San Diego Approved Airport Transit Connection Plan
The SANDAG committee moved forward with five transit concepts to connect the airport to downtown hubs.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Air Travel
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The SANDAG Active Transportation Committee voted 6-2 to issue a Request for Proposals for a new airport transit connection. This move advances five potential transit concepts designed to link the airport with major downtown San Diego transit hubs.
Why it matters
Board members aim to capitalize on $350 million in dedicated construction funding tied to an airline partnership agreement. The committee must secure these funds by the agreement's 2029 expiration to offset project costs.
Selected options include three automated people mover concepts estimated at $1.8 to $2.8 billion and two trolley extensions estimated at $1.2 to $1.9 billion. These routes would terminate at Santa Fe Depot, the Convention Center, or the 12th Avenue and Imperial Transit Center.
The players
SANDAG Active Transportation Committee
This is a regional planning agency responsible for the development of transportation infrastructure throughout the San Diego area.
Airport Authority
This entity manages the operations of the airport and holds the existing agreements with airline partners for facility development.
The details
The committee will now issue a Request for Information to assess the feasibility of the chosen designs before seeking actual construction bids. Officials expect potential delays from necessary environmental documentation and future legal challenges.
Timeline
Planning for an airport transit connection has been underway since 2007.
The Active Transportation Committee approved the motion on September 18, 2026.
The current Airport Authority funding agreement is set to expire in 2029.
Travel Outlook
This development marks a significant step in resolving the long-standing connectivity gap between the city center and the airport since 2007. The project timeline remains contingent upon the 2029 Airport Authority funding agreement expiration which serves as a major planning benchmark.
Travelers should note that these infrastructure developments will likely face extended timelines due to environmental and legal reviews. While the project seeks to improve transit access, no immediate changes to current airport shuttle or bus services will occur during the planning phase.
The takeaway
San Diego officials are moving forward with a multi-billion dollar plan to modernize airport access by leveraging current airline partnership funds. Residents should prepare for a lengthy development process as the committee navigates complex environmental and legal requirements.
Further reading
For more information on regional logistics, visit the Air Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KPBS.
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