Section 99220 Of Article 2. Findings And Declarations From California Public Utilities Code >> Division 10. >> Part 11. >> Chapter 4. >> Article 2.
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. The Legislature finds and declares as follows:
(a) Public transportation is an essential component of the
balanced transportation system which must be maintained and developed
so as to permit the efficient and orderly movement of people and
goods in the urban areas of the state. Because public transportation
systems provide an essential public service, it is desirable that
such systems be designed and operated in such a manner as to
encourage maximum utilization of the efficiencies of the service for
the benefit of the total transportation system of the state and all
the people of the state, including the elderly, the disabled, the
youth, and the citizens of limited means.
(b) The fostering, continuance, and development of public
transportation systems are a matter of state concern. Excessive
reliance on the private automobile for transportation has caused air
pollution and traffic congestion in California's urban areas, and
such pollution and congestion are not confined to single incorporated
areas but affect entire regions. Furthermore, public transportation
systems which are not designed so as to be usable by disabled persons
foster increased welfare costs and the waste of human resources.
Thus, the Legislature has elected to deal with the multiple problems
caused by lack of adequate public transportation on a regional basis
through the counties, with coordination of the programs being the
responsibility of the state pursuant to contract with county
governments.
(c) While providing county assistance to a particular
transportation system may not be of primary interest and benefit to
each and every taxpayer in a county, providing an integrated and
coordinated system to meet the public transportation needs of an
entire county will benefit the county as a whole. It is the purpose
of this chapter to provide for such systems in those counties where
they are needed.
(d) The local transportation funds authorized by Article 11
(commencing with Section 29530) of Chapter 2 of Division 3 of Title 3
of the Government Code are made possible by the imposition of the
state's sales and use taxes on motor vehicle fuel, which allows for a
reduction in state taxes without a corresponding loss in revenue. By
authorizing counties to increase their sales and use taxes, an
additional source of revenue has been made available for public
transportation within such counties. Applicants for a disbursement
from a local transportation fund shall only be eligible for an
allocation from the fund of the county in which such transportation
is provided.