CTA CEO Joined Transportation Experts at Mobility 21 Panel
CTA's CEO Eric Sauer joined Senator Josh Newman, CalSTA Secretary Toks Omishakin and Lee Ann Eager, chair of the California Transportation Commission on a panel during the Mobility 21 Conference last Friday.
The State of California has led the nation with innovative approaches to transportation development, balancing local and state efforts, funding, and regulatory requirements for our regional and state-wide needs. But striking a balance for more than 22 million constituents in Southern California is no easy task.
The Transportation Investment Equity for More Than 22 Million Panel focused on the efforts each panelist has prioritized to advance transportation solutions and how the state can better plan for the infrastructure programs needed for today and into the future.
The State of California has led the nation with innovative approaches to transportation development, balancing local and state efforts, funding, and regulatory requirements for our regional and state-wide needs. But striking a balance for more than 22 million constituents in Southern California is no easy task.
The Transportation Investment Equity for More Than 22 Million Panel focused on the efforts each panelist has prioritized to advance transportation solutions and how the state can better plan for the infrastructure programs needed for today and into the future.
Sauer discussed the challenges with major transformation from diesel to EV including the technology for trucks lagging cars by at least 3 decades, the cost of EV trucks 2 to 3x more expensive than conventional new diesel trucks and limited incentive funding.
Sauer also spoke about addressing the massive chokepoints near the major trade corridors as well as utilizing funds to address the lack of truck parking for truckers.
With California at the top of the list nationally in lack of truck parking, the state must find ways to address this important issue. The issue has increased recently with local jurisdictions adopting ordinances prohibiting truck parking where they have historically been able to park. The recent Caltrans Truck Parking Study demonstrates the problem in depth and calls for a solution.
Sauer addressed the uptick over the past couple of years of cities unilaterally and illegally declassifying truck routes within their jurisdictions. This has lead to trucks and freight traffic increasing in neighboring cities and counties and some of these jurisdictions adopting ordinances restricting truck access. Despite laws in place that prohibit ordinances restricting truck routes, this continues to happen.
Additionally, Sauer cautioned looking at congestion pricing and managed lanes proposals. In addition to lack of alternative modes available to transport goods, the industry also doesn’t dictate when deliveries can be made and when these types of fees are assessed. These fees are often passed to customers who then passes them to consumers.
The panel provided great discussion and was received very well by conference attendees who found the information very helpful.
