The next big transit project for the San Diego region is officially underway! On September 14, 2016, MTS, SANDAG and local leaders gathered to celebrate a major milestone for the Mid-Coast Trolley extension. The occasion? A $1 billion check presentation from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The FTA grant will help fund nearly half of the $2.1 billion Trolley line, the largest public transit project San Diego has ever seen.
When complete in 2021, the Mid-Coast Trolley extension will give MTS passengers a one-seat ride on the UC San Diego Blue Line from the U.S. – Mexico border to the school, shopping and employment hub of University City. When complete, there will be 11 miles of new rail along the I-5 corridor, with nine new stations: Tecolote Road, Clairemont Drive, Balboa Avenue, Nobel Drive, VA Medical Center, two stops on UC San Diego’s campus, Executive Drive and Westfield UTC.
MTS preparations to operate the line are already underway, with a contract signed for 36 new, low-floor S70 light rail vehicles from Siemens. The added vehicles will be vital to moving the estimated 13,500 daily riders who will use the Mid-Coast extension.
To see a flyover simulation of Mid-Coast, and to stay up-to-date with project construction, visit keepsandiegomoving.com/midcoast.
