CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Chula Vista City Council members had a discussion with SANDAG Tuesday. The council wants to find a way to end the tolls on SR-125 by 2027.
The council says the existing tolls place a disproportionate burden on South Bay drivers and has a negative impact on businesses.
"Eighty-four percent of toll trips start or end at Chula Vista residences or businesses. so that's why we are so passionate about these issues," said Carolina Chavez, a city councilmember.
SANDAG says annual toll revenues average over $40 million, which means Chula Vista residents and businesses pay more than $30 million of the tolls and fines yearly.
In 2027 SANDAG will have its first chance to pay off its current bonds but estimates they'll still need another $19 million at that time.
The City of Chula Vista, SANDAG and CALTRANS are all connected to the operation of the SR 125 toll road. They say actions of all three would be required to eliminate the tolls. This includes CALTRANS taking control of SR 125.
"Caltrans is very open to looking at taking over the facility but as I mentioned in their report it's just like when you're looking to buy a house. so they feel it would be about a two year process," said Andre Douzdijan, the chief operating officer of SANDAG.
Douzdijan says he believes it would take to about 2026 to figure out what CALTRANS would need to take over SR 125.
They say SANDAG will be spending $73 million in bond interest if bonds aren't paid till 2042.
This all comes after SANDAG has been named in a proposed class-action lawsuit filed by drivers who say they were wrongly charged after using the Southbay Expressway.
The plaintiffs want refunds and a judge to block the agency from collecting fees.
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