Various versions of the half-cent transportation sales tax measure in Monterey County have been shot down a number of times, most recently in 2006. It's doubtful that allocating more money to roads and buses will make much of difference because getting a two-thirds majority in Monterey County for a tax increase is close to impossible given the local political dynamics. This is one of the most conflicted counties in California and nothing meaningful can ever get done. Regardless of the prognostications offered by the various local pols, don't expect to be riding Caltrain to Salinas anytime soon.