New FastLane for cross-border workers can cost up to $900
Anyone who lives south of the border but works in the U.S. knows the line to cross can be hours long. Now, Tijuana announced a new express lane program, but that convenience can cost you up to $900 a month.
According to the Tijuana government, the new FastLane will help reduce waiting times and improve the quality of life for workers.
“They line up from three or four in the morning to cross between 7 and 8 in the morning. The main benefit is that they will no longer have to line up early,” said Pedro Montejo, Secretary of Economic Development of Tijuana.
The FastLane has two purchasing options:
- Option 1: Allows you to only cross at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and allows you to register two vehicles and allows you to add three passengers. The price is around $603 or $10,749 pesos.
- Option 2: Allows you to cross at two points of entry and allows you to register two vehicles and add three passengers. The price is around $888 or $15,839 pesos.
The lanes open to use the FastLane are San Ysidro All Traffic, San Ysidro Ready Lane and Otay All Traffic lanes.
Option 1: Otay Mesa Port of Entry Hours
| Days of the week | Otay All Traffic |
|---|---|
| Monday | 24 HRS |
| Tuesday | 24 HRS |
| Wednesday | 24 HRS |
| Thursday | 24 HRS |
| Friday | 24 HRS |
| Saturday | 24 HRS |
| Sunday | 24 HRS |
Option 2: Other Point of Entry hours
| Days of the week | San Ysidro Ready Lane | San Ysidro All Traffic | Otay All Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 00:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M. | 00:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M. | 24 HRS |
| Tuesday | 00:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M. | 06:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M. | 24 HRS |
| Wednesday | 00:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M. | 06:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M | 24 HRS |
| Thursday | 00:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M. | 06:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M. | 24 HRS |
| Friday | 00:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M. | 06:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M. | 24 HRS |
| Saturday | 00:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M. | 00:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M. | 24 HRS |
| Sunday | 00:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M. | 00:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. & 04:00 P.M. – 08:00 P.M. | 24 HRS |
Some of the requirements for the FastLane include proof of residency in Baja California, vehicle registration, official ID, a valid U.S. work permit, an employment contract, pay stubs, or a letter of employment proving your employment in the U.S. The program is not valid for green card holders.
A woman who lives in Rosarito and works at the Plaza de las Americas Outlet said she waited two hours to cross today.
“It sounds really expensive, but I think it saves you time, and time is important,” said Melissa Esquivel. Sometimes I skip breakfast or don’t do the things I am supposed to do because I have to be here at a certain time.”
You can find more details on the government website.
