SANDAG, in partnership with Caltrans District 11, is conducting a study to estimate the impacts of border wait times on the economy of the San Diego and northern Baja California border regions. The study will assess economic impacts due to border crossing delays on tourist, shopping, and work trips as well as effects on regional productivity.

Assisted by a consultant team, SANDAG is developing an economic model as an analysis tool, based on information obtained from surveys and other data. Between mid-November and mid-December 2004, more than 2,000 surveys were conducted at the San Ysidro-Puerta México, Otay Mesa-Mesa de Otay, and Tecate-Tecate ports of entry. Pedestrians and people traveling in private vehicles and buses were interviewed as they crossed from Mexico into the United States at various times during the week.

Crossborder travelers were asked about their reasons for crossing the border (work, shopping, tourism, etc.) as well as their expenditures at their destination. People traveling for work also were asked about lost work hours and options they would consider to minimize delays at the border. Additional surveys are scheduled to be conducted in late January 2005.

The survey also was customized for vehicles crossing through the dedicated commuter lanes or SENTRI. Both the main and SENTRI surveys were translated to Spanish.

“Most would agree that border traffic affects business, travel, and trade for both the United States and Mexico, ” said SANDAG Executive Director Gary Gallegos. “The study results and the economic model will provide essential information for developing policies, planning infrastructure, and determining funding priorities to improve traffic flow at the U.S.-Mexico border.”

Findings from the study are expected in June 2005.

Project Manager:
Elisa Arias
619-699-1936