New Survey released on San Diego MTS expansion measure

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – A measure in the November ballot will look to expand the Metropolitan Transit System by linking it to the airport, increased frequency and longer hours, free transit for young students and improve safety and security.

A recent survey shows sixty-four percent would definitely or probably support a half-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot which falls short of the two-thirds needed to pass.

The poll showed Women are generally more supportive than their male counterparts when divided by age and voters of color in particular Latinos are muchmore supportive than are white voters.

Both democrats (84%) and independents (61%) were supportive of the measure while republicans (38%) were not.

Voters said spending funds on a new Trolley connection to the airport, increasing security, and improving transit access for seniors were the most important to them.

Support for the measure increased to 68% when voters hear the positive arguments in isolation, exceeding the 2/3 threshold for passage.

The survey found that the strongest positive arguments were discussing how the measure will help alleviate traffic; will better serve workers, seniors and other vulnerable populations; and will make it possible to prepare for the region’s anticipated growth.

FM3 Research conducted the poll with 738 interviews conducted among registered voters residing within San Diego MTS area of service likely to vote in the November 2020 election. Interviews were conducted between January 23‐29, 2020. The margin of sampling error of +/‐4.0% at the 95% confidence level.