Connector Service Request for Innovative Concepts (RFIC)

Interactive Data Tool

SANDAG

Submit an innovative concept!

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is inviting interested innovators, entrepreneurs, service providers, and mobility experts to submit innovative concepts for transportation “Connector” services that advance the transformative vision for transportation shaped by SANDAG’s Draft 2021 Regional Plan’s 5 Big Moves.  

The transformative vision for the San Diego region outlined in the Draft 2021 Regional Plan is anchored in the 5 Big Moves

Background

SANDAG is the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Congestion Management Agency, council of governments, and Regional Transportation Commission that represents and serves the 19 jurisdictions that comprise the San Diego region. One of SANDAG’s primary responsibilities is to develop the region’s long-range transportation plan.

Rapidly evolving transportation technology and transportation trends present opportunities to maximize our existing infrastructure, transform how people and goods are transported, and improve equitable access to mobility services. 

 San Diego Forward: The Draft 2021 Regional Plan  has reimagined the transportation system to address the greatest transportation challenges the region faces: safety and traffic congestion, social inequities, and climate change. 

The Connector Service RFIC

SANDAG is now seeking innovative concepts and public-private partnership opportunities to jumpstart development of one or more Connector services that will bring the 5 Big Moves to life.

The Connector concepts must advance the goal of a transportation system that is faster, fairer, and cleaner: 

  • faster by reducing traffic congestion and providing a comfortable and convenient alternative to the private automobile; 
  • fairer by providing an affordable and accessible solution that advances mobility equity; 
  • cleaner by providing an emission-free mobility solution. 

The San Diego region faces three primary challenges that are impacting our quality of life today and that will threaten our ability to play a leading role in our nation’s next era of economic innovation - social equity, air quality, and congestion.

RFIC Schedule

Phase 1:

Firms will submit innovative concepts for a future Connector service(s). Submissions are due January 14, 2022. 

Phase 2:

Three firms or teams of firms will be selected and awarded a $50,000 stipend to further develop their proposed concept and present their conceptual designs to a panel of experts. (Spring 2022) 

Phase 3

One or more firms will be selected to enter a partnership agreement where SANDAG and partners will pursue funding, plan, design, and ultimately implement the Connector service(s). (Summer 2022)

Learn more about the Connector Service RFIC at  www.sandag.org/connector .

Transportation Areas

To help guide the development of innovative concepts, SANDAG has identified five key transportation challenge areas, provided below, for consideration. Concepts do not need to be limited to these specific geographic areas.

01 / 05

Blue Line Trolley Corridor

The Blue Line Trolley is the busiest rail service in the region. SANDAG would like to reduce travel times on the Blue Line Trolley to 30 minutes and provide an express option for passengers taking longer trips along the route.

Decentralized Employment Centers

San Diego is home to three major employment centers (Sorrento Valley / University, Kearny Mesa, and Downtown San Diego) that have varying levels of transit service. SANDAG would like a time- and cost-competitive option to better serve these primary employment centers.

Downtown Connectivity

The greater downtown area is home to many residents and boasts popular activity centers like the San Diego International Airport, Convention Center, Bayfront, Petco, Sports Arena, and Balboa Park. SANDAG is looking for an opportunity to prioritize shared rides and active transportation in our urban communities. 

Border Congestion

San Diego is in the unique and opportune position of having one of the busiest land border crossings in the world. SANDAG is interested in building on existing efforts in the border region to identify innovative mobility solutions that make connections easier for travelers in the border region.  

East-West Connectivity

The Interstate 8 and State Route 94 provide critical connections to employment centers, major universities, and residential areas. SANDAG is interested in exploring the potential for more mobility options to improve access to and enhance the existing light rail service that connects east county communities to San Diego.  

Decentralized Employment Centers

Additional data on employee origins for major employment centers are provided below. Learn more about these employment centers, where the employees in these areas commute from, and what their commutes look like by visiting the  SANDAG Employment Center Analyses . 

Employee place of residence for Sorrento Valley, Kearny Mesa, Downtown San Diego, and North County (L-R)

SANDAG is open to Connector proposals in any area of the region, but they must be consistent with projects in the Draft 2021 Regional Plan and provide a convenient, affordable, and comfortable alternative to the private automobile.

Challenges and Opportunities

The data below can be used by proposers to identify the optimal geographic area for one or more Connector services that will have the greatest impact in achieving the goals of the Draft 2021 Regional Plan. 

Other Resources

SANDAG has several planning efforts underway and completed studies that could help proposers develop Connector proposals. 

The transformative vision for the San Diego region outlined in the Draft 2021 Regional Plan is anchored in the 5 Big Moves