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 The Times' editorial board looks at the battle between the governor and transit agencies over funding and comes to an interesting conclusion: Maybe we should boost the gas tax:
Transportation should be financed by the most direct user fees when possible, but if the money for roads is going to come from the gasoline excise tax, then that tax needs to be raised or indexed to inflation. Fully funded (and intelligently managed) transit agencies help reduce urban traffic, take stress off roads, cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and keep fares low for the transit-dependent. Unlike the spillover, an indexed tax would be a reliable source of money for an ongoing challenge, not a one-time shot to erase red ink.
What do you think? Hit COMMENT button and speak out!
 The Economist joins the debate on congestion pricing on L.A. freeways. The articles paint a grim picture of L.A. gridlock and joins those saying that hefty tolls might be the best way to modify commuter behavior:
The best way to achieve such progress is to give motorists a choice. Pay a toll to travel at the busiest times of the day, or drive during off-peak hours and pay less or even nothing. Computer models of the Los Angeles freeway system suggest a congestion charge of 19 cents a mile would reduce traffic volume by 3.3%. That small decrease would be enough to reduce delays by a whopping 32%. So why has Caltrans been so reluctant to introduce congestion charging? For the same reason that pay-as-you-drive technologies have unnerved local authorities elsewhere. No matter what the benefits might be, a vocal minority will object violently to what it perceives to be a double tax—once at the pump and once on the road.
What do you think? WOuld congestion pricing work in L.A.? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 Heads up! More work on the 405 in the Westside (related to the carpool lane widening) to keep an eye on. The advisory from Caltrans:
Caltrans will close the northbound (I-405) connector to the eastbound and westbound Marina Freeway (Route 90) daily (Monday through Friday) beginning Monday, April 20, through Friday, May 18. Additionally, all lanes of the Palms Avenue Bridge will be closed in both directions from Sawtelle Boulevard to Sepulveda Boulevard from 11 p.m., Monday, April 23 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 24.
 We've talked about the debate in San Francisco about reducing or eliminating transit fares to get more riders to give up their cars. But we don't think officials had this in mind:
Transportation officials vowed to get tough on cable car operators after an audit found they only collect the $5 fare about 40 percent of the time. Auditors who rode undercover 42 times in December and January on the city’s three cable car routes said conductors collected cash fares only 25 times, the report said. San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency chief Nathaniel Ford said Thursday he will enact several measures to improve fare collection, including deploying plainclothes security personnel to observe staff on cable cars. Muni also budgeted more money to extend hours at the ticket kiosks at cable car turnarounds to encourage more passengers to pay their fares in advance. (from AP)
What do you think? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 Anaheim officials want to remove billboards from its city streets. So they have come up with an "exchange program that OCR reports will allow companies to swap them with new billboards along freeways:
On Tuesday, the City Council voted 5-0 to request proposals from outdoor-advertising businesses to build more signs along freeways in exchange for razing old signs on arterial streets. "The people in the city on the west end have been inundated with billboards," Councilwoman Lucille Kring said. Billboard companies have sought such an exchange program, because they can make more money by having billboards along freeways, where more motorists see them. A company, for example, might dismantle five signs on surface streets to get permission to put up one on a freeway.
What do you think? Is it better to have billboards of freeways than streets? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 A famous wood rail bridge that is a surfing icon will get some much needed TLC:
North County Transit District will spend $300,000 to repair the wooden railroad bridge known as "Trestles" that is the gateway to the famous surfing spot of the same name. The district board approved the contract Thursday after staff reported 17 defective pilings on the bridge, located at San Onofre State Beach on the San Diego-Orange County line. ... The 926-foot bridge across San Mateo Creek was built in 1941. The northernmost 558 feet of track are supported by timber pilings and horizontal crossbeams. (from AP)
 Well, here's something to consider when thinking about that car GPS system. The Examiner reports that the systems can be hacked into -- potentially causing havoc. The good news: Experts believe a "security patch" can be developed. But don't be surprised if you punch in "Ladera Heights" and end up in "Ladera Ranch:"
What if someone could hack into your car’s navigation system and send you errant messages or, worse yet, shut down the climate control or even the braking systems? It’s a risk that is very real. According to Dark Reading, a business technology Web site, Italian researchers have discovered that hackers can get into your car’s Global Positioning System satellite and high-tech radio systems. It may seem like more fodder for a prank, but giving incorrect navigation messages is one way carjackers could reroute vehicles into deadends or alleyways. A attacker could bombard the system with enough messages to result in a denial-of-service attack that could shut down some of the car’s other systems with potentially catastrophic results.
