Connecting California: Key Public Transportation Projects and Their Benefits for the Golden State

This report first offers an overview of the current transportation system in California and how it is failing in meeting the needs of the state's residents. It looks at the loss of time residents face when stuck in traffic, the amount of money spent on fuel, and how global warming pollution is increasing. As the state's population increases, these problems will only get exacerbated. The report then focuses on how the proposed high speed rail network connecting San Diego and Los Angeles to Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area is expected to relieve congestion and give intercity travelers a suitable transportation option. This is followed by profiles of projects in other areas of the state, including: the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) project; expansion and linking of bus and rail services in Los Angeles; San Diego Trolley and bus services; Orange County redevelopment and transit hub; San Francisco Bay Area bus rapid transit, Caltrain, and other local transit; and Sacramento area light rail extensions. The report concludes with recommendations for prioritizing funding for transit projects and supporting expanded federal and state transportation funding laws.