Frequency will increase to every 15 minutes during midday on Rapid 235, the high frequency, limited stop route that runs from Downtown San Diego to Escondido via the I-15.
Photos courtesy San Diego MTS
2 min to read
Frequency will increase to every 15 minutes during midday on Rapid 235, the high frequency, limited stop route that runs from Downtown San Diego to Escondido via the I-15.
Photos courtesy San Diego MTS
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) will boost the agency’s bus system by allocating an additional $2 million to provide more efficient and effective service. The changes to approximately 60 bus routes were approved by the MTS Board of Directors at its meeting on Thursday.
The increase in service was based on the agency’s Transit Optimization Plan (TOP), which it launched in fall 2016. TOP was an evaluation of MTS’ current network of services to ensure it meets the region’s travel needs. TOP changes will be implemented throughout 2018.
Ad Loading...
“One of MTS’ goals is to maximize the level of service for our customers,” said Paul Jablonski, MTS CEO. “After extensive outreach and surveys, we heard that frequency and speed of routes were the most important qualities for current and potential riders. The TOP service plan answers that call by substantially adding to our high frequency network and by streamlining routes to reduce travel times.”
Why Change the Bus Routes?
TOP is an update of the 2004-2006 Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) that resulted in major changes to the system’s bus and Trolley services. In the 10 years since COA implementation, MTS experienced increased ridership, fare revenue and operational efficiencies for nine years straight.
However, after record-breaking ridership in FY2015, ridership dipped in FY2016, and again in FY2017.
Route 3, which serves Hillcrest, Mission Hills, Balboa Park, Cortez Hill, Gaslamp Quarter, Lincoln Park will get increased frequency from 15 to 12 minutes, and Sunday frequency increased from 60 to 30 minutes.
Certain routes and geographical areas have experienced large gains, while others have experienced significant decline. The TOP process included MTS collecting nearly 6,000 surveys and attending over 50 outreach events across the region. Using rider input in conjunction with system performance data and ridership patterns, proposals were made for adjustments to approximately two-thirds of MTS’ bus services. The MTS Board of Directors held a public hearing on July 20, 2017 to obtain public testimony on the proposals. The Board considered the input of 49 speakers and more than 200 comments received via email, mail, and voicemails. Board members provided feedback and direction to staff on the various proposals.
Ad Loading...
MTS staff adjusted the plan and returned to the Board with recommendations for changes to approximately 60 routes. Changes approved by the MTS Board as part of TOP will be implemented throughout 2018.
MTS operates 95 bus routes and three Trolley lines on 53 miles of double-tracked railway. Every weekday more than 300,000 passenger trips are taken on MTS bus and Trolley services in 10 cities and the county. In FY 2017, MTS served more than 88 million riders.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County on February 2.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.
CEO Nat Ford’s address offered a look at highlights from 2025, with a focus on the future and the innovative ways the JTA is shaping mobility in Northeast Florida.
