Proponents of San Diego’s Measure A believe it will improve public transportation however, some teachers argue the measure doesn't do enough to solve the problems facing the region.
On November 8, voters will decide whether to approve a half-cent tax starting on April 1, 2017 for a period of 40 years.
On Friday, one group of educators said they would give the measure an "F" because it doesn't do enough for students and the environment.
“We're standing with our environmental allies because Measure A is deeply inadequate," said San Diego City College teacher Jim Miller.
Miller and the group of people protesting the measure say the proposal would encourage sprawl and keep more cars on the road, instead of improving gridlock.
They also worry this will increase pollution and damage the environment, especially for students in inner city neighborhoods.
“What we really need is a transportation plan that brings San Diego into the 21st century,” Miller said.
Local
San Diego City Councilman Todd Gloria said the measure will invest in the infrastructure and preserve open space.
SANDAG officials spent over two years listening to the public when putting together the proposal.
“They want our potholes filled, they want our roads repaired, they want our open space protected, they want to have more choices when moving from A to B,” said Councilmember Todd Gloria. “And that’s what's in this measure."
According to SANDAG, nearly 42% of the funding generated through Measure A will go to add towards specific San Diego County transit projects.
These would include a new north/south trolley line along the Interstate 805 corridor from San Ysidro to Kearny Mesa and expansion of service along Orange, Green and UC San Diego Blue lines.
The plan is to connect trolley, coaster and bus service to the airport as well as add more than a dozen MTS “Rapid” routes.
Check this map to see the proposed projects under Measure A.
If the ballot measure passes, work on more than a dozen transit and highway projects could be completed within 15 years.
