The Board of Directors of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) unanimously approved the reduction of user fees of State Route 125 known as South Bay Expressway located in the East County.

The initiative was proposed by the Mayor of Chula Vista, Cheryl Cox, so more users could take advantage of the benefits of the route that extends from State Route 54 and 905 of Otay,

"This decision will lead to a major economic stimulus in the near future for residents and businesses of Chula Vista, and from the South," said the Mayor.

New prices for the 10-mile journey will take effect in a month.

Tentatively, reductions in cost for this route will be between 50 cents and $ 2.75 for FasTrak users, and between 2 and $ 3.50 for those paying cash or with credit card.

Currently, prices range from 85 cents to 3.85 dollars for FasTrak, and between 2.50 and $ 4 in cash or credit card. These fees were established by the previous owner of the route.

In December 2011, Sandag acquired the route for $ 344 million, and since then, has pledged to reduce fees.

"When we bought South Bay Expressway we promised that we would reduce costs," said the mayor of Encinitas and SANDAG executive, Jerome Stocks. "Today, we became the first agency in the country to reduce fees.

Authorities expect more vehicles using this route and thus, help reduce traffic on Interstate 805.

editorial@sandiegored.com