Approximately 67,000 people live in the rural South County incorporated cities and unincorporated communities. The same area is expected to see the population increase by over 45% by 2035 (2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, AMBAG 2014). Existing transportation infrastructure is limited and needs to be improved to keep pace with growth in the area.
MST's Line 23 is the primary transit bus service connecting rural communities in southern Monterey County to Salinas where passengers can transfer to buses with connections to other parts of the region. Line 23 supports nearly 200,000 passenger boardings annually. The 69-mile route has over 75 bus stops, and it can take over 2.5 hours to travel from one end to the other. A more direct route with limited stops is needed to provide rural South County residents with a more efficient way to access employment, education, and medical appointments in the more urbanized areas of the county.
MST's Salinas Valley Express Transit Corridor Study will analyze this corridor to identify key locations for technology and infrastructure improvements that will facilitate a much needed express bus service along the Salinas Valley. This study is needed to outline a path to improve transit service in a way that is equitable and will meet the transportation needs of the growing population. MST staff will present an overview and scope of the study.