Transportation

By Scott Bugental

Continuing strong support of the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District ("Metro") bus system, and developing new routes in under-served neighborhoods. Consider creating busways on major arterial roads such as Soquel Avenue.

Supporting the building of a consolidated bus facility ("Metrobase"). If a facility capable of using the cleaner fuels mandated by state regulation is not in operation by January 2003, we will lose the use of 2/3 of the bus fleet. The Harvey West Park site appears to be the best option available.

Creating a continuous bikeway across Santa Cruz, and improving bike and pedestrian facilities. Acquisition of the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way is a great step forward - creating a bike and pedestrian path along this route is a must!

Supporting rail alternatives. In the short term, options such as the Soltrain or a Costal Trolley are worthwhile. In the long-term, we will need to create a commuter rail link from the Pajaro Station to Santa Cruz.

Increasing support of public/private partnerships to increase the use of car- and vanpools.

Study Personal Rapid Transit as an additional alternative to car use.

Oppose the widening Highway 1. With a price tag of over $250,000,000 - not to mention the increase in noise and air pollution and the cutting of trees along the highway corridor that would accompany widening - the costs outweigh the benefits.