Do you like GPS system? Hit COMMENT and join the discussion!
 Sounds like it is going to take a while to figure out exactly how the 1% cut in the L.A. Transportation Dept. will impact commuters. But here is a summary (compiled from CNS) of major traffic points in the mayor's budget, which was unveiled today:
--Although Villaraigosa’s plan also calls for a 1 percent reduction in the Transportation Department’s proposed $142.2 million budget, he plans to expand the "gridlock tiger team" that was unleashed along Wilshire Boulevard last year to intersections in the San Fernando Valley and South Los Angeles.
--About $17.3 million worth of Proposition C half-cent transportation sales tax revenue would be spent on signal synchronization projects in 10 neighborhoods.
--About $40 million worth of Transportation Department funds for the Exposition Light Rail project, scheduled for completion in 2010.
--About $20.6 million for the Department of Public Works, which includes filling 300,000 potholes and repairing 575 miles of city streets.
What do you think? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 The Dodgers' plan to get out of their traffic nightmare by reopening the Scott Avenue gate is raising the ire of folks on Echo Park (big surprise). So far, the opposition isn't changing the Dodgers' plans to reopen the gate Friday, says The Times Bill Shaikin:
A council committee approved a motion opposing the reopening of the gate — a vote not binding on the Dodgers — and plans to follow up with City Councilmen Eric Garcetti and Ed Reyes, who represent the neighborhood. The Dodgers agreed to close the Scott Avenue gate more than 10 years ago after neighbors argued that fans had overrun the residential area surrounding the stadium. Sunkin said Wednesday that the team would pay for traffic officers and barricades to keep fans on Scott and off side streets. But resident Pete Lassen said: "I cannot believe you will provide the level of control along Scott Avenue that would be absolutely necessary for this — quote — pilot program to work. I say 'quote' because I believe it's a pilot that will become a reality."
What do you think? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 USA Today cites the case of George Weller when editorializing for tougher regulations on older drivers. Weller was 86 when he lost control of his car and killed 10 at the Santa Monica Farmer's Market:
Elderly drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes at traffic intersections than are younger drivers, according to a report issued last month by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. By 2030, the number of licensed drivers ages 65 and older will nearly double to about 57 million — about one in five drivers. Yet efforts by states to evaluate the abilities of older motorists aren't nearly as stringent as new limits being placed on teens, who increasingly face restrictions on night driving, the number of passengers they can carry and other matters.
What do you think? Do we need tighter rules for older drivers? Even if it insults them? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 The city budget is unveiled today -- but it already looks like transportation programs might take a hit. The DN says a plan to add more left-turn signals on city streets is in jeopardy:
[The] city will borrow from its $186 million reserve fund to cover the shortfall, but an additional plan to cut some services - including tree trimming and installation of left-turn signals at key intersections - drew sharp complaints from City Council members. Councilwoman Wendy Greuel decried the loss of more than $800,000 to the Department of Transportation in funds that had been earmarked for left-turn signals. "We are the policy-making body of this city," Greuel said. "We authorized the money for a specific purpose and it is not up to you to decide not to spend that money."
What do you think? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 First Santa Monica, now San Juan Capistrano. The South OC city narrowly approved red-light cameras, despite some opposition on the City Council. The Register says some question if the cameras are needed if the intersection don't have very many accidents:
Others questioned the effectiveness of the system, with Councilman Lon Uso citing the low number of accidents in the area before and after the cameras were implemented. "To say that this system is required in our community for the safety of our residents, I'm not sold on it," Uso said. Councilman Tom Hribar said he was opposed to the idea of red-light cameras, contending the system was too punitive."If we can defeat red-light cameras in this town, I would like to take down the first sign," Hribar said.
