Opinion: Hillcrest’s Hidden Barrier Is the Need for Accessible Public Transportation

Hillcrest prides itself on being a safe and inclusive community with a wealth of supportive services for all vulnerable groups across San Diego. In one small neighborhood, you can find affordable housing initiatives, food assistance programs, accessible healthcare at facilities like the Family Health Center, and dedicated youth services like the Hillcrest Youth Center, which provides essential support for LGBTQ+ youth.

Yet, despite these strides, a harsh reality persists: many who most need these services in the broader San Diego area cannot access them due to unreliable public transportation. This incongruity begs the question: are our efforts towards inclusivity truly effective when essential services remain out of reach for those in greatest need?

Despite Hillcrest’s reputation for inclusivity, the lack of accessible public transportation isolates marginalized groups across the city, leading to a disconnect between well-intentioned public perception and the reality of ineffective service delivery. Hillcrest has never had a trolley stop, and visitors depend solely on unreliable bus stops.

The neighborhood’s narrow, one-way streets and frequent traffic congestion make bus travel less efficient — a city-wide phenomenon that has generated widespread support for faster buses. The inadequate public transportation makes it difficult to access Hillcrest, creating a barrier for individuals seeking services in an area that prides itself on its inclusivity.

This gap results in a sentiment of performative activism, where symbolic gestures or statements about inclusivity are prioritized over meaningful action and systemic change. Tens of thousands in the San Diego area rely on public transportation, with the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System playing a crucial role in serving lower-income groups.

About one-fifth of MTS riders earn less than $15,000 per year, while nearly three-fifths earn less than $50,000 annually. The total number of San Diego residents living in poverty is approximately 335,000, higher than 93% of other US counties. These figures underscore the impact of inadequate transportation, characterized by sparse routes and irregular schedules, that exacerbate socioeconomic disparities by isolating individuals without private vehicles seeking supportive services in Hillcrest.

It’s time for local policymakers, city planners, and community leaders to prioritize enhancing public transportation in Hillcrest. This means securing funding for transit upgrades and reimagining infrastructure, including establishing a trolley stop in Hillcrest and expanding bus routes throughout the neighborhood.

Investing in infrastructure upgrades — like better bus stops and real-time service upgrades — would significantly enhance the overall transit experience, making it more appealing and user-friendly for everyone. The American Public Transportation Association highlights cities that have seen increased ridership and better access for marginalized communities after implementing similar improvements.

Policymakers need to work collaboratively with low-income communities to make changes that actually address their needs. By engaging with vulnerable groups, community leaders will demonstrate a true commitment to inclusivity for all.

By addressing the transportation barriers, we can ensure that our vibrant community remains accessible for everyone.

Let’s not allow this call for reducing transportation barriers to become another empty gesture of performative activism. So, what can you do now to advocate for accessible public transportation in Hillcrest?

● Engage with advocacy groups, such as Circulate San Diego, to learn about and support accessible urban planning initiatives.

● Join the Plan Hillcrest Subcommittee to provide input on the Hillcrest Focused Plan Amendment, which serves as a 30-year vision for improving urban design and maintaining cultural integrity in the Uptown Community Planning Area.

● Research your elected officials and vote in the next election on Nov. 5. Councilmember Stephen Whitburn is up for reelection and as chair of the MTS, he has a responsibility to listen to the voices of his residents.

It’s time to turn our commitment to inclusivity into concrete action by making public transportation in Hillcrest reliable and accessible for all folks in San Diego.

Sophia Alexander and Kaytlin Simmer are Master of Social Work students at the University of Southern California.