Originally Posted by
Robert Foster
The mass transit systems in our state at least are facing cut backs and layoffs so unless something happens soon personal transportation seems healthier than mass transit. OCTA is planning on cutting bus runs and getting rid of 200 employees I have seen then projected numbers of the other major Metro areas but I suspect they are in the same boat. If we remember the government gave the auto industry 38 billion dollars and then gave between 2 and 4 billion more to get people to buy new cars by trading in their old paid for cars. When should I start looking for this change in my area?
I am not saying LA isn’t congested but LA is also laying off city workers, 3000 if the news is correct. So Arnold is suggesting cutting 3 cents of the gas tax that goes to mass transit. The transit districts are laying off people and the auto industry seems to be on the way back. How does that give us hope mass transit will increase? I might like to see it but so far it doesn’t look like that is the direction things are headed.
If that truly becomes California's direction, I fail to see how they will survive the next gas price hike. Their economy was severely crippled when the price hit $4 a gallon. What will happens when it hits $6 or $8? People and their governments seem to live with the idea that things will get better (ie, a major oil find will happen under Antarctica or something...), but I wouldn't count on it.