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September 25, 2008, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Doubletree Hotel, Rohnert Park

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Marin supervisor to propose new neighborhood shuttles

NORTH BAY, April 25, 2008 -- Marin County Supervisor Charles McGlashan told a transportation conference this morning that he will soon propose a county shuttle system to connect low-density hillside neighborhoods with more central areas.

The shuttles, or "jitneys," would link up with other public transit and could reduce car traffic he said, speaking at the North Bay Transportation Summit, which was put on by the North Bay Leadership Council, a coalition of the region's major employers.

The jitneys could increase ridership on the proposed SMART commuter rail if passengers don't have to drive to a bus stop or train station, Mr. McGlashan said.

"Once the car starts going, we don't want to stop," he said.

Mr. McGlashan said he will submit a proposal for a pilot jitney program serving the Tamalpais Valley and Almonte neighborhoods, south of Mill Valley. The program would use the dial-a-ride model -- similar to one already running in Muir Beach -- where riders reserve a ride for a specific time, and pay a low fee that is comparable to a bus fare.

Mr. McGlashan is chairman of SMART, which will submit a November ballot proposal for a sales tax increase to fund a train between Cloverdale and Larkspur.

His comments came amid others from public officials and business leaders who are seeking to reduce congestion and pollution from cars.

Metropolitan Transportation Commission director Steve Heminger said his agency wants to address traffic and pollution concerns through congestion pricing and high-occupancy tolls -- fees paid to drive at peak times or for single drivers to use carpool lanes.

A representative of the MTC's 511 Regional Rideshare program, Christy Garland, encouraged companies to help sponsor carpool programs and give employees incentives for using buses.

Information about free services for employers is available at www.rideshare.511.org, and the digital presentations from today's conference will be available at www.northbaycouncil.org.

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