Smarttra In 2008
Marin Independent Journal
07/26/08
Reducing global warming
Approving SMART is the single most important thing Marin
residents can do to protect the environment and reduce global warming.
SMART will remove more than 1.4 million car trips from Highway 101 each year,
reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 31 million pounds annually.
The pedestrian-bicycle pathway will be used by 7,000 to 10,000 people per day.
The 70-mile passenger train and bicycle-pedestrian pathway from Larkspur to
Cloverdale will provide travelers with alternative ways to get to work and
recreation other than the 101 freeway, the fourth most congested in the Bay Area.
Recent letters contain the same misinformation the SMART opponents have been
repeating, ignoring the known facts.
SMART ridership will increase with rising gas prices; a round trip between
Novato and
Santa Rosa would cost $9 less by SMART than by car, at today's prices.
SMART's two-to-three rail car trains will fit within a city block, so traffic
still moves when trains make station stops in San Rafael and elsewhere.
Research shows that proximity to train stations increases home values. As gas
prices rise, more people will want to live near transit.
SMART will run on efficient on-board engines and odorless clean fuel.
SMART adopted implementing guidelines guaranteeing it will not seek funds from
any source that the Marin Transit District or the Transportation Authority of
Marin use. It will strengthen the bus system by providing connections.
SMART will run on an existing, publicly owned right of way, so additional
environmental impacts are minimal.
Getting SMART now will cost far less than in the future. SMART is green
transportation, and it's the right thing to do, for Marin's environment and
economy.
Marjorie Macris, MILL VALLEY, CO-CHAIR, MARIN SMART CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE