The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System board on Thursday approved a $448.2 million operating budget for the coming fiscal year.
The newly approved budget fully funds current service levels on all three Trolley lines and more than 100 bus routes. The budget also funds MTS security improvements implemented earlier in the year, increasing the number of officers and improving visibility and response times.
“I am pleased we adopted a budget that fully maintains current service levels, keeps our fares affordable and provides a critical service enabling residents to access healthcare, jobs, education and more,” said Stephen Whitburn, a San Diego City Council member who serves as the board’s chair, in a news release.
During the budget process, MTS was informed that $284 million in state grant funding was being frozen indefinitely as California works to balance its budget.
The initial draft of the FY 2025 operating budget included $19.7 million in Senate Bill 125 Transit and Intercity Rail Capital funds. Due to the frozen allocation, the agency postponed Trolley and bus service increases funded by SB125. If the funds are released, MTS is ready to pursue the service enhancements as planned.
With total budgeted revenue projected at $448.2 million, the budget is balanced, officials said. The full budget can be viewed on the June 20 Board of Directors Agenda (item 20, pg. 238).
In addition to the operating budget, MTS also has a $250.1 million capital improvement budget in FY 2025 that will enhance bus and rail repair efforts, fund facility and construction projects, rail infrastructure improvements and other major initiatives.
In total, 66 capital-improvement projects will be funded.