Do we need red-light cameras at intersection that don't have many accidents? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
  Keeping up with Arnold? In his state of the city address, the mayor promises he will so unveil his own environmental plan. (Remember, we reported last month that the county is trying to go green through more hybrid cars). No details from the mayor, but this soundbite:
The mayor said he plans to announce a climate- change plan for Los Angeles in the next several weeks aimed at reducing the city’s reliance on fossil fuels. "We believe that we can’t be a great global city if we’re not a great global citizen," he said. "And we believe it’s possible to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of a city of 4 million souls." (from CNS)
What do you think? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 You may not wonder this while driving 80 mph on the 405 (if you are lucky). But a reader asks Honk's Jim Radcliffe why there never seems to be a CHP officer around when she sees drivers doing bad and crazy things on the freeway. His answer:
Here is why you too rarely see a cop on the freeways: Since 1969, the number of licensed drivers in the state has risen 103 percent to 23.2 million, while the number of uniformed CHP positions has gone up only 26.1 percent to 7,316.
What do you think? Do we need more CHP officers? Hit COMMENT and join the discussion.
 May 24. That's the showdown date for public hearing on the MTA's proposed fare increases. Forces have been gathering to support it, but CNS reports that transit officials say they need the extra revenue:
"Metro is struggling to overcome an operating deficit projected at $1.8 billion over 10 years," said Metro CEO Roger Snoble. "Our costs for new buses, fuel, labor and other expenses have gone up exponentially over the years while fees to our customers have not changed." The last major fare overhaul was in 1994. In 2004, Metro lowered the price of a regular fare by 10 cents and increased the cost of monthly passes by $10. MTA officials could not adjust fares while the agency was under a federal Consent Decree. That decree expired last year.
What do you think? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 The mayor's "State of the City" address focused mainly on gangs. But he also mentioned traffic and commuting:
The "gridlock tiger team" that was unleashed along Wilshire Boulevard last year, meanwhile, will be expanded to intersections in the San Fernando Valley and South Los Angeles, he said. "Our traffic officers will continue to unclog the city’s busiest intersections during the morning and evening rush hours," the mayor said. He also vowed to fill 300,000 potholes and repair 575 miles of city streets in the coming fiscal year. (From CNS)
What do you think? Can the mayor's plan work? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 A long-awaited financing plan for the much-delayed California high-speed rail project say the plan would need both private and public funds. Backers are planning a nearly $10 billion bond measure on the November 2008 ballot to help pay for the project:
A proposed high-speed train system connecting San Diego and San Francisco and passing through Los Angeles would likely be funded by a combination of private and public sources, California High-Speed Rail Authority Board members said today. The 700-mile system, which would cost an estimated $38 billion to $41 billion, could be funded by private sector investments and funding from local, state and federal sources, according to an analysis prepared by the Infrastructure Management Group and Lehman Brothers. (From CNS)
Is high speed rail a good idea for California. Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 Gas prices in Northern California continue break new records. Meanwhile, a Field Poll found that "nearly half of California's registered voters are cutting back on household spending because of rising gas prices for which they mostly blame oil companies and the Bush administration." In the north, prices are generally higher than in Southern California:
Average pump prices in California on Tuesday ranged from a high of $3.60 per gallon in Tahoe City to the cheapest at $3.27 in Santa Rosa and Vallejo. The statewide average was $3.34, a 23-cent increase since AAA's last report on March 13, but still below the record of $3.38 set on May 18, 2006. In the Bay Area, the average price was $3.47. San Francisco gas stations broke the record for the city by posting an average price of $3.53. Oakland motorists paid a record $3.41 per gallon.
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 Since the DMV stopped issuing hybrid decals allowing solo drivers to use carpool lanes, we've been hearing how those stickers are becoming hot commodities. And there were even reports of people stealing the stickers. But NPR says decal theft is unlikely:
There have been reports of stickers being stolen off cars — but the DMV doubts this is happening. The decals are tamper-proof. If you remove them they crumble and read "VOID."
