Otay Ranch Looks Into Pioneering New Alternative Transportation System

At a time of rising gas prices and congested roadways, several new alternative transportation systems are being investigated and developed for area residents. One such program is called GOTAY, which is planned to be introduced to residents in the winter or early spring.
GOTAY is a system designed to couple small electric vehicles for local travel, together with new car rental services, in order to offer “right-size” personal transportation for area residents. For local travel or short trips, transportation packages will offer small, electric community vehicles such as electric bikes, Segways, electric Scooters, and Neighborhood EVs.  These small vehicles require little space to park or energy for power. In conjunction with these small electric vehicles will be hourly rental car services (often called car sharing) located in a “Mobility Center” on-site within the community.

Vanpool, carpool, shuttle and public transit options are also envisioned to be offered in a Mobility Club membership plan for residents. In a recent Time Magazine article on carsharing, suburban locations were thought to be difficult areas to serve, as it would be hard for people to access a car in a convenient manner. The new system being designed for Otay Ranch is the first program of its kind in the nation and integrates small electric vehicles (mentioned above) to address the access issue. And by having access to a variety of vehicles at the “Mobility Center,” residents are afforded a new level of flexibility by being able to choose an automobile, a pick-up truck or minivan for their specific trip needs.

It is not expected that the transportation packages for Otay Ranch will appeal to all people. But individuals that commute to a consistent worksite location daily, along with people that do not travel outside of the community on a regular basis, may see benefits and cost savings with this program. These services are being developed as supplemental services that may ultimately allow households to own one less car in the future.

AAA California states that owning a car in California costs an average of $8,400 per year. With rising gas and insurance costs, this number will continue to increase for years to come. Current scenarios see reservations for the car, van or truck available by phone or the Internet. No paperwork, no waiting, no long lines. When a trip is completed, members can return their auto to the Mobility Center and pick-up their personal vehicle for the ride home. The Mobility Center is envisioned as a secure location for all vehicle storage.

Intrago Mobility, LLC is developing the new transportation service plan for Otay Ranch residents. The principals of Intrago have over 40 years of combined experience in alternative transportation. 
Look for additional details, planned to be available to residents within the next 60 days. Public meetings will be held for interested residents to hear more specific details and to ask questions.

Harvest Ridge offers ideal location for Seniors 55
Income restricted One-Bedroom Apartments

Harvest Ridge, located on the second and third floors of Heritage Towne Center, offers income-restricted one-bedroom apartments for seniors, 55+.  These well-equipped, air conditioned apartments are ideally located within easy walking distance of shopping, medical facilities, Heritage Park and bus routes. Amenities at Harvest Ridge include a library with plans for a media room and activity center. For information, contact the rental office, Mondays - Fridays at (619) 397-2861.

Graffiti Hotline

Graffiti is everyone’s business. If you should ever see graffiti, anywhere in Otay Ranch, please take a few minutes to make a phone call so it can immediately disappear.

On HOA owned property (in most cases this will be property behind the Entry Cottages), contact Walters Management at (619) 656-3220. On public property (i.e. along Heritage Road, East Palomar, Telegraph Canyon Road, Olympic Parkway) contact the City of Chula Vista Hotline (619) 691-5198. This is a message center. Call anytime and leave a location and a return telephone number. If any doubt as to ownership, just call your Association (phone numbers listed below) and they will forward to appropriate party. Every effort will be made to have graffiti removed with 48 hours.

Graffiti is a crime of vandalism. If you are a witness to an act of vandalism, please report it immediately to the Chula Vista Police Department at (619) 691-5137.

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