvements might be implemented, still a lot of road construction will take place.
In another press report, Mike Wiley, CEO and General Manager of Sacramento Regional Transit, said:
Transportation officials hoping to float a new tax for roads, mass transit
February 10, 2015
By Dave Marquis
http://www.news10.net/story/money/2015/02/10/roads-light-rail-tax-transportation-sacramento/23159523/
So some might think, now it seems like it is up to the organizations and residents, to let SRT know, that not only light rail to the airport is needed, but also a streetcar to West Sacramento, light rail down to Elk Grove, and light rail to Roseville (though this lines would only partially be inside of Sacramento county, up to Citrus Heights, and require cooperation of Placer County, still Roseville has its own Communitywide Sustainability Action Plan and Alternative Transportation plans, and light rail might important for the metro area as a whole). Also in addition to future supplementary sales tax funding, at least some might think that Sacramento county and SRT should do their part, to get the 10 Amtrak Capitol Corridor trains a day to Roseville rolling as soon as possible.
Even in case it officials agree to create a ballot measure for an addition transportation sales tax with a substancial part of the revenue going to transit, then it might probably still be a challange to get it passed, as an approval of two thirds of the voters is required.
Here is a map of a possible expansion of the Green Line to Sacramento airport:
Image source:
http://www.sacramentogo.com/status-project/light-rail-to-sacramento-international-airport/
This new light rail line would not only serve the airport itself, but also provide reliable and convenient rail transportation to areas north of downtown Sacramento, like North Sacramento, the Gateway Park area and Natomas. It seems like RailPAC is supporting the idea of this light rail line, now it remains to be seen how many organizations and residents speak out in favor of implementing a 0.5% additional sales tax for transportation, to generate funding for this line and other projects.
At least in one press report, there were already several positive statements regarding light rail to the airport:
source:“I think it’s a good idea,” Benjamin Alexander said, as he waited for his ride home from Sacramento International.
[...]
“If the train could get you out there quickly enough and frequently enough I think people would use it,” Light Rail rider John Mohammed said.
“That would be really great, not just for me but I have people who visit from out of town, so it would be nice to have them get here really easy,” Jennifer Teykaerts, who commutes on Light Rail every day said.
New Light Rail Extension to Sacramento Airport Proposed, Comes at a Cost
February 10, 2015
By Sonseeahray Tonsall
http://fox40.com/2015/02/10/new-light-rail-extension-to-sacramento-airport-proposed-comes-at-a-cost/
On the other hand, the idea of officials is that new funding stream will not go transit exclusively, and not only include road improvements, but also even construction of about 35 completely new highway miles in the south east of the metro area, as can be seen on this map:
Image source:
http://www.villagelife.com/news/folsom-approves-capital-southeast-connector-alignment/
At least some might be skeptical, that transit might be short-changed with this new funding mechanism, and in the end very little transit improvements might be implemented, still a lot of road construction will take place.
In another press report, Mike Wiley, CEO and General Manager of Sacramento Regional Transit, said:
source:"So it's really up to the Sacramento community. If that's what they want - we're here to deliver[.]"
Transportation officials hoping to float a new tax for roads, mass transit
February 10, 2015
By Dave Marquis
http://www.news10.net/story/money/2015/02/10/roads-light-rail-tax-transportation-sacramento/23159523/
So some might think, now it seems like it is up to the organizations and residents, to let SRT know, that not only light rail to the airport is needed, but also a streetcar to West Sacramento, light rail down to Elk Grove, and light rail to Roseville (though this lines would only partially be inside of Sacramento county, up to Citrus Heights, and require cooperation of Placer County, still Roseville has its own Communitywide Sustainability Action Plan and Alternative Transportation plans, and light rail might important for the metro area as a whole). Also in addition to future supplementary sales tax funding, at least some might think that Sacramento county and SRT should do their part, to get the 10 Amtrak Capitol Corridor trains a day to Roseville rolling as soon as possible.
Even in case it officials agree to create a ballot measure for an addition transportation sales tax with a substancial part of the revenue going to transit, then it might probably still be a challange to get it passed, as an approval of two thirds of the voters is required.
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