Of the trips to the San Diego International Airport, 99 percent are made by car. That could change if an expensive and ambitious project moves from concept to reality.
Lori Weisberg reports: "At a cost of $4 billion or more, San Diego County could have a multi-level Grand Central Station and underground people mover that would whisk passengers to the airport within just two to three minutes, offering a transit solution that has eluded the region for decades."
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) presents that account of the idea for a new Grand Central Station for Sand Diego in a recently released 60-page report. The SANDAG Board of Directors established an Airport Connectivity Subcommittee in December 2018 and provided $1 million to develop and analyze a concept for a central mobility hub to improve access to the San Diego International Airport.
According to Wiesberg, the report considers four alternatives for the airport connector. One would expand the existing San Diego Trolley; the other three would add an automated people mover system. "One advantage of such a system is that it provides level boarding and can operate at high frequencies, which allows people to 'arrive at their aircraft gates faster and with less stress,' the SANDAG report states."
"The transit option that appears to be favored most by local planners and engineering consultants who worked on the latest analysis is a new transit center that would be developed on Navy property north of the airport, in concert with a nonstop, underground people mover that would be free to ride," adds Weisberg.
As for the prospect of a new Grand Central Station, the project gained critical momentum earlier this month when the Department of the Navy signed off on the early plans for the redevelopment of the Naval Base Point Loma, Old Town Complex. Jennifer Evan Grove reports on the details of a new contract that supersedes a previous memorandum of understanding and clears the way for the navy and SANDAG to begin planning and environmental review for the 70-acre site that could become the future home of the new transit hub.
FULL STORY: $4.7B: The price tag for a ‘Grand Central Station’ and underground people mover to San Diego airport
San Diego High-Speed Rail Plan Counts on Future Density
Despite slowing population growth statewide, officials believe the region will "grow into" the new rail system if cities promote dense development around transit stations.
Climate Crisis, Housing Crisis on a Collision Course
Sprawl might relieve the housing crisis, but it would also exacerbate the climate crisis. Tough choices will be necessary in regions like San Diego, where the question of where to accommodate growth is very much in question.
San Diego Could Scrap Parking Requirements in 'Transit Priority Areas'
The mayor of San Diego has introduced a major parking reform initiative.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie