All fans ride free on Wednesday as part of agency’s Free Ride Day promotion
San Diego – With large crowds anticipated both inside and outside Petco Park for the Padres Wild Card Series games, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) will be ramping up Trolley service before and after games. For Wednesday’s game, all fans ride free as part of the agency’s annual Free Ride Day promotion, which coincides with California Clean Air Day.
Trolleys will serve all stations every 15 minutes or better pre- and post-game. Three Trolley lines drop fans off just a short walk from Petco Park.
During the regular season, MTS averages approximately 6,000 to 7,000 fans using the Trolley to get to Petco Park on gamedays. The agency anticipates even more fans using transit for the Wild Card Series.
Pre-Game Service – All Games
All Trolley Lines: Regular service to Petco Park prior to the game, with Trolleys picking up fans at all stations every 15 minutes or better and dropping fans off steps away from the action.
Post-Game Service – Oct. 1 & Oct. 2 (5:38 p.m. games)
UC San Diego Blue Line: Trolleys will depart 12th & Imperial Transit Center every 15 minutes to San Ysidro and UTC until 45 minutes after the game ends.
Green Line: Trolleys will depart 12th & Imperial every 15 minutes until 45 minutes after the game ends or until crowds diminish, with extra trips as needed.
Orange Line: Trolleys will depart 12th & Imperial every 15 minutes until 30 minutes after the game ends, with extra trips as needed.
Post-Game Service – Oct. 3 (4:08 p.m. game)
UC San Diego Blue & Orange Lines: Regular service from 12th & Imperial Transit Center after the game, with Trolleys picking up fans at all stations every 15 minutes or better.
Green Line: Trolleys will depart 12th & Imperial every 15 minutes until 45 minutes after the game ends or until crowds diminish, with extra trips as needed.
Paying Your Fare (Tuesday and Thursday only)
To help expedite the boarding process, fans should download the PRONTO app in advance. Load at least $5 on your virtual card, which covers a round-trip fare for adult riders. New to San Diego public transit, riders also now have the option to simply tap a credit card or other contactless payment options, such as a smartphone or smartwatch, on the validators to pay for a one-way ride ($2.50, valid for two hours).
All riders must tap or scan on validators to activate their pass or fare prior to boarding. Every person needs their own PRONTO app or card, you cannot buy fares for multiple people on the same device, card or payment method. If you have a PRONTO card, you can load your card in advance online at ridepronto.com.
Free Ride Day, Wednesday, Oct 2!
All fans get a free lift on Wednesday, Oct. 2! MTS and NCTD are hosting the annual Free Ride Day promotion, which is sponsored by Mission Federal Credit Union. All MTS Trolleys and buses, as well as the NCTD COASTER, SPRINTER and BREEZE are free all day. Fans don’t need a fare or ID, just get on board and go!
Free Park & Ride Lots
Fans are encouraged to use MTS’ free Park & Ride lots throughout the Trolley system. View the full list of Park & Ride lots on the MTS website. The most convenient locations are:
- Old Town Transit Center (Green Line, 400+ free parking spots)
- Grossmont Transit Center (Green Line, 220 free parking spots)
- Spring Street (Orange Line, 235 free parking spots)
- E Street (Blue Line South, 265 free parking spots)
- Balboa Avenue Transit Center (Blue Line North, 225 free parking spots)
- Tecolote Station (Blue Line North, 275 free parking spots)
About MTS
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates 92 bus routes and three Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. MTS is a leader in advancing initiatives to create a greener, cleaner and better-connected transit system in San Diego. Each weekday more than 250,000 passenger trips are taken throughout the MTS system taking people to work, school, health appointments and other essential trips. In FY 2023, MTS served more than 68 million riders. For service schedule updates, news, alerts and more information on how you can use public transportation, go to www.sdmts.com.
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