SOUTH BAY EXPRESSWAY TOLL REDUCTIONS NOW IN EFFECT

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July 1, 2012 (Otay Ranch) -- SANDAG implemented across-the-board toll reductions for the South Bay Expressway (State Route 125 toll road) today and marked the historic occasion by hosting a free community celebration at the Otay Ranch Town Center.
 
Dignitaries at the event included SANDAG Chair and Encinitas Mayor Jerome Stocks, Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox, and County Supervisor Greg Cox.
 
“Today marks the start of a new era for the South Bay Expressway and this fast-growing part of our region,” Stocks said. “By lowering tolls, we are optimistic that we will give this area an economic boost and improve residents’ quality of life by providing a fast, convenient, and affordable alternative to the I-805 and local arterial roads.”
 
As of today, SANDAG has cut toll prices by as much as 40 percent on the South Bay Expressway. Tolls now range from 50 cents to $2.75 for customers with a FasTrak electronic tolling account and from $2 to $3.50 for cash and credit card users.
 
The celebration featured a wide range of family-friendly festivities, including live music, a classic car show, face painters, crafts and kids’ activities, a 50-foot truck outfitted with video game stations, prize drawings, and an ice luge sculpture with Naked Juice samples. Tolls were waived for all motorists between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. as part of today’s celebration.
 
The revamped toll structure was approved by the SANDAG Board of Directors in May. SANDAG acquired the lease to operate the toll road in December 2011.
 
As a public agency with the mission of improving mobility in the region, SANDAG has different goals from the previous toll road operator, which was a private, for-profit entity. The new toll schedule balances toll reductions against generating enough revenue to pay for operations and maintenance, debt service, future improvements, and contingencies.
 
South Bay Expressway stretches for 10 miles through eastern Chula Vista from State Route 905 near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry to State Route 54 near the Sweetwater Reservoir. The highway provides quick and convenient travel choices between eastern Chula Vista, downtown San Diego, East County, Sorrento Valley, I-8, I-15, Otay Mesa, and Mexico. Many major shopping, entertainment, recreational, and educational destinations, such as the Otay Ranch Town Center, the Olympic Training Center, and Southwestern College are located off the highway.
 

To learn more about the South Bay Expressway, estimate fares, and set up an account visit SBXthe125.com. 


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