In response to growing driver frustration over long waits at the Tijuana-San Diego border, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are working on a technological solution. This cutting-edge system, being tested in a pilot program, will use sensors to measure the time it takes for vehicles to cross the border, with the goal of providing more accurate wait times.

As part of this project, community assistance is being requested through an online survey in which participants can win $50. Mario Orso, project director with Caltrans, explained that the survey will serve to validate the information obtained through the sensors. "We don't want to release anything that isn't valid information," he said.

The survey, available until July 31, collects information about the start time in the queue, the type of vehicle, the port of entry used, and the arrival time at the inspection booth. Cash prizes can be won by providing an email address at the end of the survey, with 10 winners of $50 selected weekly.

The new technology, which will be installed at the Tijuana-San Ysidro and Otay Mesa vehicle crossings, as well as at California's crossings into Mexico, is expected to be available by the end of this year or early next year. The information will be accessible for free through a mobile application, allowing users to make more informed decisions about when and where to cross the border.

Nora Vargas, chair of the SANDAG board and county supervisor, expressed the potential impact of this project on improving the cross-border experience. "The Otay Mesa East border crossing is an important infrastructure project for the Cali-Baja region and the nation, as it will improve mobility, air quality, and the movement of goods at the border," she said.

Despite these advancements, authorities reminded drivers that it is illegal to use a mobile device while driving and recommend taking note of the information and completing the survey later if it cannot be done during the trip.