San Diego's innovative overnight bus service, dubbed the 'Overnight Express', is revolutionizing early-morning transportation for residents along the U.S.-Mexico border. This unique transit line, Route 910, operates between the border and downtown San Diego, filling a critical gap in public transportation. Local leaders are praising it as a model for growth and adaptation, addressing the needs of early-morning workers and students who previously lacked convenient and affordable travel options.
The bus route, which runs from 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m., seven days a week, covers the same ground as the South Bay portion of the popular Blue Line trolley. However, the Blue Line cannot operate during these hours due to freight train usage on the tracks. This leaves many border residents without a reliable morning commute. To tackle this issue, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) introduced Route 910 as a pilot express bus last January.
While it took a few months for ridership to pick up, Route 910 has now become a lifeline for over 7,000 passengers monthly. The service costs the normal MTS one-way fare of $2.50, making it an affordable option for early risers. Moreover, it has significantly reduced crowding on the Blue Line trains during the morning rush, a win-win for both commuters and transit officials.
San Diego City Councilmember Vivian Moreno, a member of the MTS board, praised the service, stating, 'This is an example of creating something our customers need and actually want.' Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera added that it provides a tangible way to improve the lives of hard-working individuals, offering an alternative to taxis or ride-sharing services.
The MTS board unanimously voted to make Route 910 a permanent feature, allocating $800,000 annually from the SB 125 state legislation funds. This decision was based on strong ridership numbers, with a 31% increase in the six-month period from July to December. During the initial six months, an average of 191 people per day used the route, while the second six months saw a rise to 251 daily riders.
MTS Director of Planning and Scheduling, Brent Boyd, predicts further growth as awareness of the route spreads. Director of Marketing and Communications, Mark Olson, attributed the success to targeted outreach efforts, including billboards in Tijuana and Spanish-language radio ads. Route 910's remarkable ridership, considering its unusual operating hours, surpasses other MTS express buses in terms of cost-effectiveness.
Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, also on the MTS board, highlighted the service's success, stating, 'It shows we live in a 24/7 society.' Interestingly, the most popular bus on Route 910 is the second-to-last one before the trolley's operation, as passengers might wait for the last trip to align with the trolley schedule. Route 910 stops at key locations, including San Ysidro, Iris Avenue, and Santa Fe Depot, offering a swift and convenient journey.
MTS conducted an analysis to ensure the route's impact on low-income residents or ethnic minorities was minimal, finding no adverse effects. The area served by Route 910 has a higher percentage of low-income residents (38%) compared to the overall MTS service area (24%). The Blue Line, the second-busiest light-rail line in the nation, carries 80,000 passengers daily, further emphasizing the importance of this new service in San Diego's transportation network.
