We see it too — gas prices keep going up. San Diego County saw them surge by more than $1 in a month to an average of $5.82 per gallon (as of Thurs., March 17) — and this might be fueling a change to our state gas tax.
But pump the brakes before your next road trip. Our city is full of cost-friendly options so you won’t need to start your engine to get around.
Take a ride on the MTS Trolley, we’re at the Balboa Avenue Station. | Photo via @sd.railfanner
- The Metropolitan Transit System allows travelers to coast through the city across three lines. A single, one-way ride on an MTS bus or trolley will cost most riders $2.50 or less — or you can get unlimited monthly rides for $72. 🚊
- Electric scooter rentals are available around the city, and most cost $1 to unlock + 39 cents per minute of use — great for a short trip, but they could cost up to $25 per hour. 🛴
- Once you have a bike and helmet, biking is free. If you haven’t hit the pedals in a while, give it another whirl. The City of San Diego has been working to improve its bike trails + many more are coming down the road. 🚲
- Not only is walking free, but it’s also great exercise. Our city has a 53-point walk score, so some areas welcome more foot traffic than others, but a nice stroll can be an addition to your Trolley or scooter ride. 👟
- Thinking of going electric? The average cost of electricity in San Diego is 41.9 cents per kilowatt hour — that would cost you $20.95 to fuel a battery with 50 kWh. 🔌
What about that gas tax?
You probably guessed it — California’s gas price is greater than any other state. To help keep us moving, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to send Gov. Gavin Newsom a letter asking to suspend the state gas tax for one year, saving drivers 51 cents per gallon, and relying on the state’s budget surplus to fund infrastructure projects.
As supervisors await a response, an additional $400 California gas rebate has been approved, which will provide all taxpayers with the funding. Lawmakers reached this number because it is expected to cover the average amount spent paying in-state gas taxes.