The San Diego Association of Governments primary public planning and transportation agency has been holding subregional open houses on the Draft 2021 plan, including a June 22 meeting specific to South County.
The open house, introduced by SANDAG Second Vice Chair and National City Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis provided residents in southern San Diego county a chance to hear what the agency is planning to accomplish between 2021 and 2050 to improve transportation options, in addition to serving as a forum for public comments and feedback on the plan.
SANDAG Director of Mobility and Innovation Antoinette Meyer said past plans have been “a refresh of transportation projects” but this time, the agency looked at data on where residents live and work around the region, as well as where trips are being made for other needs. Plans were drawn up with emphasis on connecting projected hot spots of residential and business development over the next few decades.
SANDAG Senior Regional Manager Alison Wood said growth in the region is forecasted to include a 13% larger population and 27% more jobs in centralized areas by 2050 with 24% more housing required to sustain that growth.
The plan, based in part on projected 2035 and 2050 data, includes more light rail options, safer street designs for bikers and walkers, a focus on first and last mile connections that utilize real-time operating system technology, increased trolley service, additional Rapid bus lines, and additional managed highway lanes such as those already found on Interstate-15.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fundamentally improve the lives of everyone in the San Diego region. The plan outlines a roadmap to make it easier to get to work, school and other destinations that we know and love. It will reduce harmful emissions,” Sotelo-Solis said, a hefty regional challenge as 41% of greenhouse gas emissions come from individual cars and trucks.
SANDAG Planning Manager Jennifer Williamson said the region will increase biking capability including additional footage on the Bayshore Bikeway, as well as enjoy increased Coaster frequency and the introduction of more Rapid buses by 2025.
“We’ll work specifically on our connection to Mexico,” Williamson said.
By 2035, commuter sections on Interstate-5 will have “six regular lanes and four managed lanes” as well as managed lane connectors that will allow vehicles traveling in those lanes to remain on that path between highways.
“The blue line trolley also gets significant work in this portion,” Williamson said, including connection with Southwestern College.
By 2050, she said, San Diego’s transportation development will really start to take shape with flexible fleet incentives, short trips via electric bikes and scooters, and additional managed lanes including two planned for state route 125.
“The big ticket item in 2050 is the completion of the passenger rail system,” Williams said, a mode of transportation she said is frequently seen in other cities with fast travel both under and above ground.
During public comments, Miguel Agueri commended the agency for including connectors with Mexico in the regional plan.
“The U.S. needs Mexico to be competitive with China. It is time we had a reality check and call what we are planning for what it is: a dynamic binational region and corridor,” Agueri said.
However, other residents expressed various concerns, including potential for elderly residents to inadvertently see their transportation capabilities limited.
National City resident Rosina Lizaroga said she is a longtime resident of National City and hears direct input from retirees in the area who feel safest in their own vehicle.
“Some of our senior population struggle every day with mobility problems and a sense of safety. I would like to see more of those necessities reflected in the plan,” Lizaroga said, and asked planners to remember that some residents will still need to utilize individual vehicles.
Another caller said the multitude of options, while great for local residents, might not prove practical for the tourism industry as visitors would likely want to rent a car rather than navigate a system of public transportation.
Carolina Martinez said she appreciated all the plans laid out for future transportation options but said currently, “the blue line is the backbone of our transit system” and asked planners to consider reducing the cost of trolley transportation for youth now, “not ten years from now” so they can connect to better paying jobs.
The draft plan is available for comments through August 6, after which a draft Environmental Impact Report will be released. By fall, the Board of Supervisors is expected to adopt the plan.
Residents can view the plan at: www. sandag.org/RegionalPlanComments and submit comments to SDForward@sandag.org or by calling (877) 277-5736.
“Your input will help our transportation system work better for everyone in our region. This is an opportunity to make your voice heard,” SANDAG Director of Integrated Transportation Planning Arias said.
