L.A. LEADERS TRAIN EYES ON TRANSIT BID FOR BUS, SUBWAY CASH.

Byline: Lisa Mascaro Staff Writer

Saying new roads and highways won't do enough to relieve Southern California's notorious traffic congestion, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called Friday for more mass-transit projects to be included in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's infrastructure plan.

Nunez wants at least one-third of the proposed $12 billion in transportation bond revenue earmarked for public transit, which could include busways or seed money for Villaraigosa's $4.8 billion Wilshire Boulevard subway.

``The only way we can address the goal and outcome of reducing traffic congestion ... is not only by building more roads in this state, building more highways in this state. It also comes down to the investment we make in public transit,'' Nunez, D-Los Angeles, said at a news conference at the North Hollywood subway station.

The Legislature is debating putting a transportation bond issue on the ballot this year to help fund infrastructure improvements statewide.

Schwarzenegger has compiled a list of $222 billion in projects, including $107 billion for transportation - $12 billion of which would be funded by bonds.

But Los Angeles leaders complain there's too much emphasis on roads and highways, and not enough on the buses and trains that are at the core of L.A.'s gridlock-busting strategy. Assembly Democrats also want more mass transit.

Sunne Wright McPeak, the governor's secretary for business, transportation and housing, said Schwarzenegger is listening to all suggestions but wants projects that will be effective and cost-efficient.

She added that there's already $25 billion in unfunded transit projects on wish lists statewide.

``The very good news is we've got people thinking in terms of outcomes, not just what's the latest project today we can throw money that ... Outcomes means what could we get done realistically,'' she said.

Nunez and Villaraigosa were were joined by former Assembly Speaker Richard Katz and Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, who co-authored a council resolution supporting more mass transit.

To critics who say the subway's high cost would take resources from elsewhere in the county, the mayor offered assurances that he supports a range of projects, including Orange Line extensions and traffic signal synchronization.

Nunez said later that he thinks the subway should be included.

``It's a great idea. We ought to give it our best shot,'' he said. ``Despite the high cost, I think it could really do a huge job in terms of reducing congestion and in terms of helping our environment.''

Lisa Mascaro, [phone]

lisa.mascaro(at)dailynews.com