A trolley-like ride. Quicker. More reliable.
Those were the words used to describe a new rapid transit bus service that’s launching on Sunday that will connect San Diego State University to downtown San Diego.
City and transportation officials gathered Thursday for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the service’s median station at University Avenue and Park Boulevard, on the edge of the Hillcrest and North Park neighborhoods.
Starting Sunday, the Rapid 215 bus will provide service throughout the day, whisking passengers from the San Diego State University area to downtown in 10-minute frequencies with limited stops.
City officials lauded the project as an environmental boon and a more efficient option for those who don’t want to rely on their car to get downtown.
This is “not just a choice for people who don’t have cars, but a choice for people who do have cars,” said San Diego City Council President Todd Gloria.
The rapid transit bus is part of a $44 million project to improve transit service and the infrastructure in San Diego’s urban core.
Local
“This is one of our key traffic corridors for the city,” San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer said. “This is going to be a benefit to North Park, City Heights and the college area.”
The new Rapid 215 is among several new rapid bus services launching around the county. In June, the Rapid 235 began service, connecting passengers from North County to downtown San Diego.
The Rapid 215 will run every 10 minutes during weekday rush hours and every 15 minutes during most non-rush hours and weekends.
Its stops include the San Diego Zoo, the Naval Medical Center and, in downtown, Horton Plaza and the courthouses.
For a full map of stops and those of other rapid transit services, click here.
