With the aim of a more efficient transportation system in the city, changes have been taking place at a relatively fast pace with welcome adjustment. Never in my life would I have dreamed that there would be a 14-mile expressway running from one end of the San Fernando Valley to North Hollywood, and an underground railway from NOHO to Downtown - but I and others have seen the day and have embraced it, kinks and all. Needless to say, commuters in LA wonder where their tax dollars are going every year, but the appearance of buses and trains every 15 to 30 minutes or so has proved prompt and sufficient in answer fo pedestrians, cyclists, and part-time drivers.
In collective realization that population rates aren’t getting any lower and traffic congestion isn’t getting any better, the Metro Board of Directors revisited the issue of furthering progress by introducing projected benefits of Measure R:
“Measure R is a half-cent sales tax increase that is expected to provide the local resources to finance new transportation projects and accelerate those already in the pipeline. Over 30 years, it is projected to generate $40 billion for congestion relief projects. Measure R alone does not fully fund all projects. The expenditure plan identifies additional funding sources. To view the expenditure plan and the full text of Measure R, click here.”
Essentially, $25 per person per year will make these changes possible. If at all worried about how taxes are being spent, the Board of Directors offers this consolation:
“[...] the Metro Board will spend Measure R funds consistent with the voters’ approval. There will be an annual independent audit and report to taxpayers and ongoing monitoring and review of spending by an independent taxpayer oversight committee.”
It might help to think of what $25 can be spent on in one sitting - dinner? Shoes? Colored contacts? I came to the realization a while ago that society tends to thrive on issues of frivolity. Therefore I can pretty much guarantee that if one doesn’t miss dollars apportioned for the occasional whimsical fancy, the same dollars won’t be missed when fueling future plans to better Angelenos as soon as technologically possible. Personally, I’m relieved to think that that the city’s cosmopolitan quality won’t fade to the background due to something as simple as getting around. But since the best decisions are made when informed and without bias, feel free to make use of the links below.
Photo via about.losangelesca.com
0 responses so far ↓
Subscribe to our RSS Feed and leave a comment to enter the commentator of the week competition and win a $20 Amazon.com gift voucher.
Leave a Comment