UCI

Transportation

Satisfaction with the county’s freeways is continuing to grow. This year, 26 percent say the current system is satisfactory, 52 percent want lanes added, and an all-time low of 22 percent want new freeways built. This year’s numbers represent a slight gain in satisfaction since 1995, when 23 percent were happy with the current system, 52 percent wanted lanes added to existing freeways and 25 percent wanted new freeways built. The trend of rising satisfaction and declining desire for new freeways has been underway since 1989, when only 7 percent were satisfied and 51 percent wanted to build new freeways. Graph

Satisfaction has risen fastest in the higher-income group, although they continue to be less satisfied. Among those earning more than $50,000, 22 percent say the current system is okay, which is up 7 points from 1995. Among those earning less than $50,000, 28 percent are happy with the current system, unchanged from last year.

Satisfaction is greater among those 55 and older (32%), than among younger residents (24%). Older residents’ satisfaction is up 6 points since 1995.

The number of workers who say they experience major traffic problems during their commute is similar to what it has been for most of this decade. Nineteen percent say congestion causes them a great problem, 41 percent encounter some problem and 40 percent have no problem making the drive to work. Graph

Commuting troubles appear to be greatest in the West County, where 29 percent experience a great problem. Elsewhere, 18 percent say traffic congestion causes major problems during their commute.

Measure M projects keep on getting more popular. Three in four residents now say they are satisfied with the way Measure M funds are being spent, with 17 percent very satisfied. Satisfaction is up 13 points since 1995, and 25 points since 1992. Graph