Comment Log Display

Accessment of San Dirgo’s 2050Regiomal Transportation & Sustainable
Communities Strategies Plan in SB-375 Terms.
A Structural Mismatch:
   A reader is supposed to learn the mass transit oriented SCS,
following SB-375 guidelines, is responsible for meeting energy and
emissions reduction values at least through year 2035.
But while SCS provides attractive opportunity for such savings in
the non-mobile category, the vigorously promoted associated mass
transit contribution is nearly meaningless.
Instead, on-road vehicles, even assuming only short term mpg
improvement, provide 95% of the savings in support of meeting the
GHG CARB standards through 2035. The remaining 5% provided by an
extensive mass transit overlay, along with walk/bike provisions,
spends nearly 50%, ~$47 billion, of the transportation capital
budget and absorbs only 4% of travel growth. With very optimistic
mode share assumptions, 2.5% of total.
   Considering the amount of land used, access to mass transit
commuting increases significantly especially for low income
travelers. But autos continue 3 times more accessible. Overall
Region work trips in less than 30 minutes actually decrease in the
process.
(Tables TA 3.1, an d 5.2 in 2050RTP/SCS provide concise numerical
proof.)
    Thus the Sustainable Communities Strategy with emphasis on
expensive mass transit, does not contribute meaningfully to SB-375
central transportation improvement objectives. 
Looking Forward:
   The Supreme Court in San Diego has ruled against 2050RTO/SCS
because it dies not meet GHG levels directed by Executive Order.
   Traffic congestion is also higher than the Plan’s 2008 baseline
year, and Regional Total mobility is decreased. Trips to work for
example take 10% longer.  
   Energy and emissions savings planned to start for vehicles in
2025 will assist meeting 2050 standards. Even lighter weight
automated personal vehicles should also be given consideration.
Resources from SCS less effective mass transit can be reallocated.

Planning Process.
   This Region devotes insufficient resources to an independent
objective facts based process of checks and balances to correct
deficiencies encountered before major commitments are made by
responsible officials. And offer a range of alternatives for
comparison by the public on a consistent basis.
In the 2050RTP/SCS case, with emphasis on the environment and
energy and emissions reductions, there is a clear mismatch between
Regional system performance analysis, and allocations that were
approved for facilities. The Superior Court finding of one
important deficient aspect, should prompt a reassessment and
reallocations that should have occurred before the Plan’s approval.

2050RTP/SCS is not a suitable template State-wide for other MPOs.