**SITT Expansion Put on Hold Until Legal Disputes are Resolved**
As of now, the Tijuana Integrated Transportation System (SITT) remains under municipal control with only two active units in operation, according to Alberto Gutiérrez Topete, the head of the Sustainable Mobility Institute (Imos). The transition of SITT’s operation to the state government cannot proceed until the municipality resolves ongoing legal disputes with operating companies.
“We need to discuss and negotiate with the involved company at the appropriate time. Currently, we are hindered from intervening as the issue lies between a private entity and the municipality,” explained Gutiérrez Topete.
**Extending SITT to the Eastern Zone**
Once the legal issues are addressed, there are plans to extend the SITT to the eastern zone, with the route passing through key areas including Villas del Campo, El Niño, and El Refugio. However, Gutiérrez Topete emphasized that all three latent risks need to be addressed first to avoid bringing these issues to the state level. These risks include a compliance agreement with the National Infrastructure Fund (Fonadim), a damage claim by the system operator against the municipality for using SITT stations with another transport company, and a financial claim by the company handling the fare collection system.
The integration of the SITT with the Aguacaliente Corridor involves various stakeholders, including the Tijuana Municipality, Fonadim, the National Bank of Public Works (Banobras), and legal and administrative areas of Imos, along with other governmental bodies. The municipal administration has handed over all necessary documents to facilitate the incorporation of the SITT into the Aguacaliente Corridor.
Gutiérrez Topete reaffirmed the necessity of extending the SITT route and expressed confidence in the project’s expansion once the legal complications are settled. He emphasized the importance of thorough implementation, urging for the project to be completed comprehensively and operational immediately.
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**Secondary Article: Legal Issues Stall Tijuana’s Public Transportation System**
The Tijuana Integrated Transportation System (SITT), a vital public transport initiative, remains only partially operational due to unresolved legal disputes. The inability to fully implement SITT stems from three primary issues: a compliance agreement with the National Infrastructure Fund (Fonadim), legal claims from the system operator against the municipality for damages, and financial claims related to the fare collection system.
Alberto Gutiérrez Topete, the head of the Sustainable Mobility Institute (Imos), stated that state intervention is currently not possible due to these unresolved disputes between private entities and the municipality. Efforts to resolve these issues are ongoing, involving several governmental bodies and stakeholders.
Plans are in place to extend SITT’s reach to Tijuana’s eastern areas once these issues are settled. The transition aims to connect additional key locations, thereby enhancing the city’s public transportation network. However, thorough resolution of the existing legal challenges is essential before proceeding with the expansion and transfer of operational control to the state government.
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