Big improvements are on their way for San Diego’s transit system in 2017.
Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) announced their plans for a $108 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) on Friday.
The money will go toward improving San Diego’s transit system to provide better services to riders. The most funded projects include new low-floor trolleys, more compressed natural gas and near-zero emission paratransit buses, a new transit facility and a Courthouse Trolley Station on C Street between State and Union street.
MTS was in the news just over a week ago when San Diego officials called on MTS to change the Compass Card, the current ticketing system for San Diego transit. Such changes are already being discussed and hope to be completed by August of this year, according to Rob Schupp, director of marketing and communications for MTS
One idea being considered is a mobile app that would allows riders to maintain both MTS and North County Transit District (NCTD) tickets in one place, according to Schupp. In addition, the app would help patrons utilize alternative methods of transportation such as bike sharing and Car2Go.
"Recognizing that we need to invest in the next generation fare collection system, last year’s CIP had $6 million set aside, we’re applying for a $10 million Cap and Trade grant, and we’re projecting $10 million in the 2018 and 2019 CIPs, all for fare collection improvements," explained Schupp.
The current CIP began in Oct. 2015 when MTS asked departments to submit project requests. The CIP review committee then determined which projects were most important to financial support at this time.
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MTS currently operates 95 bus routes and three trolley lines which are used by more than 300,000 passengers every weekday.
For more information on the project, click here.
General information about San Diego’s MTS can be found here.
