We must rebuild California’s aging transportation infrastructure – while simultaneously increasing public transit options – to help ease congestion and keep our economy growing.

Anyone who drives in Marin, Sonoma, or San Francisco Counties doesn’t need to be told we have a serious transportation problem. In addition to being inconvenient, crowded roads result in more idling or slow-moving vehicles resulting in increased greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, many people have no real alternative to battling this transportation gridlock to get to and from home, work, or school. The sensible solution to this ever-increasing problem is threefold: develop more and different transportation options, promote renewable sources of fuel for our vehicles, and make ourselves less dependent upon our automobiles to get from one place to another.

As a county supervisor, I helped implement the revolutionary City Car Share program which has made not owning a car both cost effective and more convenient by providing a pool of vehicles that users can access anytime they need a vehicle.

Additionally, I have worked very closely with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition to make bicycle transportation a viable alternative to driving a car. Further, I am a strong supporter of the proposed SMART passenger rail service in Marin and Sonoma Counties utilizing the cleanest technology available and connecting to the existing ferry service at Larkspur.

In the Legislature, I have authored Assembly Bill 1358 – the California Complete Streets Act. AB 1358 requires cities and counties to consider – when planning transportation projects – all the various ways people use streets and move throughout our communities, including walking and bicycling. This comprehensive approach will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health and road safety, and enhance our quality of life. With Californians poised to spend $4 billion in transportation bonds approved last year, the planning of our roads and streets for all users while ensuring Marin, Sonoma, and San Francisco Counties get their fare share of these funds is more important than ever.

The successful reduction of traffic congestion in Marin, Sonoma, and San Francisco Counties is going to take new ideas and energy, but with focused determination, we can do anything.