Social Equity Listening Tour

The desire for more shade was a top three overall mentioned project, and the desire for more seating in the system also made the top 20 priorities list. In addition, a second round of feedback to participants from the initial outreach also listed more shelters and seating as the number one overall desired project. As such, more than half of the $3 million in funding is allocated to expanding and adding new transit shelters to bus stops currently without. 

The approved list and a map of planned new shelter locations can be found below. The vast majority of locations will require going through the design, permitting and construction process, as most locations will need infrastructure upgrades to enable them to accommodate a new shelter. Due to current procurement and city permitting timelines, it is anticipated to take about a year (as of October 2023).  

Lighting was just outside the top 10 list of most desired projects overall, but was the second most identified desired project in a second round of feedback from some participants. In addition to the Social Equity Listening Tour efforts, more lighting has also been named in several other community efforts as a key component of safety when traveling by transit. 

The MTS team identified seven Orange Line Trolley stations that would benefit from upgraded lighting to the platforms, shelters and parking lots. Approximately $450,000 is allocated to upgraded lighting at the following seven stations:

1. 25th & Commercial
2. 32nd & Commercial
3. 47th Street
4. Euclid Avenue
5. Encanto / 62nd Street
6. Massachusetts Avenue
7. Lemon Grove

The Capital Projects, Rail and contracting team conducted site visits to the seven stations in October 2023 to develop the full scope of work for the lighting replacements and upgrades. Based on current timelines, it is expected riders will start to see installation of new lighting in January 2024. 

Lighting was just outside the top 10 list of most desired projects overall, but was the second most identified desired project in a second round of feedback from some participants. In addition to the Social Equity Listening Tour efforts, more lighting has also been named in several other community efforts as a key component of safety when traveling by transit. 

MTS does not currently maintain its own lighting systems at bus stations, unless attached to a shelter. 

As a result of the Social Equity Listening Tour, MTS will fund approximately $120,000 for a new solar lighting program that could be attached to existing bus blade poles for locations without adequate lighting nearby. The initial funding is expected to cover approximately 25 stops under the pilot project, with an option to double that total pending outcomes of the pilot program. 

As part of this project, MTS will be conducting community engagement efforts to hear from riders about where they see lighting along the bus system is needed. That outreach is planned to take place in late fall/early winter of 2023. Stay tuned here for additional information when that community feedback is being collected. 

Trash cans may seem like an odd inclusion on a list about public transit improvements. However, one thing was clear from the community engagement effort. Cleanliness throughout the MTS system was top of mind for riders, being mentioned nearly twice as many times as any other topic on the list of top priorities. 

As staff considered what cleaning challenges present themselves most frequently (and there are a few, to be sure), trash came up as a common recurring issue at Trolley stations. Current trash cans at stations are open, leaving them susceptible to people digging through them overturning the bags, emptying them, etc. 

MTS has allocated approximately $300,000 for 78 new, upgraded, smart trash receptacles, which includes a grant that MTS received. These new trash receptacles will be installed at all downtown stations, as well as along the UC San Diego Blue Line from E Street to San Ysidro. If these go well, MTS can purchase an additional 96 receptacles for 2024 or 2025 delivery. 

These new cans are expected to not only have larger capacity than the current options, but also offer automated compacting to maximize efficiency, and allow for data to be sent to a central warehouse informing staff of capacity levels to help maximize their time and eliminate unnecessary trips to check on cans (but also make sure cans don't overflow).  

Trash cans should be installed by summer of 2024.  

The final project proposed in the initial $3 million funding package is a lighting and beautification project combination. In South San Diego, near the Beyer Blvd Station, there is an underpass nearby that could use some TLC. Adding lighting, and partnering with a local artist or community group to provide a large mural, will make the space more inviting and create a better sense of safety for patrons trying to access the transit system. MTS is estimating this project would cost approximately $200,000.