SANDAG has voted to place a proposition on the November 2004 ballot seeking voter approval to extend TransNet, the existing ½-penny sales tax. The TransNet extension would generate $14 billion for transportation improvements.

With two-thirds voter approval, the TransNet sales tax would be reauthorized for a 40-year period and help support traffic congestion relief projects for highways, public transit, and local road improvements. The current TransNet program expires in March 2008. TransNet would help fund major highway expansion and improvement projects along Interstates 5, 8, 15, and 805 as well as State Routes 52, 54, 56, 76, 78, 94, 125, and 905. TransNet would support a robust public transportation system with Bus Rapid Transit driving on exclusive highway lanes along many of the freeways.

The TransNet expenditure plan was developed during the last 18 months and is based on input and involvement from residents, business, community, and environmental representatives, Caltrans, transit agencies, and city and county officials.

The sales tax extension also would support capital and operational improvements to the Trolley, the Coaster commuter rail service, and the new Sprinter rail line in North County. In addition, the region’s 18 cities and numerous county communities would get funding support for thousands of local road projects.

As currently envisioned, TransNet funding would support incentives for communities to implement smart growth development to better connect homes and jobs to transit. Bikeways, pedestrian improvements, and neighborhood traffic safety projects also would be supported with TransNet funding.

Project Manager:Garry Bonelli
(619) 699-1960