MTS Asking for Public Input on Bus and Trolley Service
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has asked the public to participate in a survey to help ensure continued efficiency of the bus and Trolley network of services. The agency is developing a Transit Optimization Plan (TOP) to determine if current service should be realigned to better meet market demands and rider needs.
A key ingredient to TOP is feedback from San Diego County residents and transit commuters. The deadline to participate in the survey is Sept. 23. Those who cannot complete the survey online can do so in person through Sept. 15 at one of the following outreach events:
Why Now?
More than a decade ago (2004-2006), MTS conducted a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) that resulted in major changes to the system’s bus and Trolley services. The market-driven realignment resulted in a net savings of more than $10 million annually and an immediate increase in ridership.
Since the COA, MTS ridership has increased by nearly 20 million passenger trips annually, new Rapid bus routes came online, Trolley service has been realigned, and the system has contracted and expanded during the recession and recovery. In the next five years, MTS has the South Bay Rapid and Mid Coast Trolley extension to prepare for.
The purpose of TOP is to address these market dynamics, determine and implement necessary changes to realign current transit services, and meet the needs of the region. The plan is expected to be completed in Spring 2017, and the first phase of implementation to begin in June 2017.
