Copyright San Diego Union-Tribune
Travelers enrolled in SENTRI and Global Entry who cross the U.S.-Mexico border through the San Ysidro Port of Entry will soon have a second option to get in line. U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced a plan on Friday in collaboration with Mexico to provide an additional access point for vehicles at the busy port of entry to ease border traffic that was congesting Tijuana city streets. The upcoming change, part of a four-month pilot program, will convert the general all-traffic crossing lane on Calle Segunda (also known as Benito Juárez) in Tijuana into an exclusive lane for SENTRI and Global Entry cardholders on the western side of the port. The existing trusted-traveler access through Boulevard Padre Kino on the eastern side will continue to operate as usual, officials said. Those with the required Ready Lane documents, such as U.S. passport cards or RFID-enabled visa cards, will continue to line up on Tijuana’s Vía Rápida Oriente. Paseo de los Héroes will now be the sole access point for all-traffic lanes for those with other travel documents that are not chipped. Paseo de los Héroes will also remain the access point for the medical lane. A specific date for when the changes would take effect was not provided, but Tijuana officials estimate mid-November. “Our top priority remains safeguarding our nation and maintaining the integrity and security of our border,” said San Ysidro Port Director Mariza Marin in a news release. “Through this pilot program and our continued partnership with the Government of Mexico, we are identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency and improve the border crossing experience at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, devoting more attention to high-risk travelers and vehicles.” Global Entry and the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection, better known as SENTRI, are U.S. Customs and Border Protection programs. Members must go through a vetting process, and once approved, they can cross the border through dedicated lanes. “This four-month pilot program will be monitored closely and evaluated to determine its long-term feasibility and whether the changes will be made permanent,” CBP officials said. “The initiative prioritizes security and effectiveness; however, the pilot may be terminated at any time if unforeseen challenges arise.” Border commuters have noted that, on busy days or during peak hours, the line can stretch back about 2.5 miles, going all the way to Lázaro Cárdenas High School in Zona Río. The route runs through one of the city’s busiest areas, near hospitals, schools and businesses. Since 2014, SENTRI cardholders crossing the border at San Ysidro must line up on the route that begins on Padre Kino in Tijuana. Back then, the line was moved from its former spot next to Tijuana’s Vía Rápida to ease traffic congestion. Since then, however, more people have started enrolling in the border program. CBP data show that, from October 2024 through August 2025, 5.7 million passenger vehicles were processed through SENTRI lanes at the port of entry — representing 42% of all San Ysidro border traffic. Meanwhile, the Ready Lane processed 6.1 million crossings (44%), and 1.9 million vehicles (14%) passed through the regular all-traffic lanes. “The circumstances have changed entirely,” said Pedro Montejo Peterson, Tijuana’s secretary of economic development. “The city’s infrastructure wasn’t prepared for that, and it’s causing traffic jams, especially in the mornings and on weekends.” Tijuana and CBP officials have been discussing the plan for some time. Joaquín Luken, executive director of the nonprofit Smart Border Coalition, said he welcomed the addition of the new access lanes — as well as the timing. “These measures will benefit not only the people crossing the border but also the businesses and those driving through Tijuana who aren’t necessarily heading to San Diego,” he said. The new route through Avenida Segunda will be more convenient for drivers coming from Playas de Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada, he said. It will also be an option for people living in other Tijuana neighborhoods. He noted that these changes come just ahead of the typically busy holiday season, when people cross the border to shop or visit friends and family. “It’s an excellent move,” he said. “Let’s hope it works out well.”
