Frequently Asked Questions | March 2016
What is the South Bay Rapid project?
The South Bay Rapid project is a new transit service coming to South County. The new service will operate along
a 26-mile route from the Otay Mesa Port of Entry to Downtown San Diego via eastern Chula Vista. The project will
improve travel times by utilizing dedicated transit-only lanes, traffic signal priority, and limited station stops.
What are the benefits of South Bay Rapid?
South Bay Rapid will benefit the region in a number of ways. These benefits include:
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Minimizing traffic congestion along a major transportation corridor.
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Bringing an innovative mobility choice to areas not currently served by mass transit.
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Connecting residents to employment and activity centers, including offices, shopping, recreational facilities,
residential communities, schools, and Park & Ride lots, as well as the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
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Complementing planned development in the area including Millenia, the addition of a four-year university
and technology park, and the redevelopment of the Chula Vista Bayfront.
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Improving environmental sustainability by getting cars off the roads and operating lower-emissions
compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.
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Increasing business activity and creating jobs in the South Bay and throughout San Diego County,
enhancing economic prosperity on a regional level.
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Promoting healthier lifestyles by increasing personal activity levels.
What areas will be served by South Bay Rapid?
The new transit line will connect to employment and activity centers in Downtown San Diego and South County,
serving offices, shopping centers, recreational facilities, residential communities, schools, and Park & Ride lots,
as well as the U.S.-Mexico border at Otay Mesa.
Where will the stations be located?
A dozen Rapid stations are planned along the 26-mile route, all of which will be located in the public right-of-way.
Five stations are being constructed in Downtown San Diego, and seven stations are being constructed in eastern
Chula Vista and Otay Mesa.
Why is this project needed?
The population in South County is expected to increase substantially over the next 20 years, leading to added
congestion. The new Rapid service will expand access to areas not currently served by transit and connect
residents to regional employment and activity centers. The project also will help minimize traffic congestion along
a major transportation corridor by providing South County communities with a new transit choice.
What is the project budget and how is it funded?
The South Bay Rapid project will cost $113 million to construct. An additional $15 million will be used to purchase
16 new Rapid vehicles. Funding for the project is being provided by a combination of federal, state, and local
programs. These programs include the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Transit and Intercity Rail Capital
Program (TIRCP), Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program (AHSCP), and TransNet, the regional
half-cent sales tax for transportation administered by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).
KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/SouthBayRapid
What will the route schedule be?
South Bay Rapid will operate from 5 a.m.-11 p.m. daily with service every 15 minutes during peak commuting hours,
which are 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m., and every 30 minutes the rest of the day.
What will the average travel time be between the U.S.-Mexico border and Downtown San Diego?
During peak commuting hours, the average travel time between the Otay Mesa Transit Center and San Diego City
College will be approximately 50-75 minutes, or 85 minutes between the Otay Mesa Transit Center and Santa Fe
Depot. For riders traveling from Otay Ranch in Chula Vista to Downtown San Diego during peak commuting hours,
travel times will be approximately 50-60 minutes.
Who is the lead agency responsible for constructing the project?
SANDAG is responsible for the development and construction of the South Bay Rapid project.
When will construction begin and when will the improvements be completed?
Construction on the new Rapid project began in March 2016. Rapid service in the South Bay is expected to begin
in 2018 and will be operated by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).
What can I expect during construction?
During construction, motorists can expect temporary lane closures and detours, reduced lane widths, and
equipment and signage along East Palomar Street. Street parking on East Palomar Street also may be impacted
intermittently. People who are biking or walking near the construction area can expect periodic sidewalk and
pathway closures along the south side of East Palomar Street. Residents and businesses near the construction
area can expect intermittent lights and noise when crews are present.
Will trees be removed as part of the project?
To make way for the dedicated transit guideway in the median along East Palomar Street, significant existing
vegetation and trees must be removed over the course of construction. Construction crews will be preserving much
of the existing vegetation along the outside shoulders and walk/bike paths on East Palomar Street, where feasible.
Will any of the removed trees be replanted?
The project team determined that it would be not be feasible to replant the removed Mexican fan palm trees due
to the expected life span of the trees, project costs, and time considerations. The majority of the Mexican fan
palms that are being removed will be replaced with new Mexican fan palms.
How will construction impact current MTS bus routes?
Current MTS bus routes will remain in service throughout construction in and around the construction area.
MTS bus stops located along East Palomar Street may be temporarily taken out of service or relocated
during construction. For the latest information on local bus detours during construction, please visit MTS at
www.sdmts.com/schedules-real-time/alerts-and-detours.
How will the community be notified about construction?
Regular updates on construction hours, closures, and detours will be provided to the community through signage,
notices, email bulletins, and updates to KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/SouthBayRapid.
Please sign up for construction updates at KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/Contact. A construction hotline has
also been established at (888) 754-5062.
Traducción al español disponible a solicitud.
KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/SouthBayRapid