The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), in collaboration with the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), launched a new bus rapid transit service along the Interstate 15 corridor. Known as “Rapid”, this high-frequency and limited-stop service takes advantage of transit signal priority, dedicated lanes, and direct access ramps aimed to offer travelers a convenient, cost-saving option compared to driving.

Rapid 235, which began service June 8, runs between downtown San Diego and Escondido, with stops throughout downtown, City College, City Heights, Kearny Mesa, Sabre Springs/Peñasquitos, Rancho Bernardo, and Del Lago.

 
HELIX provided environmental consulting services related to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and/or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for four of these transit centers. This includes the Miramar College Transit Station which will serve as an additional stop when it opens later this year. Additionally, HELIX provided landscape architecture design services for both the Rancho Bernardo and Del Lago transit stations.

 
Future plans for MTS bus rapid transit routes include EEscondido to UCSD (via Mira Mesa Boulevard), SDSU to Downtown San Diego (via El Cajon and Park Boulevards), and Otay Mesa to Downtown San Diego (via Interstate 805).