Draconian News from MTS : Push for High-Density Near Transit Stops Has Lost Its Foundational Logic

SB 79 and Budget Cuts in Letters to Editor

Sometimes the truth is more forthright and evident in the Letters to the Editor than in the news articles — or lack of — themselves.(I always check them out in both the U-T and LA Times daily.)

Here’s two from today, Wednesday, Sept. 23, that speak volumes; they both are responding to the news that San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System may have to make budget cuts that would eliminate over one-third of the current bus routes, force cut backs on another third, and less frequent trolley trains on all four lines. The letters make the case that with drastic, even draconian budget cuts to MTS, the foundational logic for Senate Bill 79 and other pushes for high-density near transit has been lost. Despite this, our politicians are not taking note of these potential heavy-weight changes to our urban landscape.

Let’s say that again, as it’s very important and immediately stands out amid this news.

The grim news of potential major service cuts— including eliminating a third of bus routes and reducing trolley frequency due to projected $100M–$150M deficits by fiscal year 2030—has intensified criticism that building high-density, low-parking housing near transit stops under laws like Senate Bill 79 is losing its foundational logic.

Here’s the first from RC of Sunset Cliffs:

What an eye-opener. After years of the “build, baby build” housing policies of the YIMBYs, Todd Gloria, our City Council and the state Legislature — pushing the building of high-density housing along transit routes — we learn that MTS is going broke and may need to cut back bus routes and trolley service. Yet our politicians keep wanting to build high-density housing with minimal parking requirements.

This will immediately affect the mayor’s grand vision of Midway Sinking and “improving” our traffic on Sports Arena Boulevard by converting car lanes to bus lanes and bike lanes. And now Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson and other state lawmakers are working with the mayor to approve the project without any input from local communities.

The second is from ED of Point Loma:

I shudder to think about the impact this could have on the thousands of new housing units that have been approved with little or no parking based on their proximity to public transportation.

SB 79 was passed and was aimed at addressing the housing crisis by streamlining development near transit stops. San Diego even released its first maps [see 7NBC link below] showing the neighborhoods that could be affected by SB 79. They identify qualifying areas across the region, including downtown San Diego, Mission Valley, North Park and neighborhoods along trolley lines.

In the South Bay, qualifying areas include National City, Chula Vista and communities toward the border. Other affected areas include Lemon Grove and La Mesa in East County, along with clusters around Oceanside and Vista in North County.

Under SB 79, five- and six-story residential developments could be built in single-family neighborhoods within a quarter mile to a half mile of transit stations. Supporters say increasing housing density near transit is key to helping cities such as San Diego create more affordable housing.

Critics argue the law is unnecessary and are concerned the state will override local zoning decisions. They also warn that higher-density housing could dramatically change neighborhoods.

San Diego Union-Tribune, Sept. 23, 2026

 7NBC