Study Supports Increasing Transit Funding as Population Ages

Recognizing this disturbing trend, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority is proposing an expenditure plan for the reauthorization of Measure A that includes additional funding to support paratransit service for the growing disabled population and improvements to bus and rail service on the Peninsula, among many other benefits.

Measure A is the half-cent sales tax, which was approved by county voters in 1988 and expires in 2008. The TA is seeking a 25-year reauthorization of the tax. The new measure is projected to bring in $1.5 billion in transportation improvements if approved in November.

The study found that as Americans grow older our existing transportation network is unable to meet their needs. It also indicated that one of the biggest barriers to transit use for older Americans is long or dangerous walking distance to area transportation.

The report recommends providing more public transportation options; increasing funding and flexibility for existing programs to serve older people; better transportation planning and improved street design and safety features.

If passed the new measure would allocate $60 million to funding for those with special mobility needs, another $60 million would be set aside for providing local shuttle services to help residents connect with community and public transit services. Funding would also be provided for Caltrain capital and operational investments, ferry service, BART service and station facilities and enhancements for the Dumbarton rail corridor.

The expenditure plan also would provide local funding for cities throughout the county to make street repairs and improvements that will improve access and safety and funding for bicyclists and pedestrians to improve travel throughout the county.

In addition, the proposed measure includes funding for highway projects, grade separations and alternative congestion relief programs.

For more information on the study titled "Aging Americans: Stranded Without Options" please visit www.transact.org.

For details on Measure A and the proposed expenditure plan please visit www.smcta.com.