Central Mobility Hub
SANDAG is working to improve mobility throughout the San Diego region by connecting transportation options and creating a fast transit connection to San Diego International Airport. The Central Mobility Hub would bring together all modes of transit in one central location, including bus, Rapid, Trolley, and commuter rail like the COASTER and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. Serving as one of the region’s primary transportation centers, it would provide transit links to destinations throughout the region and serve everyone going to or from the airport—whether for work or travel.
After gathering public input and studying several alternative locations, SANDAG proposes to locate the Central Mobility Hub in Downtown San Diego with the precise location yet to be determined. The project also proposes two direct transit connections from the future Central Mobility Hub to the airport:
- A connection from a new transit center located in San Diego’s Middletown neighborhood
- A connection to the existing Santa Fe Depot transit center
SANDAG also proposes multimodal transportation solutions for surrounding communities, including around the airport, Midway, Old Town, parts of Point Loma, and Downtown San Diego. Together, these transportation solutions would provide more options for people to get around without relying on a car. Additional benefits include:
- Quick and comfortable transport directly to airport terminals
- Easy access to and from freeways
- Close pick-up/drop-off facilities
- Improved traffic conditions on surrounding roadways
- Increased transit ridership
- Services and amenities for travelers (retail, restaurants, personal services)
- Public gathering places
- An advancement toward climate action goals
- A boost in economic development
The Central Mobility Hub is fundamental to the 2021 Regional Plan, SANDAG’s blueprint for enhancing our region’s quality of life through fast, fair, and clean transportation. The plan calls for creation of a network of Mobility Hubs throughout the region to better connect people to their homes, work, schools, and local destinations. Mobility Hubs are community enhancement projects that provide amenities such as housing, office space, and shopping centers, and a variety of ways to get around such as transit, walking, biking, and shared mobility.
Project Status
SANDAG is currently conducting a Concept Study to analyze several airport transit connection alternatives. Once this study is complete, the environmental review process for the airport transit connections is anticipated to begin in early 2023. The environmental review for the Central Mobility Hub in Downtown San Diego will follow, after additional study. A report including recommended multimodal transportation solutions around San Diego International Airport and surrounding communities is anticipated to be completed in early 2023.
Project Funding
In September 2019, the SANDAG Board of Directors approved $50 million in funding for continued analysis of the Central Mobility Hub concept. The approved components of the study include environmental analysis, preliminary engineering, and complete corridor planning. A combination of funding sources is needed to build the Central Mobility Hub. SANDAG is exploring federal, state, and local funding options that may be available to fund the project.