The Transit Equity Pilot was formed based on recommendations from the SANDAG Regional Plan Social Equity Working Group (SEWG) and includes the following components:
- The Youth Opportunity Pass pilot program – a program that offers free transit fare for all youth 18 and under in the San Diego region
- Collaboration with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to educate youth and family about transit options in their neighborhood
- A research study to evaluate the benefits of the pilot
The pilot was budgeted at $2.13 million for fiscal year 2022 and is budgeted at $5.87 million for fiscal years 2023-24, allocated to direct costs, contracted services, and passed through to other agencies. Funds are secured via SANDAG from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program and via the County of San Diego through the American Rescue Plan Act. The region has seen significant ridership increases as a result of the Youth Opportunity Pass and SANDAG is working to identify funding to continue and expand this program after the pilot ends.
