By Sophia Tada (she/her), Youth volunteer with Youth v. Oil
Let’s Go San Diego is a coalition advocating for adults to vote “yes” on Measure G on the November 2024 ballot. This measure addresses traffic, smog, and congestion problems in San Diego County and aims to improve transportation infrastructure (Let’s Go San Diego). Measure G holds particular importance for San Diego youth, promising a future with better transportation options and a healthier environment.
One of the key promises of Let’s Go San Diego that directly impacts young people is expanding the Youth Opportunity Pass program. This program has already seen tremendous success. Youth ridership on MTS services increased more than triple in its first year (San Diego Association of Governments) and 22.7% in its second, with over 113,000 unique Youth PRONTO cards used (San et al.). Expanding this program would help to ensure affordable transit for more young people.
Beyond affordability, Measure G aims to improve public transit accessibility by increasing bus and trolley services (Let’s Go San Diego). Commuting to school, work, or meeting with friends would become more convenient than ever, even during late hours. Additionally, transitioning to electric-powered buses would reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality (Electric School Bus Initiative).
Due to their active lifestyles and developing physiologies, young people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollutants. Spending more time outdoors increases their exposure to air pollution. Their respiratory, immune, metabolic, and nervous systems are still developing; their nasal passages are less efficient at filtering air pollutants than those of adults. Long-term health effects could result from prolonged exposure during critical developmental stages (California Air Resources Board).
Therefore, investing in public transportation infrastructure and reducing reliance on fossil fuels is crucial for further mitigating climate change and creating a healthier environment for future generations, particularly those of the population most vulnerable to air pollution’s damaging effects.
Safety is another crucial aspect of Measure G. Fixing potholes and enhancing transportation infrastructure would create safer roadways, especially for pedestrians and cyclists (U.S. Department of Transportation). This means San Diego could walk and bike more confidently, ensuring our safety as a fundamental priority.
Looking to the future, Measure G has the potential to significantly improve the lives of San Diego youth. Shorter commutes and less traffic will free up more time for work, school, and leisure. The promise of a healthier environment, both now and in the future, will foster a sense of optimism in our community and could reaffirm faith in our local government.
Sources
California Air Resources Board. “Children and Air Pollution.” Ww2.Arb.ca.gov, 2024, ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/children-and-air-pollution. Accessed 19 Oct. 2024.
Electric School Bus Initiative. “Why We Need to Transition to Electric School Buses.” Electricschoolbusinitiative.org, 17 Oct. 2022, electricschoolbusinitiative.org/why-we-need-transition-electric-school-buses. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.
Let’s Go San Diego. “Yes on G about Us.” Let’s Go! San Diego, 2024, www.letsgosd.org/about/. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.
San Diego Association of Governments. “SANDAG Youth Opportunity Pass Extended to June 2024.” SANDAG, 12 May 2023, www.sandag.org/news/news-release-yop-extended-to-2024-2023-05-12. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. “On Track: MTS Sees Strong Ridership Rebound in FY24.” MTS, 22 Aug. 2024, www.sdmts.com/rider-info/rider-insider/mts-sees-strong-ridership-rebound-fy24. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.
U.S. Department of Transportation. “Expand Public Transportation Systems and Offer Incentives.” US Department of Transportation, 24 Aug. 2015, www.transportation.gov/mission/health/Expand-Public-Transportation-Systems-and-Offer-Incentives. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.
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