Traffic Solutions, a division of Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), in partnership with Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) and LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency released a train commute survey to better understand Ventura County and Carpinteria commuters’ experiences. The online survey will be available through June 17, 2019.
 
A year ago, SBCAG partnered with the California State Transportation Agency to modify the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner schedule to serve the commuter market in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The revised rail service offers commuters the option of taking the train to and from work as an alternative to traveling on the congested Highway 101. Additionally, SBCAG partnered with Santa Barbara MTD to provide first and last mile shuttle service from the Santa Barbara and Goleta stations to area employers. The effort is a central component of SBCAG’s “Lane and a Train” strategy, the long-term congestion relief strategy to address the significant traffic commuters experience daily on Highway 101 between Ventura County and Santa Barbara/Goleta.  
 
A weekday average of 15,000 commuters travel from Ventura and Los Angeles Counties to their employment locations in Santa Barbara County. According to Census data, 20% of these commuters carpool, while the Pacific Surfliner peak hour train service carries 90-100 commuters, and the VCTC Coastal Express bus service carries 350-400 commuters daily.
 
Results from the survey aim to increase Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train ridership by improving outreach to commuters. Survey results will also provide important information regarding commuters’ awareness of alternative transportation resources such as the VCTC Coastal Express commuter bus service and vanpools that, in addition to the train, provide commuters greater flexibility for a variety of work schedules.
 
The commute survey is open to all commuters traveling from Ventura County and Carpinteria to worksites in the South Coast, whether or not they use the train. The survey only takes a few minutes and will remain open through June 17, 2019. The survey is anonymous, but respondents can provide their contact information to be entered to win a prize of their choosing--either an Apple iPad with keyboard or a folding bike. Five winners will be randomly selected and contacted via email by June 19, 2019. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Traffic Solutions via phone at (805) 963-SAVE or email at info@trafficsolutions.org.

Focus of committee is to ensure accountability for high priority transportation projects throughout Santa Barbara county 

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments is seeking civic-minded, interested individuals to serve on a committee of community leaders, a part of the Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee. The committee oversees the ongoing investment of Measure A sales tax funds for high priority transportation projects and programs that address the current and future needs of Santa Barbara county. The Committee is comprised of 11 members, including four from North County, four from South County and three “at-large.” Applicants will be considered to fill an open position on the committee for an “at-large” member who can represent transportation interests in the county.  
 
On November 4, 2008, Measure A was approved in Santa Barbara county with 79% voter support, a one-half of one percent (1/2%) sales tax for transportation projects and programs over 30 years. Measure A is administered by Santa Barbara County Association of Governments and it is estimated to provide more than $1 billion of local investment in transportation projects through 2040. Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors appointed a Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee to help ensure accountability to voters regarding the expenditure of funds.
 
The Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee is made up of a balance of transportation users that represent geographic, social, cultural and economic interests in the county. Appointed members serve four-year terms and can be reappointed for additional terms at the discretion of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors. As determined by the committee, they meet as needed or one to two times a year. The committee is responsible for annually submitting comments to the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors on whether the provisions, requirements and voter mandates as outlined by Measure A’s Investment Plan and Ordinance have been properly carried out.
 
Applicants are encouraged to complete an application by June 7, 2019. For questions regarding the Measure A Citizens' Oversight Committee or the application process please contact Lauren Bianchi Klemann, Government Affairs/Public Information Manager by telephone at (805) 961-8905 or by email at lbianchiklemann@sbcag.org
 
More information about Measure A is available on the measure’s website. 


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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN TRANSIT ISSUES?

Become a member of SBCTAC! The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) is currently looking to fill several volunteer positions on the Santa Barbara County Transit Advisory Committee (SBCTAC).

SBCAG is currently recruiting for the following positions:

• Transit user with a disability
  
• Social service provider for persons with disabilities
  
• Transit rider from Northern Santa Barbara County
  
• Transit rider from Southern Santa Barbara County
  
• Agricultural worker representative
  

The members will be appointed by the SBCAG Board of Directors for a term of three years, which may be renewed for an additional three-year term. SBCTAC advises the SBCAG Board of Directors on important transit issues that affect the community. The committee meets once a month in Buellton and is comprised of representatives from fixed-route transit and paratransit providers, social service agencies, non-profit groups providing social services, and transit users.

If you are interested in serving on SBCTAC or for additional information on this volunteer opportunity, contact Jared Carvalho at jcarvalho@sbcag.org or (805) 961-8906. Please submit your nominations to SBCAG by May 17, 2019.