MTS Rapid 215 Announces Retirement Following Embarrassing Defeat in Race
The Rapid 215 bus, one of the three launch routes for Metropolitan Transit System’s (MTS) foray into Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), lost to a group of a few dozen bikes in what would end up being the 215’s final race last weekend.
San Diego’s Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) chapter, in association with San Diego nonprofits RideSD and BikeSD, organized over 50 riders to race on pedal on June 27th. Their opponent? MTS “Rapid” Route 215, a transit route that runs between San Diego State University to Santa Fe Depot downtown.
MTS’s Rapid service is a collection of routes through San Diego County with varying degrees of success: from the high frequency “SuperLoop” routes in the La Jolla/UTC area, to the peak-hour 280 and 290 “Express” routes that connect commuters from North County to Downtown San Diego.
Route 215 has been one of the worst performers in its league since its professional debut. Earning such derisive names as “MTS Tepid” and “Flaccid Transit,” it suffered a career-ending blow versus the DSA riders. According to the organization, some of its fastest riders beat the bus by over fifteen minutes.
Just over a week later, Route 215 announced its retirement as a BRT route. The PA system on a New Flyer XN60 made its retirement announcement on behalf of the entire route. “I’ve decided to step away from transportation. While I’ve been working hard to get people moving, my entire team as well as factors out of my control will just not allow me to compete like I want to,” crackled the bus. “Many thanks to MTS for the opportunity to lumber along in the amazing city of San Diego.”
“215 was doomed from the start,” said Don Ridus, host of Ridus in the Morning on BRT.tv. “Without dedicated right-of-way, you’re not going to be competing with anybody.”
Some residents were enthusiastic about the announcement. Adam Driver, a self-described motorist, said “El Cajon Boulevard was built for cars and it should stay that way. The sooner they revert that bike-bus-right turn lane to a dedicated car lane, the better.”
MTS announced a “Nostalgia Collection” coming soon to the Transit Store, including “Rapid 215” logo caps and t-shirts.
