The 10 Transit Lifelines represent the priorities that residents at the frontlines of the climate crisis in Barrio Logan, City Heights, and National City have identified through a community-driven process led by the San Diego Transportation Equity Working Group. Though identified by residents who live south of the I8 freeway, the 10 lifelines reflect a vision to advance affordable and frequent transit solutions that will benefit all San Diegans. Most are solutions that can be implemented immediately while big infrastructure projects are built out.
1. A Regional Plan that prioritizes environmental justice: When transportation promotes environmental justice, everyone benefits
Demonstrate environmental justice (EJ) communities are a priority by identifying projects that will improve their access to public transportation by 2025. These primarily low-income communities of color face the most pollution in the San Diego region and rely most on transit. The projects should include a Safe Routes To Transit strategy and an early action project Mobility Hub at Euclid Transit Center.
2. Youth opportunity passes: Invest in young people
Provide no-cost transit passes for all youth, ages 24 and under, to build generations of lifelong transit riders and connect youth to school, work, internships, and early career opportunities.
3. Bus service every 10 minutes: Set the stage for a new transit era
Make bus service reliable and affordable now - we can’t wait. Buses are one of the most cost-effective ways to get us where we need to go while cutting climate pollution. We need immediate solutions while big infrastructure projects are built.
4. Blue Line express: The Blue Line should be the region’s biggest move
Build a 24-hour Express Blue Line. The Blue Line already has the highest ridership and is one of the best-performing transit lines in the region. However, it is overcrowded, has limited frequency, delayed connections, and no 24-hour service.
5. 24-hour service: Connect late-night and early-morning workers
By 2025, provide 24-hour service on popular transit routes to connect workers to their destinations. Participants in San Diego MTS’ community engagement efforts ranked this as their highest priority.
6. The Purple Line: Connect our communities to boost economic prosperity
Fund the planning and construction of the Purple Line as a rail line that connects EJ communities in central City Heights and South Bay to Sorrento Valley.
7. An all-electric bus fleet by 2030: Good air quality is essential for public health
Accelerate the electrification of buses, because our communities cannot afford to wait until 2040 to breathe cleaner air and reduce climate pollution.
8. Anti-displacement strategies: We are here to stay!
Protect low-income communities of color living near transit corridors from gentrification with proactive strategies that include building affordable housing while preserving naturally occurring affordable housing, community ownership, and tenant protections. We need comprehensive solutions!
9. Restroom access: Dignity and hygiene are fundamental
Create a plan to make restrooms available to the public and provide MTS with funding for a clean and accessible restroom network with access at all major transit stations.
10. Emergency-ready transit system: Protect residents living near hazardous sites during disasters
Provide transit for environmental justice communities to evacuate during emergencies. EJ communities are more vulnerable to climate disasters and more likely to live near industries, military operations and other dangerous activities that may have accidents that cause fires, leak toxins, and other crises.
San Diego's 10 Transit Lifelines was established in 2018 by community-based organizations in an effort to elevate transportation and environmental justice opportunities in San Diego for years to come. The core organizations are Center on Policy Initiatives, City Heights Community Development, Environmental Health Coalition, Mid-City CAN, and San Diego 350. Supporting organizations include Casa Familiar and the Urban Collaborative Project.
Credits:
Photography by Evan Apodaca