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Transit advocacy group launches web site
Today's Local News – Jan 6, 2006
By: Jose A. Lopez

NORTH COUNTY – A North county transit advocacy group has launched a Web site in a move to increase membership and to inform commuters about issues related to traffic relief and mass transit in the region.

The Transit Alliance for a Better North County (TABNC) was started 16 months ago by North County Transit District employees. It now operates as an independent nonprofit, said Ted Owen, the alliance's president.

Owen, who is chief executive officer of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, said the alliance supports public transportation projects and provides information about mass transit to commuters and the public.

Representatives of the group say the Web site, www.tabnc.com, will be a one-stop location for commuters interested in finding out what the alliance does.

Owen said the alliance's first big issue was to advocate and educate the public about the extension of the Transnet half-cent sales tax, approved by voters in 2004. Volunteers from the group handed out leaflets supporting the measure.

According to the Web site, current projects the alliance advocates include the San Luis Rey Transit Center and the Oceanside Transit Center parking structure. Owen said one of the bigger issues the group is supporting is the Sprinter, which he said would take 10,000 cars off State Route 78.

Owen said the reduction would be significant, putting the route's congestion levels close to lulls experienced during federal holidays.

Representatives said the alliance has a membership of more than 200 people. Volunteers have handed out pamphlets, and the alliance representatives have spoken at businesses and service club meetings.

"The purpose of the association is to encourage businesses to subsidize transit," Owen said.

Annie Cochran, the head of TABNC's communications committee, said the alliance's role is to continue to look at the transportation money that comes into the region and make sure it keeps coming.

"We're watchdogging all of the organizations that control the funds," she said. She said that the Web site will help people get involved in the organization at-will.

"People don't want to come to a bunch of meetings," Cochran said. "They can log on to this Web site and find out about all of the traffic-related issues that are in North County."

According to the Web site, the alliance has several types of memberships including a free one and a "contributors membership," which requires a $25 contribution and allows members to vote on board positions.

The alliance will soon launch a campaign to double its membership figures. Representatives also are looking for groups interested in having TABNC conduct presentations at their meetings. For information contact Phyllis Hall, (760) 966-6602.

Reach reporter Jose A. Lopez at 760.752.6752.