There’s a new way to get around western Chula Vista — and it’s free.
South Bay leaders unveiled the Chula Vista Bayfront Shuttle Service on Wednesday. A fleet of four electric vans will deliver passengers around stops located around and near the city’s growing Bayfront.
“It connects Gaylord and J Street Marina to all of San Diego,” smiled Councilman Cesar Fernandez.
“We’re making sure that all the amenities for the citizens of Chula Vista are now available,” Mayor John McCann added.
It’s free when a lot of things are not free.
It’s designed to get visitors, workers and locals to the Bayfront, which the city expects to be a revenue generator for the foreseeable future. Chula Vista’s hopes are so high, it expanded spending in its budget for the upcoming year. The city is investing in more services like fire and police, while also offering the free shuttle service. It’s a stark contrast to the city of San Diego, which cut $250 million from its budget this year.
“Our city manager, our city staff over the decades has just managed it so well,” explained Fernandez. “I think the free services like this only bring more tax dollars to the city.”
“Having tourists go to our downtown and spend money will more than offset the cost,” McCann said.
The Bayfront Shuttle Service runs every day between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
It’s been one month since Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center opened its doors to the world. Now, the staff is bracing for its largest crowds yet. NBC 7’s Joe Little explains it’s not just the out-of-towners who are having an impact on the South Bay resort.
McCann said people will get accustomed to the service as the Bayfront expands around the new Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center. The Amara Bay mixed-use development is expected to be the next major project to begin construction.
“You’ll actually be able to finally live in the Chula Vista Bayfront,” McCann said.