BajaNomad - Considering moving to Tijuana & have a few questions

Considering moving to Tijuana & have a few questions

Tesee - 11-13-2013 at 03:15 PM

Greetings all, first time poster here! I have oh-so-many questions, I'll try to compact them as much as possible

Back story - I have lived in quite a few different U.S. areas but what I want so much is to experience living in another country for a bit. I have lived in San Diego for a year and a half and when my lease is up at the end of May 2014 I would like to move to Tijuana but keep my San Diego job and become one of the many commuters.

And now to the questions:

- Do I need a car in Tijuana? I would rather not have mine down there, and I'm willing to find and pay for long term parking in San Diego. The biggest reason I don't want my car down there is that I don't want to deal with the border crossing and loooong drive up to Northern La Jolla every day (where I work) but I really don't mind a long commute if I can just hop on the Trolley. But, I would like to have my car available to me in San Diego for visiting family, friends, running errands, going to an appointment, etc. I also worry about my car possibly getting stolen. So, is the bus/taxi system pretty good in Tijuana, good enough that I'd be fine without a car? How is the walkability? Do many people use bicycles and do many drivers respect the bicyclists?

- Would it be fairly easy for me to find a 1 bedroom or studio apartment close to the San Ysidro border (a short bus, taxi or bike ride away) that is fully furnished that also does month-to-month or 6-month leases? I would like to be able to have a little "trial period" to settle in and see if I like it enough to find a more permanent residence and haul all my crap down there.

- What is the general attitude toward "Gringos" who live south of the border but work north of the border in Tijuana? I am a 33 year old, single, white, woman. Would I be mostly accepted? ignored? harassed?

- I don't speak Spanish fluently, though I'm a little familiar with it and can often decipher Spanish writing if I have enough time to pick it apart. If I decide to make the move I plan on either taking a couple of Spanish speaking courses or getting myself a Spanish tutor but I have no idea how much I can learn to speak it in 6 months. Would it be a problem for me if I was only at the stage of speaking broken Spanish? Is it easy to pick up the language once down there?

- Is there any other general advice or thoughts that you'd like to impart?

Welcome!

BajaBlanca - 11-13-2013 at 03:43 PM

Even though you would be walking across, the commute can be brutally long toget back into the States.

[Edited on 11-13-2013 by BajaBlanca]

Tesee - 11-13-2013 at 03:46 PM

I know. Every single person I talk to tells me this. I expect it and accept it.

DENNIS - 11-13-2013 at 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tesee

- Do I need a car in Tijuana? I would rather not have mine down there, and I'm willing to find and pay for long term parking in San Diego. The biggest reason I don't want my car down there is that I don't want to deal with the border crossing and loooong drive up to Northern La Jolla every day (where I work) but I really don't mind a long commute if I can just hop on the Trolley. But, I would like to have my car available to me in San Diego for visiting family, friends, running errands, going to an appointment, etc. I also worry about my car possibly getting stolen. So, is the bus/taxi system pretty good in Tijuana, good enough that I'd be fine without a car? How is the walkability? Do many people use bicycles and do many drivers respect the bicyclists?

Hi Tesee....Welcome to BajaNomad.

Wow....you have some really loaded questions, but let's look at a few:

Most of your plans depend on what part of TJ you choose to live in. Busses and taxis work well, but not cheap for the latter, considering your vulnerability as a young, female foreigner.
Soon enough You'll know what I mean by that.

Grand-theft Auto is epidemic. Buy lots of insurance and take your chances.

TJ drivers don't respect anybody. If they run you down, they probably won't stop to pick you up.

Quote:

- Would it be fairly easy for me to find a 1 bedroom or studio apartment close to the San Ysidro border (a short bus, taxi or bike ride away) that is fully furnished that also does month-to-month or 6-month leases? I would like to be able to have a little "trial period" to settle in and see if I like it enough to find a more permanent residence and haul all my crap down there.

You'll just have to go down and look around. Maybe TJSue here can give you some pointers.

-

Quote:

What is the general attitude toward "Gringos" who live south of the border but work north of the border in Tijuana? I am a 33 year old, single, white, woman. Would I be mostly accepted? ignored? harassed?

You'll be a soft-target. Unless you look like Godzilla, every macho Mexican in town will be harassing you constantly.

Quote:

- I don't speak Spanish fluently, though I'm a little familiar with it and can often decipher Spanish writing if I have enough time to pick it apart. If I decide to make the move I plan on either taking a couple of Spanish speaking courses or getting myself a Spanish tutor but I have no idea how much I can learn to speak it in 6 months. Would it be a problem for me if I was only at the stage of speaking broken Spanish? Is it easy to pick up the language once down there?

There's no problem finding English speaking locals in TJ, but you'll be at a heavy disadvantage without a working knowledge of the lingo.

-

Quote:

Is there any other general advice or thoughts that you'd like to impart?

Just one. I think you're making a dangerous, serious mistake with this move. You are simply not even remotely prepared for it.
TJ can be dangerous for the unknowing and it would not be anything like relocating to Pasadena or any other town within your cultural frame of reference.

I suggest you reevaluate your move.

.

[Edited on 11-13-2013 by DENNIS]

55steve - 11-13-2013 at 04:20 PM

It can be done - we just hired a single 40 yo female that moved from Long Beach to TJ (she said she didn't want to raise her kids in Long Beach).

Sometimes she parks her truck on the street in Otay and walks back & forth, other times she drives. She is fluent in Spanish.

[Edited on 11-13-2013 by 55steve]

Tesee - 11-13-2013 at 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Just one. I think you're making a dangerous, serious mistake with this move. You are simply not even remotely prepared for it.
TJ can be dangerous for the unknowing and it would not be anything like relocating to Pasadena or any other town within your cultural frame of reference.

I suggest you reevaluate your move.

[Edited on 11-13-2013 by DENNIS]

Hi Dennis,

Thanks for the input

I'm not sure why you think I'm making a "dangerous, serious" mistake. You're right, I'm not an older retiree with 50, 60 or 70 years of life experience under my belt, but I'm also not a naive 22 year old college grad. I have lived by myself, moved twice across the country completely by myself where I knew no one in the place I was moving to and I travel alone (yes, abroad) often. Sure I have some questions, wouldn't anybody? This moved is not necessarily on a whim, I have over 6 months to research, visit, decide, etc.

Don't get me wrong though, I really appreciate your advice!

shari - 11-13-2013 at 04:46 PM

Hola Tess and welcome to the forum. There is a facebook group called Baja Norte Expats that you may want to have a look at and ask some questions there as there are some folks who live in TJ there...and they seem to like it. If you can find even one good expat pal to help you through the hoops it really helps....suerte and perhaps putting some effort into learning more spanish would be helpful.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/BajaNorteExPats/

bajaorchid - 11-13-2013 at 05:20 PM

Hola amiga!

So I live in in TJ and I have lived there for nearly 13 years. I love living down there! For all those who are knocking down your idea, unless they've done it, they have no idea.

Tess. First thing first. Get the SENTRI pass today. The appointment process is a couple of months. It's much easier to get that now that you are still in SD. Commuting is in fact a little tough without the SENTRI on both foot and car. Even parking your car on the US side is still a task especially when the pedestrian lane is super slow too.

If you are really concerned about your car, rent a place that will allow you to park your car in your garage. Get an alarm. And yes, always have insurance no matter what side of the border you are in!

If you do decide to walk dont worry, we Tijuanenses will not run you over with our cars like stated here. LOL! We ARE law abiding drivers in TJ no matter what anyone says!

I would stick to the ZONA RIO or Hipodromo areas close to the border. You can rent a decent apartment or house in the $400-900 dollar range. Playas is nice but it can be spotty.

If you need more details send me your email and I can guide you through your process. Dont worry I am not an agent or anything like that. I'm just a Baja lover and I welcome anyone interested in living in TJ.

Good luck sweety!

bajaorchid

shari - 11-13-2013 at 06:04 PM

Ahhh Orchid...I was thinking of you when I read Tess's post...welcome to the board and thanks for chiming in to help a fellow female looking for a change! Te quiero mucho amiga!

55steve - 11-13-2013 at 06:22 PM

Thanks for helping out Orchid! I was attempting to explain what you do in an earlier post.

[Edited on 11-14-2013 by 55steve]

Chupacabra - 11-13-2013 at 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tesee
The biggest reason I don't want my car down there is that I don't want to deal with the border crossing and loooong drive up to Northern La Jolla every day (where I work) but I really don't mind a long commute if I can just hop on the Trolley.

The trolly doesn't go to La Jolla. Your commute would look like this:

Take bus from your house to border, then spend 30-60 minutes each day waiting to cross. Get to trolley and take the Blue line to downtown. Exit Blue line, walk take bus from downtown to La Jolla. This will get you to UCSD, then you get to walk from there.

This is *at least* a 2.5-3 hour commute each way, 5-6 hours travel time per day. Your life would be a living hell just from the commute, not to mention all the other issues brought up here.

My advice would be to rent a place for a week in TJ and try it on for size. Do the commute as a dry run each day and see if change your mind.

UnoMas - 11-13-2013 at 07:42 PM

I agree with Dennis 100%. Why would you want to move to a place where you are at risk for so many things... :light:

with no protection, the police or anyone else! You already live close to the border and can trip down anytime you like with minimal risk.

I have seen many people who got caught in the moment and made this same mistake! If you do relocate make it month to month to start...J.M.O. :light:

bajacalifornication - 11-13-2013 at 09:11 PM

My spouse and I used to commute from Rosarito to the border about 3 years ago. Never had a bad experience. Call it luck or whatever. Now we live about
4 miles from the border in San Diego. And the difference is like day and night
when it comes to the commute. We have friends and coworkers that live in Tj
and Rito. and they still commute everyday so it is an ordeal but unless you live throught it nobody can tell you what is like. My wife and I have a motorcycle
and is better than having the sentry program. As a matter of fact 2 of her coworkers (female both) Live in Tj. and own a scooter for that Purpose and as far as I know they are content. If anyone in this forum ever needs a parking space or a place to crash for the night You are welcome to stay in my house. Only about 4 miles from the San Ysidro border line.

holy chit

captkw - 11-13-2013 at 09:16 PM

Anyone that would ride a bike thur THAT is .......... :?:

aguachico - 11-13-2013 at 09:26 PM

Tesee;

living in Tj is great, but you need sentri if you cross the border mon-fri during working hours.
Also keep in mind the south bound traffic can be 20 minutes.

Since you are talking 6 months, you need to find out where you want to live.
You'll want your car there.

You'll need to learn how to drive there. Best way is to look for places in a taxi. Ride in the front seat and witness the chaos.

There are places to be and there are places to avoid.
Zona rio and hipo are good places. If you can find a complex that's gated it's better.

Apply for sentri now. it takes three months.

Drive there every weekend. hangout, meet people, but don't commit to where you want to live.

Don't worry about the spanish.
Don't worry about the mexican guys as there are so many single women in TJ...

Renting: don't assume there's heat. After you find a place, you have to visit the area on Friday and Saturday night to see what it's really like.

hit me up with a PM. Living there is fun and a cool experience.

suerte

tjsue - 11-13-2013 at 10:43 PM

She also posted her questions in the City Data Form, both in the San Diego and Mexico sections. I suggested that she join here and ask some questions. But she's totally unprepared for a move.

I did a lot of research, asked a lot of questions, and was given lots of good advice about moving. I have a great landlord, and a really nice place for $250. I've already responded to her thread on the Mexico forum about buying a propane for hot water and cooking, plus buying her own appliances. I forgot about telling her about no heat, but I guess she'll find out when she starts reading her posts.

A LaJolla commute would be hell. It takes me 2 hours to get to Qualcomm if I take the trolley, but I don't do it every day, and if I drive, it takes me 2 hours to cross the border. My Sentri appeal letters are going out via certified mail on Friday, though.

EnsenadaDr - 11-13-2013 at 10:58 PM

Why would any female in her right mind choose to live in TJ? Why don't you volunteer for the Peace Corps for 2 years and get your experience that way? It is a very dangerous place for a single person, especially if you don't know your way around. The only way I would travel in TJ is in my car. I think other places are much more pleasing to the eye in Mexico. The commute is nothing to be taken lightly. Although Tecate is a nice little town, and in the afternoons the border crossing can be next to nothing, it took me an hour and a half to cross last Monday morning (and there is no Sentri in Tecate). Rosarito is a much better place, and Ensenada is probably the nicest, but too far for a daily commute. I say, get the San Diego Reader, get a cheap place, and experience Mexico on a weekend. Then see if it is what you want. The Border traffic is just too much of an obstacle to deal with, the walking lines are hours long as well.

