Bus-only lanes, bike paths, and better bus shelters all aim to improve public transport and reduce traffic. However, these projects often get stuck in long environmental reviews, even though they can help the environment by cutting emissions.
A new bill, Senate Bill 71, introduced in Sacramento, aims to change this by allowing certain transit projects to skip these lengthy reviews permanently. If the bill passes, it will fast-track more projects in Southern California, especially in Los Angeles County, which is actively expanding its alternative transportation options.
State Senator Scott Wiener from San Francisco pushes for SB 71, stating, “We need more public transportation in California. These sustainable projects shouldn’t get bogged down by environmental reviews.” Past bills have already helped make bike paths, bus rapid transit, and light-rail projects exempt from state reviews, and SB 71 expands these exemptions.
The proposed legislation also recognizes additional projects like bus shelters, lighting, and mass transit maintenance. However, projects that would demolish affordable housing would still require normal environmental reviews.
In the last four years, exemptions from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) sped up 92 transit projects. Wiener emphasizes that adding transit lines benefits the environment.
Supporters like Move LA, which advocates for better transportation options in Los Angeles County, point out the urgent need for alternatives to driving as climate change intensifies. “We need to accelerate projects that give people affordable alternatives,” said Eli Lipmen, the group’s executive director.
Bus-only lanes can indeed speed up travel times. Joe Linton, an editor at Streetsblog Los Angeles, shared his experience: “I ride the bus on the Wilshire Boulevard bus lanes, and it’s definitely better.” Bart Reed, from The Transit Coalition, highlights the math: one bus can carry 40 people instead of 40 separate cars. This means quicker trips for everyone.
However, many projects face pushback. Some residents and businesses fear that changing lanes to bus-only could cause more congestion and hurt local traffic. For instance, Metro’s planned bus rapid transit from Pasadena to North Hollywood has received criticism from a group called Vision Burbank, which believes fewer lanes for cars could harm nearby businesses.
Despite the resistance, LA Metro has made progress, opening bus lanes in the San Fernando Valley to significantly improve speeds for around 50,000 weekly riders. Upcoming projects aim to expand bus lanes along Vermont Avenue as well.
While SB 71 could help speed things up for future projects, local opposition remains a challenge. Furthermore, parked cars can block bus-only lanes, causing delays. Metro is now using cameras on buses to monitor this issue and plan to start issuing fines for violations soon.
Check out this related article: Discover the 10 Most Impactful Environmental Events of 2024: A Must-Read Guide from Baptist News Global
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