SANDAG’s February 23, 2024 Board meeting was scheduled to include an update from staff on the status of plans for Transit to the Airport. Like many San Diegans, Circulate expected to see a plan and alternatives submitted for environmental review soon. We were therefore disappointed to instead see this item suggest re-analyzing the project and, more concerningly, projecting a 24-month timeline for doing so.

Circulate recognizes the possible need to ensure confidence in this project, both among the SANDAG Board and the public. However, the 24-month timeline for SANDAG’s proposed re-analysis is, on its face, exceptional. Circulate submitted a letter asking that SANDAG revisit that timeline and shorten it as aggressively as it can.

You can read the letter here.

COVERAGE:

San Diego airport transit system: Update, Axios  San Diego, February 21, 2024

Long-studied transit connection to San Diego airport still more than three years off, The San Diego Union Tribune, February 23, 2024

Circulate submitted a letter to the San Diego Regional Airport Authority encouraging connection of the existing MTS Trolley and Train system to the San Diego International Airport. Service must be frequent, luggage friendly and useful for both flyers and airport employees.  Rapid implementation is important, meaning the Airport Authority and SANDAG should prefer options that match to feasible funding opportunities, and independent of larger proposed future projects that might not happen. 

You can read the letter here.

Circulate has submitted a letter to MTS recommending improvements to PRONTO - allowing riders to easily pay fares by simply tapping bank cards and mobile wallets as they board their MTS rides.  We also recommend these improvements be combined with PRONTO's existing fare-capping and free transfer programs.

You can read the letter here.