1. What is the Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project?

The Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project proposes the extension of transit service from the Old Town Transit Center to the University City community, serving major destinations including Westfield University Towne Center (UTC) and UCSD. The current project, as defined under the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) adopted by the SANDAG Board of Directors in 2003, is an 11-mile extension to the existing San Diego trolley system. It begins just north of the Old Town Transit Center and travels north along the railroad right-of-way and Interstate 5, terminating at UTC.

2. Why is the Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project proposed?

The Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project is proposed to provide reliable and efficient transit service that will connect corridor residents, businesses, employees and students with other destinations and activity centers in the region. Projected travel growth in the Mid-Coast Corridor is expected to increase congestion and delays on already congested highways. The Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project will provide a viable alternative to highway congestion.

3. What areas will be served by the project?

The Mid-Coast Corridor stretches from downtown San Diego north to University City. It will connect residents, businesses, employees and students in Downtown San Diego, Little Italy, Middletown, Old Town, Midway, Linda Vista, Bay Park, Clairemont, the beach communities and University City with destinations and activity centers in downtown San Diego, Mission Valley, East County and South County.

4. What route will the Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project take and where will stations be located?

The current Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) is a Light Rail Transit (trolley) project that will extend north from the Old Town Transit Center along existing railroad right-of-way to Gilman Drive. From Gilman Drive, the route continues north along Interstate 5 to UCSD and travels to its terminus at Westfield UTC. Up to eight stations are currently proposed: Tecolote Road, Clairemont Drive, Balboa Avenue, University Center Lane, UCSD West, UCSD East, Executive Drive and the Westfield UTC Transit Center.

5. What is the current status of the project?

Since the selection of the LPA, a number of changed conditions have occurred within the Mid-Coast Corridor that required supplemental analysis. SANDAG recently completed an analysis of a number of alternatives to the LPA, including additional LRT alternatives, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) alternatives, a commuter rail alternative, and a Transportation Systems Management alternative. This information was summarized in the Draft Comparative Evaluation of Alternatives report, which defines, evaluates and recommends preliminary conceptual alternatives for consideration during the Scoping Period for the project’s supplemental environmental document. This report recommended that three Light Rail Transit alternatives be carried forward for further review.

6. Can the public provide comments on the project alternatives?

As part of the environmental review process, a 30-day Scoping Period for the Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project environmental document will be conducted. The Scoping Period provides the public with the opportunity to provide comments on the project alternatives, as well as the scope of issues to be considered in the supplemental environmental review. The Scoping Period runs from May 3, 2010 through June 1, 2010. The public may submit comments during the scoping period by mail, e-mail or at one of five Scoping Meetings scheduled in locations throughout the Mid-Coast Corridor. Notice and specific details for these meetings are posted at www.sandag.org/midcoast

7.What are the next steps in the project review process?

At the conclusion of the Scoping Period, SANDAG staff will prepare a Final Comparative Evaluation of Alternatives that addresses the development and evaluation of alternatives, comments received during public scoping, and a recommendation for which alternative(s) should move forward for detailed analysis in the draft environmental document. Once the SANDAG Board of Directors votes on which alternative(s) should move forward, staff will prepare a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (Draft SEIS/SEIR) analyzing the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project. The Draft SEIS/SEIR will be made available to the public for review and comment. After the conclusion of the public comment period, staff will respond to public comments and prepare the Final SEIS/SEIR. The environmental review phase will conclude with approval of the final document and completion of preliminary engineering.

8.When will the project be complete?

The current schedule indicates that service could begin as soon as 2015. However, the completion date depends on a number of project delivery methods that are not determined at this time.

9. How much will the project cost?

The cost for the Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project, as estimated in the Regional Transportation Plan, is $1.2 billion in year of expenditure dollars (based on the current LPA). The estimated cost will be updated once a project alternative is determined.

10.Where will the funding come from?

The Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project was included in the voter-approved TransNet measure, the local half-cent sales tax that provides funding for transportation projects. The project is a part of the TransNet Early Action Program, meaning that it is one of the highest priority transportation projects in the region. A combination of state and regional funds, including TransNet, will provide a 50 percent local match to attract additional federal funding to complete the project. All of the operational subsidies for the project are funded through 2048.

11.How can I stay informed of the project's progress and key milestones?

A comprehensive Public Involvement Program is in place to ensure that stakeholders and the general public are given opportunities to participate throughout the process. Information about public involvement opportunities is provided in the Public Involvement Plan, which can be accessed at www.sandag.org/midcoast. On this Web site, you can also:

• Review up-to-date project information
• Access meeting agendas, staff reports and technical documents
• See notices of upcoming meetings, including the Project Working Group, scoping meetings, and SANDAG meetings
• Sign up for the project newsletter
• Provide comments

You may also contact the Public Involvement team at (619) 595-5620 or by e-mail at midcoast@sandag.org for project information or to request a briefing for your civic or neighborhood organization.

Your participation is encouraged to help develop a project that will enhance the region’s mobility for years to come.