On November 1, 2021, SANDAG issued a Request for Innovative Concepts inviting interested innovators, entrepreneurs, service providers, and mobility experts to submit innovative concepts for transportation “Connector” services that advance the transformative vision for transportation shaped by the 5 Big Moves. This is a phased procurement intended to explore new ways SANDAG can collaborate with the private sector to leverage new technologies and transportation trends in implementing the Regional Plan.
SANDAG accepted Connector concepts in any area of the San Diego region, however five key transportation challenge areas were identified for consideration:
- Blue Line Trolley Corridor
- Decentralized Employment Centers
- Downtown Connectivity
- Border Congestion
- East-West Connectivity
The Connector Service RFIC Interactive Data Tool is a helpful resource to learn more about the existing conditions, challenges, and opportunities within the identified challenge areas.
Finalists
Three submissions were chosen to advance to the second phase of the RFIC process:
Beep, Inc., in partnership with Balfour Beatty, Kittleson, and TESIAC, proposes implementing mobility hubs to create a network of autonomous electric shuttles designed as a neighborhood circulator. The alternative transportation network will provide first- and last-mile connections to existing transit services. These mobility hubs will include strategically located electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and placemaking amenities to support the mobility networks. Additional electric charging investments, including microgrids, substations, and solar power, are proposed future concepts in these locations to support growth and enable the first demonstrated self-sustaining electric mobility hub.
Cordoba Corporation, in partnership with Sener, Rincon, Kleinfelder, iteris, Fehr & Peers, Gruen Associates, Cal y Mayor, Kosmont, VMA, and MBI, proposes the first-of-its-kind transit border crossing in the country. The concept is to extend the Blue Line Trolley one mile into Tijuana, expand the San Ysidro Transit Center, build connecting pre-clearance border crossing facilities, and provide improved traveler information through Intelligent Transportation System upgrades. The plan seeks to optimize border infrastructure, enhance mobility, reduce congestion, improve air quality for border communities and those who cross the border regularly.
Cavnue in partnership with Globalvia, Meridiam, AECOM, and Via, proposes a state-of-the-art, next generation managed lanes network to improve the speed and reliability of transit and shared mobility services. The technology-enabled infrastructure will improve safety, optimize the performance of existing roadways in the region, and prepare San Diego’s infrastructure for autonomous driving and connected vehicles. New on-demand transit services provide first-mile/last-mile connects and feed into the modernized managed lanes.
How to Learn More About the RFIC
Please note that solicitation information posted on this project page is for informational purposes only. Please visit www.bidnetdirect.com/sandag for all up-to-date Request for Innovative Concepts information.
View the solicitation on BidNet, SANDAG's vendor portal. A list of registered attendees is also available on SANDAG’s vendor portal, BidNet.
