
Trolley Renewal is a $720 million project to rebuild the Orange and Blue Line Trolleys. When complete in 2015, new low-floor trolleys will operate on the entire MTS Trolley network, making trips faster, more comfortable and more convenient for all passengers.
Work will include new station platforms, next-arrival electronic signs, shelters, track, switches, overhead electric wire and more. The work will require station closures, temporary station relocations and substitute bus services. To stay in the know, check this page often or use the other options listed in the sidebar.
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Stay in the Know
Construction schedules can change with little notice. Stay in the know. There are a number of ways you can stay updated on construction closures, detours, and other updates:
• This webpage (bookmark it!)
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Telephone hotline:
(619) 557-4533
• Text message: Text STATIONS to GOMTS (46687) to receive construction update texts (how to unsubscribe)
• Trolley station signage: Look for updated Trolley Renewal info panels at station kiosks, and A-frame signs placed at impacted stations
• On board: Look for the latest Trolley Renewal Travel Advisory, available on buses and Trolleys

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Weekend Trolley Service Impacts | Station Closures
Ongoing Construction |
FAQ
Weekend Trolley Service Impacts
Blue Line Station Construction |
Due to track and signaling work, weekend bus bridges on the Blue Line will occur frequently over the next six months.
Friday, June 14–Sunday, June 16
Closed between Palomar Street and San Ysidro Transit Center |
During the weekend of Friday, June 14 through Sunday, June 16, there will be no Trolley service between Palomar Street and San Ysidro Trolley Stations. These Trolley stations will be closed beginning at 9:30 pm on Friday and will reopen for the start of service Monday morning. Substitute bus shuttle and express service will be available.
Friday, June 21 –Sunday, June 23
Closed between Palm Avenue and San Ysidro Transit Center |
During the weekend of Friday, June 21 through Sunday, June 23, there will be no Trolley service between Palm Avenue and San Ysidro Trolley Stations. These Trolley stations will be closed beginning at 9:30 pm on Friday
and will reopen for the start of service Monday morning. Substitute bus
shuttle and express service will be available.
Additional Materials (click to view PDF)
Construction Advisories / Avisos de obra
English
• 12th & Imperial Construction
• Downtown San Diego & Blue Line Station Construction
• Traction Power Substations Installation
• Traction Power Substations Installation Construction Update
Español
• Instalación de Subestaciones Eléctricas de Tracción
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Station Closures
12th & Imperial Bus Stops
The 12th & Imperial bus stops will be closed for construction until the start of service on Tuesday, June 18. Please use the following temporary bus stops instead:
Northbound: Westbound Imperial Avenue (toward PETCO Park)
• Rt. 11 – Downtown, SDSU
• Rt. 901 – Downtown
• Rt. 929 – Downtown
Southbound: Eastbound Imperial Avenue (away from PETCO Park)
• Rt. 11 – Skyline Hills
• Rt. 901 (Mon–Sat) – Coronado, Imperial Beach
(Sunday Rt. 901 will stop at the Rt. 4 stop)
• Rt. 929 – National City, Chula Vista
Rt. 4 will continue to stop at its regular terminal, though there will be a pedestrian detour to transfer to/from the Trolley and other bus routes.
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Ongoing Construction
Construction work is currently under way at the following stations:
• 12th & Imperial
Service to these stations will remain open during construction in both directions (unless specified as closed during other phases of construction). Riders may be asked to exit doors on the side opposite the platforms or board Trolley from the opposite platform. Disabled access will be maintained at all times.
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How will riders be affected by the Trolley Renewal project?
MTS is working to minimize the impact on riders, but with station and track closures necessary to complete construction, riders will have to adjust their travels. The majority of the closures and need for bus bridges will happen on the weekend. MTS will supply bus bridges when stations are closed, and will notify riders through station announcements, a telephone hotline, station signage, and this website. MTS recommends staying up to date on construction closures.
Why do the Trolley Renewal project now?
The rails and equipment on the Blue Line are 30 years old and have far exceeded their original expected use. MTS is beginning the project now in order to avoid delays and breakdowns in the future. Also, the installation of additional rail crossovers between stations will allow MTS to provide service during temporary delays, ensuring smooth riding in the future.
How is the Trolley Renewal project funded?
The funding sources for this project are TransNet II, California Proposition 1B bonds, and the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. This money comes to MTS designated for capital improvements to the system and cannot be used for day-to-day operations.
Why do we need low-floor Trolley cars?
Low-floor Trolley cars offer a significant advantage over high-floor vehicles. Since the floor of the low-floor cars is level with the station platform, boarding and exit times are reduced for all riders. The low floor also provides enhanced ADA accessibility and eliminates the need for wheelchair lifts.
The new low-floor vehicles are 81 feet in length, which is nine feet shorter than the 11 S-70 low-floor vehicles that MTS currently uses on the Green Line. The shorter length will enable the new vehicles to be used on C Street in Downtown San Diego without blocking intersections. This will allow the Green Line to come downtown, terminating at 12th and Imperial Transit Center and eliminating the need to transfer at the Old Town Transit Center.
When will we see new low-floor Trolley cars?
The new low-floor vehicles began running on the Green Line on Monday, October 3, 2011! The Green Line is now completely running the new low-floor Trolley cars. Low-floor cars are scheduled to begin operating on the Orange Line in January 2013, and on the Blue Line in 2014. These dates may change due to construction schedules.
How do I unsubscribe from the Trolley STATIONS construction update texts that I am getting from 46687?
Please send the message STOP STATIONS to the number 46687 and you will be unsubscribed from future construction updates.
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