South Bay Leaders Push to Remove SR-125 Tolls

A recent audit revealed significant financial mismanagement in the toll system of State Route 125 in San Diego, prompting local leaders to call for the removal of tolls. The audit found that nearly 50,000 drivers were incorrectly charged, raising concerns about transparency and accountability within the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). Local officials, including Chula Vista Mayor John McCann and San Diego City Councilmember Vivian Moreno, argue that South Bay residents are unfairly triple taxed, already paying gas and TransNet taxes in addition to tolls. Despite the push for toll removal, challenges remain, as SR-125’s financing model relies on toll revenue to pay back bonds. SANDAG officials have begun the process of potentially removing the tolls, allocating $400,000 for a project initiation document and environmental analysis. As discussions continue, there is mounting pressure from community leaders and residents for SANDAG to address the toll system's flaws and provide financial relief to the area's commuters.