SANDAG 2025 Regional Plan
SANDAG is currently drafting the 2025 Regional Plan, which guides “the transportation, infrastructure, land use, housing and environmental needs of the region”. The Regional Plan is updated every four years, and adjusts itself based on the budget and needs of San Diego County. It comprises three separate documents:
Regional Transportation Plan, which outlines and finances transportation needs
Sustainable Communities Strategy, which aims to reduce carbon emissions through land use and transportation
Regional Comprehensive Plan, which accommodates plans under the context of the entire county
The draft proposes many projects, but a majority of funds are allocated to building new roads and widening highways. SANDAG is promoting ‘complete corridors’ and 'managed lanes’, which aim to diversify mobility options and upgrade infrastructure. RideSD requests clarification on these terms and recommends the conversion of existing highway lanes into transit corridors, as opposed to the widening of highways.
The proposed transit projects mostly include improvements to existing infrastructure. By 2035, SANDAG hopes to have upgraded its portion of the LOSSAN corridor (double tracking from Oceanside to San Diego), which opens the opportunity for higher speed and frequency on NCTD’s Coaster. Additionally, SANDAG plans to deliver “Next Gen Rapid” routes to improve bus services. Other projects seem to be delayed or downgraded. The Purple Line, previously planned as heavy rail from San Ysidro to Sorrento Valley by 2050, will now be a light rail with a northern terminus at Mission Valley. The segment north to Sorrento Valley is listed as an “unconstrained project”, meaning there is no plan for funding.
SANDAG estimates a final review of the Regional Plan in December. As the plan continues developing, funding and projects will evolve. It is important for San Diegans to advocate for their transportation needs for the future of the region.
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Published September 8, 2025.