Print

bajaguy - 11-14-2013 at 07:25 AM

Tesee

Print out this thread, then cut out each reply.

Put the negative replies on one side, the positive replies on the other....

Only you can decide what is best for you but there is good info on both sides of this question.

Hope it works out for you

tjsue - 11-14-2013 at 09:12 AM

I'm a single female, and I live in TJ. Rosarito is too far from the border for me, since I still work. I have friends in Rosarito, but they don't work, so TJ is better for me for that reason.

I don't have any problems living here, and cross the border on foot and by car. Today, I'm crossing by foot for a doctor's appointment and to run some errands, and tomorrow I'll be driving to pick up my mail, run some errands, visit my mechanic, and go contra dancing tomorrow night.

I cross twice a week - once on foot, once by driving. I consolidate my errands, just like I did when I lived in San Diego, and if there's something that I need in between trips, I can get it here in my neighborhood.

joerover - 11-14-2013 at 11:12 AM

they are burning plastic in the Rio tijuana. some people build campfires with wood and sticks. The homeless deported build fires with plastic bottles and bags
this has devastating health effects.

jeans - 11-14-2013 at 11:41 AM

There is one point that has not been touched on....make friends down here if you want to socialize. Your friends and family NOB most likely will never cross the border to visit you (Not to mention justifying your decision to everybody..and they will ask!).

[Edited on 11-14-2013 by jeans]

Tesee - 11-14-2013 at 02:32 PM

Thank you ALL for your posts giving me both the positive and the negative. Some of the negative aspects are actually positive ones for me (not knowing anyone there, not knowing the language and the customs, etc.). I want to be out of my element, that's kind of the whole point. I crave new situations; yes, even difficult situations. I want to expand myself, challenge myself. I want it to be hard. I blame my mom for this personality trait, she is exactly the same way, haha!

Someone suggested I just join the peace corps for a couple of years and, well, that would have been a great idea before I had bills like student loans and credit cards. I also need to be thinking about my financial future & retirement and I don't feel I can just give up any semblance of a paycheck and go gallivanting around the globe. This is why I want/need to keep my job in San Diego. It can be really difficult to live on a foreign-sized paycheck with American-sized bills, lol.

I know that the trolley doesn't go all the way to La Jolla. I've looked into monthly/long-term parking options and what I would probably do is get off the Trolley, get into my car and drive the rest of the way. I know some people think this is a crazy idea, or a stupid one, but I'm fine with it. Really I was just wondering if I could survive in TJ without a car not. Some cities are fine to live in without your own transportation, others not so much. I accept that my commute is going to be 2+ hours. In all honesty though, the commute doesn't stress me out. I don't care that it's long given that I don't have to drive the entire time. I have a job with a flexible schedule. I work in academic research and I'm a salaried, not hourly, employee; they don't care when I come in each morning as long as it's some time before noon

And there's nothing else that I NEED to be on schedule for. I don't have any kids, husband/boyfriend, pets, anything really.

There are multiple people also commenting that I'm unprepared for a move. You're right and that's exactly why I'm here doing some research, to prepare myself! Isn't that what I'm supposed to be doing? I won't be moving anywhere until next summer. I feel that gives me plenty of time really make a decision and get myself in order. Also, I'm a firm believer in the saying "if you're always waiting for the right time, you'll always be waiting." I certainly don't want to do something stupid rushing into it blindly but I also want to be proactive. I'm not getting any younger and it won't be forever that I don't have any "real responsibilities" (as my sister puts it). :spingrin:

I am worried about safety and I think that's a good thing; when you're not worried about it that's when you get into trouble! But I'm also smart. Even living in San Diego (or when I lived in Providence or when I lived in Phoenix) I don't wander around dark, unknown streets by myself. I'm not a serious partier or drug user. I generally roll with a "good crowd." I also don't think I'm an easy target. Sure, I'm a woman, but I'm also close to 200 lbs. and a good percentage of that is muscle! I'm not small, nor meek, nor timid. I know that doesn't necessarily mean I won't be a target, but I think it can go a long way in discouraging someone from making me a target when there are so many other easier targets out there.

