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In Santa Cruz, it is estimated that forty percent of our GHG
emissions come from automobiles. I have seen estimates up to sixty
percent.
Santa Cruz is considering a way to divert a significant number of
our existing auto trips, mostly Single Occupant Vehicles (SOV),
into a clean form of transportation powered by electricity
obtained from solar panels. By doing so, a relatively rapid
reduction of up to 10% of our total GHG emissions could take
place. Additional reductions could be expected as the
transportation system expands.

  That system is Personal Rapid Transit (PRT).

Santa Cruz has authorized the publication of a Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) to determine what vendors are qualified to
develop and install such a PRT system.

The idea of Californis cities taking a serious look at PRT was
presented to the Economic and Technology Advancement Advisory
Committee (ETAAC). As one comment already pointed out, the ETAAC
final report acknowledged the potential of PRT. The GHG Scoping
Plan should continue that concept.

The GHG Scoping Plan needs to:
1. Acknowledge the good potential of PRT powered by soalr
generated electricity to cause an early reduction in GHG
emissions.
2. Recommend resources for cities to initiate small PRT programs
in focussed areas of automobile gridlock where high levels of sov
drivers can readily be attracted to PRT transportation.
3. Recommend accelerated State certification processes for
emerging PRT designs.
4. Recommend seed funding programs for cities to commence
acquisition of PRT systems.
5. Recommend the development of a pro-forma business plan that
cities can use to acquire and operate a PRT system.