Public Encouraged to Complete Survey by May 14

San Diego CA— SANDAG and Caltrans have launched a public survey to assist in the development of the Central Mobility Hub and Connections Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan.
The plan will analyze data and public input to identify innovative transportation solutions that could transform the way people and goods move around the San Diego International Airport area and surrounding communities, focusing on the proposed development of the Central Mobility Hub.
Public input is essential to this process and will help inform the plan. SANDAG and Caltrans encourage the public to complete the survey by visiting the project’s virtual engagement site: sandag.mysocialpinpoint.com/cmhandconnections.
The survey will remain open through Friday, May 14. Feedback also can be provided through an interactive map and comment form on the virtual engagement site, which is available in English and Spanish.
The Central Mobility Hub and Connections Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan is one of five priority corridor plans being developed by SANDAG and Caltrans. The study area for this plan includes the Midway District, Old Town San Diego, Downtown San Diego, and parts of Point Loma. The plan is expected to be completed this summer.
The plan will help inform the Central Mobility Hub project, a SANDAG priority project and key element of the 2021 Regional Plan. The Central Mobility Hub is envisioned to be a multimodal transportation center that would connect current and future public transportation options and provide a much-needed direct transit connection to San Diego International Airport. The Central Mobility Hub also could enhance the surrounding community and travel experience by providing an array of amenities, public gathering areas, and mobility services.

Environmental Review Process

On Wednesday, SANDAG initiated the environmental review process for the Central Mobility Hub project with the release of a Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This notice marks the beginning of a public comment period where community members are invited to provide input.
The Central Mobility Hub is envisioned to be a transportation center that would improve mobility throughout the San Diego region by connecting a variety of transportation options, including a convenient and direct transit link to San Diego International Airport.
“For decades, our region has tried to find a solution to provide direct and convenient transit access to San Diego International Airport,” said SANDAG Executive Director Hasan Ikhrata. “We believe the Central Mobility Hub is the answer. This project also could improve travel throughout the region, support new jobs and housing, and improve our quality of life.”
The Central Mobility Hub is a key element of SANDAG’s 2021 Regional Plan and a cornerstone of the Mobility Hub strategy. In addition to providing a direct transit connection to the airport, the Central Mobility Hub also could serve as one of the region’s primary transportation centers – connecting Amtrak, COASTER, Trolley, Rapid and local bus services, and future modes of transit with other mobility options, public services, amenities, jobs, and housing.
SANDAG is exploring two potential locations for the Central Mobility Hub, as well as a Trolley connection alternative:

Intermodal Transportation Center

The Intermodal Transportation Center is a 13-acre site located near the northeastern edge of the airport between I-5 and Pacific Highway, south of Washington Street. This site would provide direct connections to all regional transit services, other mobility options, and the airport.

Navy Old Town Campus

The Navy Old Town Campus is a 70.5-acre site located west of I-5 and south of Old Town. SANDAG is working with the Navy to explore the opportunity to include the Central Mobility Hub on a portion of this site. This location also includes the potential for supportive land uses – such as housing, office space, and retail – in addition to direct connections to all regional transit services, other mobility options, and the airport.
The Navy seeks to redevelop this site to provide modernized Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) facilities, which are critical to the Navy’s cybersecurity mission. Two of the five alternatives being studied by the Navy include development of a transit center, which could be the Central Mobility Hub. The Navy is evaluating the potential revitalization of the Old Town Campus on a separate and independent basis from the Central Mobility Hub project. SANDAG is working closely with the Navy and other agencies to ensure collaboration and information sharing between the projects. Learn more at navwar-revitalization.com.

Trolley Connection Alternative

An extension of the Trolley to San Diego International Airport is being studied as a project alternative. This alternative would extend west from the existing Trolley alignment toward the airport via an underground trench/tunnel below Grape and Hawthorne Streets. Under this alternative, a Central Mobility Hub would not be constructed.
The EIR for the Central Mobility Hub will study all aspects of the project including the two locations in consideration, a Trolley extension alternative, the proposed direct transit connection to San Diego International Airport, and improvements to local roads and highway access.
SANDAG will host a virtual public scoping meeting on Tuesday, May 11, to share information about the project and address questions from the public.
More information can be found at the project’s virtual engagement site: sandag.mysocialpinpoint.com/CentralMobilityHub.