Wow, this is a really long winded reply, sorry about that! When it comes down to it I guess I'm not looking for advice on whether or not I should do it, I'm looking for advice on how I can go about it, and what I can expect. I want to have a general plan before I jump into anything and although I haven't made up my mind 100% on whether or not I will do it, I am at about 80%

Again, I appreciate everything you have given me to think about. That's what I'm looking for right now, any information I can get my hands on.

[Edited on 11-14-2013 by Tesee]

[Edited on 11-14-2013 by Tesee]

[Edited on 11-14-2013 by Tesee]

bajaorchid - 11-14-2013 at 02:50 PM

Word up sister! You'll do fine in TJ Town!

mtgoat666 - 11-14-2013 at 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tesee
Thank you ALL for your posts giving me both the positive and the negative. Some of the negative aspects are actually positive ones for me (not knowing anyone there, not knowing the language and the customs, etc.). I want to be out of my element, that's kind of the whole point. I crave new situations; yes, even difficult situations. I want to expand myself, challenge myself. I want it to be hard. I blame my mom for this personality trait, she is exactly the same way, haha!

I accept that my commute is going to be 2+ hours.

i think you will spend much time commuting and little time experiencing life in TJ. if experiencing commuting is your goal, then living in TJ may be a good thing for you. i suggest you try living in a hotel in TJ for 2 weeks and commute to work in la jolla every day,... then you will know if it is something you want to do. (p.s. i think doing that commute voluntarily would make for a very low quality of life)

Hi Tesee

Gypsy Jan - 11-14-2013 at 02:51 PM

And welcome to the board.

You sound like an adventurous and open-minded person looking to enrich your life experience.

I have lived south of Rosarito Central in a gated community with a garage, so the safety of my car has not been an issue.

I moved down here with all kinds of plans to keep my professional life going and I have had several jobs in San Diego and some in Baja.

The commute over the border takes time and is subject to a certain amount of uncertainty depending on the various ICE attitudes towards commuters at that particular point in time.

If you want to do a regular border commute to San Diego, an internal readjustment to expectations about traffic travel time is necessary.

In other words, you mantra should be, "It is what it is and you will arrive when you get there."

[Edited on 11-14-2013 by Gypsy Jan]

movinguy - 11-14-2013 at 04:08 PM

As other posters have suggested, you definitely want to "demo" it first. You could get by without speaking the language but it would be a MUCH more enjoyable experience if you did.

Bicycle? No way . . . and perhaps bajaorchid won't run you over, but the other 99% of drivers will.

Saludos

tjsue - 11-14-2013 at 11:00 PM

The first time someone makes a right turn directly in front of you from the far left lane, you'll freak out. You can't be a polite driver, because everyone will cut in front of you, and that includes at the border. People will constantly honk their horns, and you won't know if they're honking at you or not.

I didn't know anyone when I moved to TJ. But when you're out walking around the neighborhood that you live, you get to know people. When you shop at the local stores, you get to know people, and you'll get adopted by the street dogs.

I don't speak fluent Spanish, but I don't have any problems. I took Spanish in high school, and a few years ago took a basic conversational Spanish course to make it easier to communicate with the parents of the children in the schools that I work in. I have a program on my computer that teaches me Spanish, and my next door neighbor's husband speaks less English than I speak Spanish, so we teach each other words.

But you have to put forth an effort to learn in order to get along here.

[Edited on 11-15-2013 by tjsue]

aguachico - 11-15-2013 at 07:10 AM

Tesee;

you have the right attitude for your adventure. 200#'s? Well now you will have issues with local guys... as the saying goes "mucho carne por dos huevos". The locals like rubenesque women.

I took the first semester college class at Mesa and it helped. I needed to take the other 2 semesters as my Spanish is really bad. But you are young and smart so learning the language will be easy. start chatting online in spanish helps a lot.

