SANDAG rolls out micotransit transportation service in southeastern San Diego
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)-- The community of Southeastern San Diego will be getting a new set of wheels cruising through its neighborhood in the form of a new, affordable microtransit rideshare service.
On Tuesday, SANDAG's Transportation Committee and San Diego City Councilmembers joined forces with the Urban Collaborative Project at Market Creek Plaza to announce the launch of Southeastern Connect.
The four-year pilot program will offer a fully electric, on-demand microtransit service that will run through specific neighborhoods of Southeastern San Diego, including Chollas View, Emerald Hills, and Mount Hope.
“This new connection will allow people to get around Southeastern communities in a more convenient way, providing low-cost access to essential places like supermarkets, hospitals, educational institutions, employment centers, and our transit network,” said SANDAG Transportation Committee Vice Chair and City of San Diego Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera in a press release.
Southeastern Connect will be operated by Via Transportation, using zero-emission vehicles that seat up to four passengers within the Southeastern community. The service will connect residents and visitors to destinations within the city limits, while reducing air pollution with the zero-emission vehicles.
Riders can also request units that are wheelchair accessible.
The $3.8 million pilot program was made possible through funding from federal, state and local sources, including SANDAG, the City of San Diego and the Clean Mobility Options program.
The microtransit service will be free for riders through November, while during that time, data will be gathered to determine fare options and costs.
Southeastern Connect will be available through the Via San Diego mobile app or by calling 619-413-9986 to reserve your ride.
