The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) hired Keen Independent Research to help the agency develop an Equity Statement and Equity Policy that reflects the agency’s commitment to equitably serving the public.

To complete this work, Keen Independent Research will assess MTS’ current service delivery and collect input from riders, other local residents, and employees.

“MTS seeks a unified vision of a fair and balanced transit system that serves all members of the community,” said Sharon Cooney, MTS CEO. “A critical part of this is developing a framework to help ensure our policy decisions and practices are consistent. By developing an equity statement and policy, MTS will solidify its commitment to using public policy as a platform for equity in our decision-making process.”

Public Input to Play A Big Role

Public input will be a critical component to the formation of the agency’s equity policy. MTS has a strong history of seeking local input for projects relating to transit services and has relationships with many community-based organizations. 

In 2019, for example, the agency held public forums and created a Community Advisory Committee to discuss the Elevate SD ballot measure.

Additionally, in 2022, MTS conducted a Social Equity Listening Tour to identify the needs and priorities of hard-to-reach community members. The agency used the information to fund improvements such as new shelters and lighting, better trash cans to help address cleanliness, beautification, and more.

Crafting A Policy

Keen Independent Research will build on these efforts to help the agency craft the Equity Statement and Policy. The research firm is joined by local firms SVPR Communications and Yen Tu Consulting. 

Together, the study team will collect input from the community and MTS staff through interviews, listening sessions, and virtual workshops where respondents can anonymously provide their impressions of MTS and how it serves the public.

This outreach will involve community-based organizations, transit advocacy organizations, the MTS Community Advisory Committee, and constituents from historically marginalized groups.

“Our objective for this project’s outreach is to gather meaningful input by meeting people where they are,” said Nicole Yates, Keen Independent sr. consultant. “As a team, we have deep connections to San Diego. We want to continue building trust with communities, especially those that are historically marginalized, and show how participation in our study will directly benefit them.”

Results are scheduled for the end of 2025.