A Metro county sales-tax measure aimed at raising revenue to build, operate and maintain public transportation projects was officially certified by the Los Angeles County registrar-recorder Friday for the Nov. 8 ballot.
The tax revenue would also help fund the operation and maintenance of the regional transportation system.
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The measure would build on an existing half-cent tax put in place by voters through Measure R, by boosting that tax to a full cent, and leaving the levy in place with no sunset date. Metro officials estimate the tax would generate $120 billion over the first 40 years.
Some of the dozens of upgrades proposed under Measure M, also known as the Los Angeles County Traffic Improvement Plan, include:
- The Airport Metro Connector at Los Angeles International Airport.
- Extending tens of miles of light rail lines throughout the county.
- Adding rapid transit bus lines, including along the Vermont Corridor and Lincoln Boulevard.
- Widening the Golden State (5), Santa Ana (5) and San Diego (405) freeways and widening or adding HOV lanes to many others.
- Street repairs.
- A downtown streetcar project.
- And new bike paths and lanes.
— City News Service