Why San Diego Needs More Train Frequencies – Not Express Routes

Why San Diego Needs to Rethink Its Transit Solutions

In the latest discussions on enhancing public transportation in San Diego, there are significant calls for improving the Blue Line trolley's performance. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is exploring express options that would allow trolleys to skip less popular stops between San Ysidro and downtown. However, this has raised concerns about the effectiveness of such solutions.

What Evidence Tells Us About Express Services

Recent trends in cities like Los Angeles and San Jose provide a cautionary tale for transit planners. After evaluating ridership numbers, both cities chose to eliminate their light rail express services due to disappointing performance. Such experiences prompt a critical evaluation: will an express Blue Line truly provide the efficiency the region seeks, or could it follow suit and underperform?

Revisiting Basic Frequencies: A Practical Proposal

Rather than implementing an express system, a simpler and potentially more effective approach would be to increase trolley frequency on the existing Blue Line. This adjustment would not only enhance capacity but also significantly reduce travel times. The current trip duration for a trolley ride from San Ysidro to downtown is about 34 minutes but can be improved with more frequent service, particularly during peak hours.

The Case Against Express Buses

SANDAG is also considering a Rapid 640 bus route to parallel the Blue Line. However, even with dedicated bus lanes, the time savings appear marginal. Riders on the existing 910 bus route already face delays even during off-peak hours—adding to the skepticism surrounding new bus proposals.

Why the Current Approach Falls Short

Express trolleys are proposed to save a few minutes by skipping certain stops, but many riders would not benefit. The potential for increased wait times further complicates this proposition. The trolley system’s slow speeds through downtown, where trains crawl at about 8.7 miles per hour, mean that even an express service won’t make a significant difference for commuters running north to south.

A Forward-Looking Solution

The key to improving public transit in San Diego lies not in new express routes but in optimizing the operations of existing services. Enhancing trolley frequency, alongside reducing travel times, will encourage more riders to choose public transportation over personal vehicles. As local leaders and transportation planners consider their options, it is essential to recognize that the effectiveness of transit systems is ultimately determined by their capacity to respond to the needs of their ridership.

Call to Action: If you're a San Diego County resident and care about improving our public transit, speak up! Your voice matters in shaping a transit system that works for everyone. Attend local meetings, send emails, and advocate for better public transportation solutions that prioritize frequency over express services. Together, we can make a difference!