 In response to the traffic nightmare during opening day, the Dodgers plan to reopen the long-shuttered Scott Avenue gate to stadium traffic. The Times' Bill Shaikin reports the plan is already raising concerns among residents in Echo Park:
In 1996, then-owner Peter O'Malley agreed to close the Scott gate after neighbors argued that stadium traffic overwhelmed the surrounding residential area. That year, the Dodgers drew 3.2 million fans. The team sold 3.8 million tickets last season. "We need to open the gate to alleviate the stress on the other four arteries," Johnston said. City Councilman Eric Garcetti, whose district includes the neighborhood, said the Dodgers contacted him about reopening the gate after the severe parking problems of opening day, when thousands of fans were stuck for more than an hour getting into and out of the stadium. Garcetti and Councilman Ed Reyes, whose district includes other areas around Dodger Stadium, said the team has agreed to pay for traffic officers to prevent departing fans from using side streets on their way to freeways. Johnston said the team is paying for traffic officers outside other gates as well, starting this season.
What do you think? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 We've been focusing on whether residents on the Westside will go for one-way traffic on Pico and Olympic. But CityWatch says that residents further east (where both boulevards are the narrowest) are already mobilizing to oppose the plan:
An angry Pico-Union Neighborhood Council board voted unanimously on Tuesday to oppose any plan for turning Pico and Olympic Boulevards into one-way streets. In a well attended Special Board meeting, the PUNC listened to members of the community voice their concerns about safety for the children, the elderly and workers that depend heavily on public transportation. The Board heard from stakeholders in sometime heated Korean, English and Spanish.
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 Gas prices around the region are up again this week. Bad news for drivers, but perhaps good news for refineries, according to The Times Ron White:
The tight supplies have been a windfall for refinery operators, said Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst for Oil Price Information Service. This year Southern California refinery operators have earned on average $28.76 a barrel for gasoline — that's the difference between what they get for a barrel of gas and what they pay for a barrel of crude, Kloza said. That's up from a margin of $16.25 a barrel during the same period last year, Kloza said, "and 2006 was hardly a soft year. Never underestimate the market's capacity for excess."
Environmentalists are stepping up their attack on the proposed extension of the 241 Toll Road through South Orange County. According to The Times David Reyes, the road would ease one of Southern California's top bottlenecks -- but critics say it would harm the environment, including the San Mateo Creek: The group, American Rivers, announced it was adding the creek to its annual list of endangered waterways to be published online today. In addition to endangering the creek, the group said, the proposed extension of the Foothill South toll road would "plow over" a state campground and wipe out the famous Trestles surfing beach in northern San Diego County. .... Toll road officials disagreed with that assessment of the project's potential effect on the creek, which runs 18 miles from the Santa Ana Mountains to Trestles, part of San Onofre State Beach south of San Clemente. They said the proposed 16-mile extension would skirt two state campgrounds, allow Trestles to remain unspoiled and improve the creek's water quality.
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 Santa Monica officials tell the Lookout News they are willing to look at the one-way plan for Olympic and Pico boulevards. But they have also noted one major pitfall: In their city, Olympic and Pico are divided by the Santa Monica Freeway. That means cut-through traffic would fix with freeway traffic:
A primary concern for [Councilwoman Pam] O'Connor is the challenge posed by the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) as it crosses the beachside city. Unlike in Los Angeles, the freeway runs directly between the two boulevards, splitting them and creating a man-made barrier between the north and southbound traffic, she said. "In some ways, that should eliminate cut-through traffic in that area," O’Connor said. "But then other areas where you can cross over could be more impacted." Already traffic backs up along the handful of streets that pass under and over the I-10, O'Connor said.
What do you think? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 The Expo Line is facing an 11th hour controversy about whether the railway is safe enough. The Times' Jeff Rabin said there are concerns about safety near several schools (see kids walking on track in left photo), L.A. Trade Tech College and USC facilities. Critics point to the 87 people hit and killed on the Blue Line:
Several residents along the former railroad right of way are formally protesting the Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority's applications to put rails across 44 intersections along the route. In addition, a USC engineering professor and Los Angeles Unified School district officials have voiced safety concerns. Builders of the rail line fear the issues raised by the utilities commission staff and others could delay construction for years and add millions of dollars to the project's cost. So they are fighting back, pushing legislation in Sacramento to cut in half the amount of time the commission has to act on the grade-crossing applications.
