Untangling California's Transportation System

Increasing traffic, collapsing roadways, and insufficient public transit may be symptoms of the state's next big crisis.

1 minute read

March 3, 2001, 8:00 AM PST

By California 2000


Thomas McKernan, president and CEO of the Automobile Club of Southern California, writes that increasing traffic, collapsing roadways, and insufficient public transit are symptoms of an all-encompassing state transportation problem that may soon rival California's energy crisis. As the number of miles traveled increases and freeway congestion worsens, quality of life for all Californians suffers, he states. McKernan calls for new, creative ways of addressing the state's transportation problem, which he believes can only be resolved through new approaches to transportation spending. Speaking on behalf of the Automobile Club of Southern California, McKernan calls for smart budgeting strategies and full legislative attention for this bipartisan issue in order to avoid an impossible transportation situation.

Thanks to California 2000 Project

Thursday, March 1, 2001 in The San Diego Union-Tribune

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A rendering of the Beltline light rail, which goes through a forested area. People walk on a path next to it.

Atlanta City Council unanimously backs $3.5 billion Beltline light rail project

The resolution was drafted after Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens pulled support for the Atlanta Streetcar extension last year.

2 hours ago - Construction Review

A person boards a SEPTA bus.

SEPTA to bring nearby frequent transit to over 1 million new riders as part of decade-long plan

The agency's Accelerate plan will also bring frequent transit to twice the amount of jobs that are currently located near it.

3 hours ago - Mass Transit

Five people squat by a tree in NYC, helping to care for it.

NYC plants over 18,000 trees, the most new foliage in a decade

Many of the trees were planted in communities vulnerable to extreme heat.

4 hours ago - AM NY