With a growing population, a sprawling urban landscape, and uncertain public funding, Los Angeles seems to be hoping for a miracle with its latest transportation planning effort.
"Los Angeles' population will grow by 2.4 million by 2030, resulting in a total of 7 million cars on the roads each day. Already, congestion in Los Angeles is one of the worst in the nation, and the city's rapid transit surely does not have enough connections or lines to serve the entire city or region. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of commuters who use public transportation in Los Angeles County is 7% (10% within the borders of the city of Los Angeles), far lower than in other major American cities: 30% of San Franciscan workers use transit, 25% within Chicago, and 54% in New York City. With the region's growing population, the city will not be able to support itself without future investments in transportation. Mobility, as stated by Roger Snoble, the Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), is a key aspect in determining the future economic success of a city. The MTA wants both transit users and car drivers to imagine the future of transportation in the region as the agency funds and constructs its future infrastructure projects.
Los Angeles' MTA, which funds highway improvements in addition to running mass transit, released its "Imagine" campaign, in which the agency seeks public commitment to fulfill its Long Range Transportation Plan. The agency is seeking input from the community to know what Angelenos want in the future of mobility."