The safety issue is this. The police force is centered around centro because it's safer(for the police) in centro and that's where the money is. In 15 years I have had my truck, attempted, to be stolen twice. I was pick pocketed for some dollars once. I had a truck stolen in Ensenada.

The police security is not like the states. Crimes are rarely solved in my experience and criminals when caught are not prosecuted the same way as in the states. You will make life style changes when you live in TJ. Kinda like living in NewYork or Philly.

The good thing is that there's a large crowd of intelligent 30's hangin out in TJ that you can connect with and learn the city. There's so much more to TJ then the tourist traps.

suerte

Chupacabra - 11-15-2013 at 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tesee
I want to expand myself, challenge myself.

Unfortunately, you won't have time to expand or challenge yourself due to the commute. If you work eight hours and sleep eight hours, that leaves eight hours of free time. At least six of those will be spent taking public transportation from TJ to north LJ. That only leaves two hours for eating, bathing, laundry, etc.

Commuting daily from TJ to LJ via public transportation is a non-starter. I just don't think it can be done on an ongoing basis, and your life will be about the commute, not about experiencing Mexico.

Now if you have a Sentri pass and a car, that changes everything.

JoeJustJoe - 11-15-2013 at 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Very good idea about trying it for two weeks before you make it more permanent.

I want to add that when you're not driving across the border but instead walking, the wait is a lot less, especially in the early morning when many workers are making their way to San Diego county jobs. The border agents know most of the walking travelers are going to jobs, and they whisk you right through without a lot of questions. Now later in the late morning, and especially in the afternoon and early evening, the pedestrian line does back up, but the pedestrian line in generally takes less time than driving across the border in a car.

Late at night after 10PM, the pedestrian line on the border, is very short, and on average my wait is from about "no wait" to about five minutes especially around midnight, when there is almost no line, except on weekends when the lines could be long again because of night time activities.

The bus system isn't bad in Tijuana, and is pretty cheap. The only negative is that on many buses they have bad singers who jump on board the bus to sing a few songs, and then pass their hat around. I have thought of paying some of them not to sing, but never actually did that yet.

Oh yeah, Tijuana is pretty safe, especially if you stay in the nicer areas. However, if you're a drug cartel member, or involved in the drug trade. Then it could get pretty dangerous, but most homicides in Tijuana probably over 80 percent, or even 90 percent are almost always drug related and turf battles. Americans tourists and ex-pats are pretty safe in Mexico,and this includes Tijuana.

'Pink Bus' in TJ:

neilm81301 - 11-15-2013 at 01:18 PM

Did you see this article re: women's busses in TJ?

http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2013/aug/01/tijuanas-bus-line-f...

TIJUANA — Riding public buses in Tijuana can be a trying experience no matter what your age or gender, with people pressed together in old and crowded vehicles. It can be especially uncomfortable for women, who frequently complain about intrusive stares and inappropriate touching by some male passengers.

With the encouragement of Mayor Carlos Bustamante, two private companies have begun offering segregated bus service. They have launched La Linea Rosa — The Pink Line, a fleet of six buses limited to women, children, senior citizens and disabled passengers. The vehicles, which started operating late last month, run from just south of the San Ysidro border crossing to the city’s far eastern reaches for a fare of 10 pesos — less than 80 cents, slightly less than the cost for a regular bus trip.

They are painted pink on the exterior and feature interiors that are clean and new — a welcome change from the aging, recycled U.S. buses that make up a large part of Tijuana’s fleet. Bustamante’s administration and The Pink Line’s owners hope to increase the number of buses and routes if enough customer demand materializes.

“When it’s just us, it’s a very different atmosphere,” said María de la Luz Nicanor, a 40-year-old mother of two riding to her home in eastern Tijuana on Wednesday after a medical appointment near the Otay Mesa border crossing.

“Here, the men can’t come and bother us and lean against us,” said Rosi Rodríguez, 38, a maquiladora worker traveling from her job at the Bose factory near the same port of entry to her home in eastern Tijuana’s Valle Verde neighborhood. “There are times when all the men are seated and the woman standing. There are few gentlemen,” she said as nearby passengers nodded in agreement.

As their bus lurched from stop to stop, passenger after passenger told similar stories. The riders included medical and law students, maquiladora workers, a store employee, an office worker and two women who travel across Tijuana to clean offices in the Río Zone business district.

