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San Diego Approves $160 Billion Transportation Plan, Cuts Per-Mile Road Tax

The four-cent-per-mile road usage tax that was originally part of SANDAG's plan faced opposition from local officials along with negative public opinion. When SANDAG's board met today, the consensus was that the fee was unnecessary for the plan to succeed.

SANDAG received over 17,000 comments from residents about the plan which was available for public review from August 27 through October 11, 2021.

The approved plan spans 30 years into the future with the goal of moving the region forward on the new Otay Mesa Port of Entry, the LOSSAN Rail Corridor, the Central Mobility Hug, the Purple Line and the Blue Line Express. SANDAG reports that they received. The final plan can be reviewed here.

From SANDAG's Press Release:

The SANDAG Board of Directors voted today to adopt the 2021 Regional Plan, the blueprint for transportation in the San Diego region through 2050. The Plan will make it easier for everyone in the region to get where they need to go, whether you choose to walk, ride, drive, or bike. It was developed using a data-driven approach and combats climate change by making transit competitive in every major corridor throughout the region.

“This is a monumental day for the San Diego region,” said SANDAG Chief Executive Officer Hasan Ikhrata. “The 2021 Regional Plan creates real transportation options that address today’s challenges and build a foundation for tomorrow, ensuring our region is ready for generations to come. We appreciate the community’s support and look forward to partnering with you to bring this transformational plan to life.”   

While the plan spans 30 years into the future, SANDAG will immediately start working to advance projects, including but not limited to:

  • Opening the new Otay Mesa East Port of Entry and Smart Border Management System
  • Relocating the LOSSAN rail corridor off the bluffs
  • Advancing the Central Mobility Hub to provide direct transit connections to the San Diego International Airport
  • Blue Line Express
  • Purple Line
  • Regional Vision Zero action plan and policy
  • Digital Equity Action Plan

SANDAG gathered years of community input and analyzed new data to develop the 2021 Regional Plan. Information about where people live and work, how they get around, how existing transportation infrastructure works well or needs improvement, and what is needed to support future growth were all considered and shared with the SANDAG Board or Directors and the public in a series of presentations since the Board provided direction to develop a bold new vision in early 2019. 

The 2021 Regional Plan incorporates the latest technologies, meets all state and federal requirements and air quality mandates, addresses traffic congestion and roadway safety, and improves social equity.


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