News Release

08.02.2022 | News Release

In November 2021, SANDAG released a request for innovative concepts to partner with the private sector to develop and deliver cutting-edge transportation solutions for the San Diego region in the next 5 to 10 years.

“The world class transportation system envisioned in the 2021 Regional Plan is now one step closer to being a reality,” said SANDAG Chair and Encinitas Mayor Catherine Blakespear. “We’re on track to implement innovative transportation solutions within the next decade that will truly serve our communities and connect the San Diego region like never before. We look forward to working with all of our partners to make this happen.”

In response to the request released in November, 18 companies submitted transportation service concepts that leverage new technology, transportation trends, and project delivery methods. Each concept underwent an evaluation of its ability to advance the goals of the 2021 Regional Plan to improve equitable access to travel choices and address climate goals.

SANDAG has selected three concepts to advance to the second phase of the competitive process. Beep, Inc., Cavnue, and Cordoba Corporation were each awarded a $50,000 stipend to develop their concepts further.

“Our region is poised to lead the nation in implementing next-generation transportation technologies,” said SANDAG CEO Hasan Ikhrata. “SANDAG is proud to try a new way of doing business to deliver first-in-the-nation concepts that will bring our Regional Plan to life.”

The three finalists were chosen for the potential of their innovative concepts in addressing distinct aspects of the region’s transportation vision. SANDAG will spend the next few months working with the teams and regional partners to better understand what implementation could look like in our region. This fall, the finalists will publicly unveil their refined concepts to a SANDAG panel and up to three concepts could be selected to participate in a working partnership to fund, plan, design, and construct the proposal.

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.

“Redefining mobility requires transformative solutions that enhance connectivity to existing transit services and provide sustainable transportation options for all,” said Beep CEO Joe Moye. “Beep and our partners are honored to be a finalist for SANDAG’s innovative concepts, which will ensure mobility equity, reduced carbon emissions and provide safer roads for everyone.”

At the U.S.-Mexico border, 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.

'Cordoba's proposed concept modernizes mobility in the Cali-Baja Region, fast tracks delivery for an efficient and secure border crossing, all while mitigating congestion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, meeting environmental justice principles, advancing social equity, revitalizing our urban core in Tijuana and San Diego, and strengthening U.S.-Mexico relations to uphold our North American competitiveness and quality of life,” said Director of Programs and Policy, Cordoba Corp Jacqueline Reynoso.

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.

“The time is now to ensure that our roadways operate in a manner that will enable them to realize all of the safety and functionality benefits of connected and automated vehicles,” said co-founder and CEO of Cavnue Tyler Duvall. “Together with our partners, Globalvia and Meridiam, we are eager to collaborate with SANDAG and local stakeholders to explore opportunities to adapt existing and new roadway environments for connected and automated vehicles that will allow for safer, faster and more widely available transportation throughout the San Diego region.” For the latest RFIC updates visit Request for Innovative Concepts: Connector Service.

For media inquiries, please contact Jessica Gonzales at 619.699.1950 or jessica.gonzales@sandag.org