“It’s uncomfortable, more than anything, even if it’s just harassing looks that follow you,” said Glenda Hernández, a 20-year-old medical student.

“This feels safer, especially when we go out at night,” said fellow student Yesenia López, 34.

The new bus line comes as Tijuana’s municipal government is moving ahead on a huge overhaul of its mass-transit system, which is widely considered to be antiquated, chaotic and long beholden to special interests. The existing system consists of private bus companies that operate under a municipal concession, and many of the vehicles are old public-transit or school buses from the United States that are brought south and repainted.

Mexico’s federal government, the city of Tijuana and the state of Baja California have committed more than $75 million in infrastructure improvements for the first phase of a modernized, municipal transportation network. The revamp would include special bus lanes, bays, sidewalks and bridges.

Once that phase is completed, the plan is to collaborate with the private sector to build two major terminals — one near the U.S. border in Tijuana’s Zona Norte, the other in eastern Tijuana. Private companies would operate those new routes and use an electronic fare system.
photo Rosi Rodríguez, 38, rides a bus for women, children and the elderlyas she returns home from her job in a maquiladora that manufactures plasma televisions. — David Maung

Compared with the magnitude of the city’s overall plans, The Pink Line can seem like a drop in the bucket. But city officials said it is an important step to immediately boost conditions for some of the current system’s riders.

Bustamante said the goal is to offer “dignified, secure and peaceful” transportation for female passengers. “We see here on occasion that some men are not respectful, especially when the bus is full,” he said last month as he inaugurated the new buses.

The notion of female-only buses has caught on for years in other parts of the world, from Pakistan to Guatemala to Japan. The service also has been introduced in several Mexican cities, including the industrial northern city of Monterrey, Guadalajara in central Mexico and the working-class Mexico City suburbs of Ecatepec and Ciudad Netzahualcoyotl.

But this is a first for Tijuana, where an average of 800,000 passengers use public transportation on any given day. A few days after The Pink Line started, some people were still getting used to the idea.

“This bus is only for women,” driver Efrain Parra called out Wednesday, turning away astonished male customers who could only watch as women stepped inside.

The mayor and some bus company owners seized on the pink-bus concept when they noticed the service during a trip to the state of Mexico, said Obed Silva, Tijuana’s secretary general and a key player in negotiating the broader revamp of the city’s public-transit system.

Two companies signed on to the venture: ATT and Untima have teamed up to offer Pink Line service from downtown Tijuana to the outskirts area of Valle de las Palmas, cutting a swath through the working-class neighborhoods that make up eastern Tijuana.

Untima purchased four 2013 Volkswagen buses, each with 32 seats, and hopes to expand to 10 buses once the city approves an extended route, said J. Mercedes Zavala, a retired high school principal and a partner in Untima. ATT provided the remaining two buses for the present fleet.

Zavala also wants to eventually play instrumental music on the buses — to soothe and inspire passengers. He is thinking of selections such as Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and the Beatles’ “Let it Be.”

In the short term, he predicts that ridership will increase significantly starting Monday, when the school season starts.

Ultimately, Silva hopes segregation won’t be necessary.

“We need to reach the day when half of the population, which is male, and the other half of the population, which is female, respect each other, treat each other with dignity and operate from a position of equality.”

sandra.dibble@utsandiego.com (619) 293-1716 Twitter: @sandradibble

[Edited on 11-15-2013 by neilm81301]

DENNIS - 11-15-2013 at 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by neilm81301
Did you see this article re: women's busses in TJ?

http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2013/aug/01/tijuanas-bus-line-f...

Ohhh Lordy.........I hope all those boys over on the Gay thread don't see this. They'll be demanding equal transportation methods.

JoeJustJoe - 11-15-2013 at 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by neilm81301
Did you see this article re: women's busses in TJ?

http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2013/aug/01/tijuanas-bus-line-f...

Ohhh Lordy.........I hope all those boys over on the Gay thread don't see this. They'll be demanding equal transportation methods.

A little lipstick and a dress Dennis, and I'm sure you could get on that pink bus too.

Tesee - 11-15-2013 at 07:52 PM

Ha! I like you guys