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Goals:
- Create a multi-modal transportation system that minimizes and, where possible, eliminates pollution and motor vehicle congestion while ensuring safe mobility and access for all without compromising our ability to protect public health and safety.
- Facilitate a reduction in automobile dependency in favor of affordable alternative, sustainable modes of travel.
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2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2010 |
| Grade |
C- |
C |
C+ |
C+ |
C+ |
| Effort |
A |
A |
A |
A |
A |
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Santa Monica has been a leading advocate for regional transportation
planning, including the Exposition Line Light Rail which is an
important part of the overall regional strategy to enhance mobility and
relieve congestion. The city continues to increase Average Vehicle
Ridership by encouraging ridesharing among larger employers. In fact,
the current Average Vehicle Ridership of 1.59 exceeds the Sustainable
City Plan target of 1.5. Ridership remains strong on the award-winning
Big Blue Bus transit system, which is now almost 100% alternatively
fueled. The environmentally friendly Mini Blue was launched this year
to meet community transit needs. The new bike valet service parked
16,310 bikes last year for free, thus reducing vehicle traffic and
emissions while improving air quality and safety in pedestrian walk
areas. Additionally, more than 80% of the city’s municipal fleet is
fueled by alternative fuels. However, traffic and congestion remain
significant issues in the community and the current network of bicycle
lanes and paths are inadequate to meet the Sustainable City Plan
targets. Converting greater numbers of people to more sustainable modes
of transit has had limited success in offsetting the impacts of
increased tourism, commuter traffic and construction of parking lots
downtown. The grade improvement reflects the increases in Average
Vehicle Ridership, the use of alternative fuels in the municipal fleet,
the incentives for bicycling as an alternative to car use, and the
commitment to regional transportation solutions.
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