The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board of Directors outlined its general vision of mobility for the region Aug. 14 through a virtual meeting. The $177-billion vision would reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles and boost shared transportation options by utilizing what the board refers to as the “5 Big Moves.”
The “5 Big Moves” serve as a blueprint for the vision that is designed to deliver solutions to traffic congestion, social equity and state and federal mandates by 2050. The “moves” include enabling technology through “Next OS,” first- and last-mile options referred to as “Flexible Fleets,” multimodal roads known as “Complete Corridors,” fast and flexible transit in a move called “Transit Leap” and connection points known as “Mobility Hubs.”
“This is the most important work SANDAG does as the region’s planning agency. It is core to who we are and how we provide for the region,” said Board Chair and Poway Mayor Steve Vaus in his opening remarks. “I am hopeful that the work they have done will lead to a better transportation network in the coming years.”
SANDAG Executive Director Hasan Ikhrata explained the vision is not a wish list, but the result of public engagement and data analysis.
“Our SANDAG planners have poured their blood, sweat and tears into a truly comprehensive vision for a transportation system of the future. This vision considers evolving technology to create a safe, adaptable and equitable transportation network with fast, fair and clean choices to give every San Diegan and future generations the option to move around the region as they choose,” said Ikhrata.
SANDAG staff are expected to prepare and share more detailed documentation on the approach to developing the cost estimates in late 2020.
A draft 2021 Regional Plan will be available for public review and comment in spring 2021 and the board will be asked to adopt a plan in late 2021.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
