At a Friday, November 13, news conference held at the 12th and Imperial Avenue trolley station, Metropolitan Transit System representatives announced plans to make cutbacks to service.

According to transit-system spokesman Rob Schupp, “Sales-tax shortfalls and the improper elimination of state transit-assistance funds are forcing MTS to reduce its expenses by more than $7 million. To preserve the network of weekday services and to impact as few riders as possible, [we are] proposing to substantially reduce service on Sundays. All routes will be affected.”

“Boy, this is a bummer,” said transit user Mark Bower. “I use the bus a lot on Sundays to go to the beach! I also depend on the MTS routes to get to school during the week.”

At the conference, Jeff Wagner of the California Transit Association announced plans to negotiate the reinstatement of transit-assistance funds that have been diverted by the State of California.

To inform the public and gather input, MTS will host public outreach meetings at various transit stations and centers throughout the week (see below for places and times).

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System transported more than 94 million passengers last year on 95 bus routes and 53 miles of trolley rail.

Sunday, Nov. 15 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Iris Avenue Trolley Station, 3120 Iris Ave. (Iris Avenue & 30th Street)

Tuesday, Nov. 17 – 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

352 S. Marshall Ave. (W. Main Street & S. Marshall Avenue), El Cajon

Wednesday, Nov. 18 – 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Southwestern College, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista

Saturday, Nov. 21 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Plaza Bonita, 3030 Plaza Bonita Road, National City

Sunday, Nov. 22 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fashion Valley, 1205 Fashion Valley Rd. (Friars Road & Fashion Valley Road)

Sunday, Nov. 22 – 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Rancho Bernardo Transit Station, 16785 West Bernardo Drive