Guest View: VTA says critic of 152 has misconceptions

Mr. Thompson’s letter (September 14) regarding plans to reroute
Highway 152 through San Benito County contains unsubstantiated
statements, factual errors and misrepresentations about a
transportation project that would improve safety, and benefit
businesses and residents throughout the region.
Michael T. Burns

Mr. Thompson’s letter (September 14) regarding plans to reroute Highway 152 through San Benito County contains unsubstantiated statements, factual errors and misrepresentations about a transportation project that would improve safety, and benefit businesses and residents throughout the region. This corridor, which provides access for freight and commuters between the Bay Area and Central Valley, lacks capacity to handle the current, yet alone projected increase in use, which will come as neighboring counties continue to grow.  Elected officials from San Benito, Santa Clara, and Merced Counties have provided input throughout the initial study period, and will certainly be involved in approving any plans to move forward. 

Finally, neither VTA nor MIT are aware of any study which characterizes VTA as the “worst in the Nation.” Further, VTA is not the subject of an Attorney General’s Opinion nor has there been a lawsuit regarding our meetings, which are always open to the public. 

Once again, Mr. Thompson has used your paper to mislead the public with total disregard for fact.

Michael T. Burns, VTA General Manager