What do you think? Does the Expo Line need more safety features? Should there be more delays? Hit COMMENT and speak out?
 California reach a positive freeway milestone: No Caltrans employees were killed on the job in the last 12 months:
Bucking the national average, Caltrans announced today at its 17th annual Workers Memorial in Sacramento that there were zero employee deaths in Caltrans work zones in the past 12 months. And, for the first time in four years, no Caltrans employee was killed anywhere on the job." Caltrans was fortunate to have no worker deaths last year, but we cannot forget the 166 men and women who lost their lives while working for the safety of the traveling public," Director Will Kempton told 30 family members who were among hundreds of employees and families attending the Workers Memorial at the State Capitol. According to the Federal Highway Administration, three worker fatalities occur nationally in all cone zones every five days. (from Caltrans)
Times Staff Writer Jean Guccione answers questions about Southern California traffic.
Q: Is it true that the sidewalks on parts of Wilshire Boulevard might be reduced in size?
A: Los Angeles city officials are considering whether to narrow sidewalks along parts of Wilshire Boulevard to make room for another lane of traffic. That’s one way to create a bus-only lane on one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares without disrupting vehicular traffic. City officials say it won’t impact pedestrian traffic either. Along some stretches, the sidewalks are 15 feet or wider. They could be reduced to 10 feet without problem, according to city transportation officials. The L.A. Department of Transportation, in a newly released report, found that all-day bus-only lanes would "significantly impede access" to area merchants. On-street parking would be prohibited around the clock. Officials also are looking at ways to move buses through the most congested areas with "engineering enhancements," such as improved signal priority and removal of street parking during peak periods.
 The Inland Empire, home to a booming rail-and-truck-heavy logistics economy, is in dire need for more grade-separations (which would improve traffic flow and safety). But moving roads and rail on different grades is very expensive, and the Sun reports that there's been a lot more talk than action. Now, Assemblyman John Benoit wants an audit on the matter:
“With as many as 110 trains passing through Riverside every day, I’ve received considerable concern from constituents who agree that these train delays are unacceptable,” Benoit said in a statement today. “Inland Empire motorists deserve to know why it takes so long to fund projects that would provide tremendous benefits to the community, including reduced congestion and pollution from idling street traffic, reduced delays for emergency vehicles, and better access to community businesses.
What do you think? Do we need more grade separations? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 A sad reminder in Santa Fe Springs today about what officials say is a serious problem: Parents accidentally running over their small children in driveways:
A man accidentally backed his SUV over his 3- year-old son at the family’s duplex near Santa Fe Springs early tonight, killing the child, authorities said. The accident occurred at 11519 Laurel Ave., near Meyer Road, shortly after 5 p.m., according to California Highway Patrol Officer Patrick Kimball. The man, whose name was not released, had been backing up to his garage when he struck his son on the back patio, said Lt. Mark Harman of the Norwalk sheriff’s station. (from CNS)
 Have you checked out the one-way Olympic/Pico report? It provides some interesting charts showing how these one-way streets would operate and where some of the potential pitfalls exist. Here are a few (from Jean Guccione and others)
Increase in capacity shrinks a lot of you allow left turns: Vehicle capacity could increase by 20% with one-way streets and no left turns, the study found... A less restrictive alternative, which would allow left turns, would increase vehicle capacity by nearly 6%.
Portions of the streets not a good fit: Pico between Vermont and Western avenues appears too narrow to accommodate the proposed seven lanes across. Also: Olympic through part of Santa Monica has pesky landscaped medians.
