New regional transportation plan charts responsible strategy

THE ink was barely dry on our region's new long-term transportation plan — more than two years in the making — before it was demonized on one side by folks who want more and free roads forever and on the other side by those who think we should give up our cars altogether.

But a careful reading of the Transportation 2040 plan shows that it strikes a sensible path. It looks to the future, but also ensures that transportation investments in the short-term are made — for big projects like replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct and the Highway 520 bridge. The plan anticipates population growth, is financially sustainable, promotes new technology and alternative transportation modes, and complements state and national climate-change policies.

It's a product of the Puget Sound Regional Council and represents a landmark agreement among an overwhelming number of local elected officials within King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

One of the hot buttons in the plan is tolling — but, for the most part, extensively tolling is envisioned at a time in the future as the best solution for generating additional transportation revenue if it is needed.

Tolling may be necessary in the future. Why? Because gasoline tax revenue is declining as vehicles become more fuel efficient, as more and more people choose to drive hybrid vehicles and as people drive less. Revenue from motor vehicle licensing fees, which used to be a major transportation revenue source, has not been replaced. The bottom line is vital maintenance and improvement projects will be delayed without some way to pay for them.

Electronic tolls and high-occupancy toll lanes are seen as a more fair way to raise revenue because users pay. Tolls are collected only if a driver chooses to travel a tolled bridge or buy a faster trip in a carpool lane. This also gives the driver choices: travel during non-rush hour times, take transit, take fewer trips by combining them, or take another route.

Electronic tolls also mean no toll booths and ends our need to stop and fumble for change. As vehicles drive under an electronic sensor, the amount of the toll will be automatically deducted from a prepaid account or a photo will be taken of your license and a bill will be sent to you in the mail.

Other parts of the country using electronic tolling have seen dramatic improvements in traffic as people drive less or avoid rush hour.

Another eyebrow raiser is the plan's strategy to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions — some think it goes too far and others think it doesn't go far enough. The reality is the greenhouse-gas-reduction strategies in the plan are cutting-edge.

The Puget Sound Regional Council's plan is a first in the nation for any metropolitan region. We call for a huge leap forward in the use of all-electric vehicles and a 100 percent increase in transit service. We also envision miles of new bicycle and walking paths.

Transportation is a leading source of greenhouse-gas emissions. Congress is expected to enact sweeping policy initiatives to address greenhouse-gas emissions related to transportation. Our emissions strategies are intended to be complementary to the steps expected at the state and national level. We believe having them in place early enhances our ability to win federal funding.

Our collective vision is one of healthier communities, more transit and other transportation choices, and cleaner-fueled vehicles that help reduce carbon emissions.

It's rewarding to see the significant strides our region has made moving key transportation projects forward over the past few years. Opening light rail, a new Tacoma Narrows Bridge, major fixes to interstates — and hopefully more on track, including the Viaduct and the 520 bridge — are evidence we've turned the corner on the political gridlock that paralyzed decision-making here for too long.

We also know these improvements are putting people to work right now and better preparing our region for a stronger economic recovery from incredibly tough times.

Transportation 2040 makes our path forward clear: continue making transportation decisions and investments to keep moving you and your family while addressing issues of sustainability, mobility and environmental responsibility.