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~r <br />Chapter 9: Transportation Element <br />a~~~ <br />2 9.4. ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION NEEDS <br />3 Future population increases in Orange County will bring more houses, more jobs, and more <br />4 commercial opportunities to the County. The County's transportation system, including <br />5 roads, buses, bike trails, and pedestrian facilities, will need to keep pace with this new <br />6 development. The system will need to offer more alternative transportation options, use <br />7 energy resources wisely, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality over time. <br />8 <br />9 <br />10 ~re-re- <br />11 <br />12 Along standing position of Orange County has been That new roads <br />13 and the significant widening of existing roads does little to improve <br />14 the transportation system. Orange County has traditionally directed <br />1 s its resources to improve alternatives to the single passenger <br />16 motorized vehicle as the primary means of transportation. The <br />17 focus has been on public transportation, improving traffic flow, <br />18 alleviating congestion at busy intersections, improving safety for <br />19 cyclists and those who choose to walk. <br />20 <br />21 Several planning efforts are needed to guide future transportation planning efforts to reach <br />22 these goals. A summary of these key community transportation planning needs is provided <br />23 here. <br />24 <br />25 ^ ' <br />25 ~,~ef ~e o~E+~-~,=r-~-~cT In June 2004, the U.S. <br />27 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated <br />28 Orange County as anon-attainment area for ozone per <br />29 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Efforts <br />30 have been undertaken to identify the sources of these pollutants, .including <br />31 both point sources and non-point sources. Automobile use and non-motorized <br />32 vehicles such as such as lawnmowers, outboard engines, and agricultural <br />33 equipment are the primary generators of several air pollutants found in Orange <br />34 County. To improve the air quality of Orange, these pollutant emissions need <br />35 to be reduced. The challenge for Orange County is to: <br />36 1. Reduce the projected increase in vehicle miles <br />37 traveled. <br />38 2. Increase mass transit rider ship <br />39 3. Reduce the use of fossil fuels <br />40 ^ The County ' needs a comprehensive transportation plan that <br />41 identifies long-term, coordinated goals for planning the County's <br />42 transportation System Of roads, bikeways, pedestrian facilities, and <br />Ov~aiCo~uvtty C~r~e~^~:~vve~Plan. Public Hearing Draft 5-6-08 Page 9-27 <br />