Pico/Olympic are a ways apart, causing more driving: On the other hand, the two arterials are not adjacent; hence the impact to transit riders, emergency vehicles and the intervening streets needs to be addressed. (from report) (update: photo from Yaroslavsky's office)
What you think? Can Pico/Olympic one-way work? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 Transit agencies are angry at the governor for a plan they claim would take millions about from buses and rail. But Dan Weintraub looks at the debate and finds there might be less than meets the eye:
Schwarzenegger's proposal has flaws. But taken as a whole, in the context of California's ongoing budget problems, the governor's plan is a reasonable opening to a discussion about the proper level of state support for transit. And its effect would probably not be as disastrous as the transit lobby is making it out to be. First, consider the context. When Schwarzenegger took office in 2003, state aid for local transit operating budgets was about $100 million. In two years, that support doubled. And two years from now, even under his proposal, it would double again. If the governor gets his way, after six years in office, state aid to transit will have increased from a little more than $100 million to about $400 million annually.
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The Times' Jean Guccione breaks the news that a preliminary study finds the proposal to make Pico and Olympic boulevards one-way could ease congestion. But it sounds that the L.A. Transportation Dept. already has its mind made up: Gloria Jeff, general manager of L.A.'s Transport ation Department, rejects the concept on its face. City engineers believe that "cut-through streets would not be consistent with the neighborhood's desired quality of life," she said. But Councilman Jack Weiss said he planned to ask the City Council on Tuesday to direct Jeff to analyze the report, which he called "a very constructive and thoughtful first step" toward addressing east-west traffic congestion.
What do you think? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 Caltrans is replacing thousands of freeway signs. Residents in the Bay Area found what is considered a rare Caltrans typo:
A recently installed overhead sign on northbound Highway 101 south of Ralston Avenue alerts drivers to an upcoming exit they might not have heard of before: "HILLSIDALE BLVD." The rare blooper must have occurred as part of a recent Caltrans project in which the agency replaced 390 overhead freeway signs, spokeswoman Lauren Wonder said. It appears to have been a mistake by the contractor that manufactured the sign, because "Hillsdale" is spelled correctly on the plans Caltrans sent out.
Have we seen any typos on Southern California freeways? Hit COMMENT and tell us!
 This might be good or bad news for commuters. The DN reports that the city is seeing delays in the installation of red-light cameras on the streets of L.A. Moreover, the generous revenue stream promised is now in doubt:
Of 32 planned cameras, just 13 have been installed since last April because of engineering and other setbacks. And of $124,000 in photo-related fines collected last year, city government got less than half under a state law that gives some of the revenue to state and county coffers even though they contribute nothing to the expensive camera system. ..... The city gets $157 of every $381 fine for running a red light and $58 of every $159 fine for making an illegal rolling right turn on red.
What do you think? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
 The Times' opinion section asks seven experts for their traffic-easing ideas. Here's a summary:
--MTA Monopoly: The first step is to end the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's virtual monopoly and allow private jitney and bus operators to enter the transportation market to compete with the MTA and with each other.
--Parking costs: If Los Angeles wants to reduce traffic congestion, -- as well as lower greenhouse-gas emissions -- and do it all quickly it should charge the right price for curb parking and spend the new revenue for public services in the metered neighborhoods.
--Better buses: What Los Angeles needs is a transit system that better reflects what it is -- a sprawling mid-density city. So build the world's easiest-to-use bus system. \
--Better connection: Make bus rides faster by creating dedicated bus lanes on the 10, 101 and 405 freeways and expand the MTA's Metro Rapid bus system to connect such major employment centers as downtown, the Wilshire corridor, LAX, UCLA, USC and the South Bay.
--Toll lanes: The toll would go up or down depending on the flow of cars: The greater the congestion, the more expensive to use these high-occupancy-toll lanes, or HOT lanes.
--Cheaper fares: We need to strengthen the city's only widely used rapid transit system -- buses -- by making it easier, faster, cheaper and more reliable to use than a car.
--Pay as you go: So instead of paying for transportation as we do now with bonds, sales taxes, fuel taxes, and the like, drivers would instead pay as they go -- they would pay dearly to travel at rush hour in congested areas, and much less at other times and on other routes.
What do you think? Like this list? Can you add to it? Hit COMMENT and speak out!
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The Times' editorial board looks at the battle between the governor and transit agencies over funding and comes to an interesting conclusion: Maybe we should boost the gas tax:
