Auto Club Endorses Proposition A to Reduce Traffic Jams, Improve Safety in San Diego

SAN DIEGO--Sept. 8, 2004--The Automobile Club of Southern California is urging San Diego County residents to vote "Yes" Nov. 2, 2004 on Proposition A to extend TransNet, the county's half-cent sales tax for transportation.

Proposition A on the San Diego County ballot provides a guaranteed source of funding for vital San Diego transportation projects in an era of uncertain financing from state and federal government sources, according to Dan Beal, the Auto Club's managing director for public policy.

"Proposition A's extension of TransNet does not replace needed funding from state and federal sources, but it does provide a solid basis for long-term transportation investment in San Diego County," Beal said.

The Auto Club has signed the ballot argument supporting Proposition A because it is vital to complete major highway and transit projects needed to keep San Diegans moving, according to Gerald Long, the Auto Club's San Diego district office manager.

Since voters first approved it in 1987, TransNet sales-tax revenue has helped pay for construction of 60 miles of new highways, the widening of existing roads, repairing local streets throughout the county, and the addition of 35 miles to the trolley system. TransNet also funded Coaster commuter rail service between Oceanside and downtown San Diego, new bicycle and walking facilities, and transportation for seniors and the disabled.

Approving Proposition A will provide San Diego County with an estimated $14 billion for additional transportation improvements. No more than 1 percent of the funds can be spent on administration and an independent committee will ensure that funds are spent efficiently and in accordance with Proposition A's provisions.

Among the future projects that would be funded by Prop. A are: addition of reversible-direction "managed lanes" and carpool lanes along major freeways to increase capacity during peak hours; new express bus rapid-transit lanes along congested corridors; carpool lane connectors between freeways; extending the trolley system's operating hours; and safety and capacity improvements for freeway interchanges.

Proposition A mandates that most of its revenue be split into three nearly equal shares: one for freeway and major highway improvements, one for local street projects and one for public transit. A smaller portion of the money would go to other transportation purposes such as bicycle and pedestrian facilities, traffic-safety projects and improvements that will better integrate transportation with residential and commercial development.

The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by roadside assistance, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, and highway and transportation safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa.com.