Posted: March 30th, 2005

The Center has submitted environmental justice comments regarding the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2004 Regional Transportation Plan.

Southern California lacks adequate public transportation. Los Angeles may be regarded as the car capital of the world, but for the working poor and other people with limited or no access to a car who depend on public transit, it can be almost impossible to get to work, school, the market, parks, forests and beaches, doctors, or many other basic needs of life.

Better, cheaper, safer, clean-fuel bus service is the backbone of the transportation system in Los Angeles. Over 70% of the transit ridership in the SCAG region is on Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) vehicles, and over 90% of MTA boardings are on buses – and close to 95% of all SCAG region boardings are on buses. Subway, light rail, and commuter rail systems depend on buses to get people to and from stations. Buses reduce the need for cars on streets and highways. Without an effective bus system, the rail system will not work. Roads will become more congested. Pollution, related human health, and global warming problems will worsen.

Access to public transportation is also important to increase access to natural lands and public spaces. According to a study by students in the USC Department of Geography, for example, there is virtually no good way to reach the four forests of Southern California by public transportation. There is no easy way to reach the beaches of the Los Angeles region on public transit. Access to parks, forests, beaches, and other green spaces is important for the benefit of all Southern California residents.

To view the complete comments click here.