On January 31, 2007 SACOG joined KCRA 3 to bring transportation issues to televisions and computer screens in homes across the Sacramento region. Combining these technologies for a live town hall, Road Map to the Future allowed viewers to learn about different transportation options being considered in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan for 2035 (MTP 2035). A poll on KCRA's website allowed viewers to prioritize road, transit and quality of life improvements.
The broadcast included segments explaining key transportation issues, a live studio audience discussion, and an online survey. The studio audience consisted of members of the general public and the SACOG Board that participated in a live dialogue on where investments will have the greatest impact on the region's transportation system over the next 30 years. The 56,000 viewers who tuned in were asked about transportation improvements in three broad categories: road improvements, transit improvements, and quality of life improvements, including a variety of program improvements and amenities for pedestrians and bicyclists.
More than 1,300 viewers indicated their top priority transportation investments through the online poll. While not scientific research, this poll offers a glimpse of public attitudes related to our regional transportation system. As a whole, 86 percent of respondents ranked maintaining existing roads as their top priority road investment, 77 percent ranked rail transit (including Capitol Corridor/Amtrak and light rail) as their top priority transit investment, and 83 percent ranked incentives for local governments to promote smart growth development as their top priority quality of life investment.
Road Map to the Future is available to viewers visiting www.kcra.com/sacog. Public input can be provided to SACOG directly at www.sacog.org/mtp2035.
SACOG will be able to contrast the input gathered from Road Map to the Future viewers with results from a scientific public opinion survey conducted by Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall.
Public input from the KCRA 3 poll, survey research and participants in community workshops held throughout 2006 will be considered by the SACOG Board of Directors in the development of the draft MTP 2035.
Regional Report for February - March 2007 (text-only version)
Also available: PDF version
Sacramento Area Council of Governments