Transportation
Whether it's by car or cable car, transportation
in the Bay Area has never been easier.
The San Francisco Bay Area is home to beaches, valleys, mountains, dense urban centers and several million people who live, work, commute and play here. These people consistently support funding for improvements to our transportation system. Accompanying those funding decisions is generally construction, delay and inconvenience for a period of time.Yet, our population continually agrees to these investments in the transportation system—certainly a cause for optimism. More than two dozen local agencies offer public transportation services. Buses, ferries, light rail and trains comprise a network of services that are planned to connect with each other. These connections allow for the population to travel between communities and also serve large numbers of local riders.Local public transportation providers also offer para transit and most offer special programs for students and elderly riders. Throughout the years, these agencies have worked together to create a workable and, to the extent possible, coordinated system that serves the public—another reason for optimism. Planning, funding, regional vision and a plethora of advocates for continually finding alternatives to driving alone are a source of pride, and a major force within the regional community. It would be highly unlikely to attend a public meeting about transportation without finding informed, passionate and committed advocates, and paid professional staff,engaged in discussion leading the way for improved planning—informed, passionate and committed inspires optimism.
Technology solutions will undoubtedly help reduce congestion and ultimately contribute to improved air quality. Silicon Valley, Stanford, The Biotech Belt—our region houses companies, think tanks and organizations that will lead the way to improved signalization, enhanced Global Positioning Systems, revolutionary telephones with ever-expanding capabilities and Smart cars with yet-to-be-developed features still in the dream stage—I feel optimistic.
Leadership comes in many forms.
As a region,we do have congestion, disjointed transit routes, a myriad of fare mechanisms, and other issues to address.We also have great minds, significant resources, a solid network of roads, structures and fleets and a beautiful environment to savor. As a regional community, we share a commitment to living fully and traveling freely in the Bay Area—Optimism on the go!
Kimberly B. Martinson, CAE is Executive Director of the Transportation Management Association,the leading promoter of alternatives to driving since 1990.Privately funded through membership fees,the TMASF has worked with technology, planning, funding and promotional programs to develop cutting-edge websites, test products, participate in new services demonstration projects,and advance the discussions to make public transportation more accessible.As of the latest published survey findings in late 2007, the TMASF membership has a 7.5%drive-alone rate as the mode of choice.As an additional strategy to help commuters finds ways to work without driving, the TMASF is launching a local employment program in late 2008. Please visit the award-winning www.tmasf.org,a preferred choice for Bay Area residents, receiving an average of 50,000 to 100,000 hits per month.
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