More frequent, longer spans, overnight service. These are a few of the improvements we’ve heard that you want. And we plan to deliver. We’re on the fast track to making enhancements to our bus and Trolley service very soon. Look for many of these enhancements to happen in June and September.
What’s in store for 2024 –
Welcome Back Service
Due to a bus driver shortage a few years ago we had to reduce the level of service by 10%. Thankfully, we are getting things back on track. In June and in September we will restore many of those reductions. For example, Routes 1, 11, 35, 43, 815, and 932 will all return to a 15-minute weekday frequency, and Saturday service will return on Route 944. Welcome back service...we missed you!
Owl Service
Soon MTS will join the ranks of owls and other nocturnal animals with overnight bus service. Plans are underway to add express bus service from San Ysidro to downtown during late night and early morning hours when the Trolley can’t operate. While the service schedule is yet to be determined, the initial concept would have bus service running parallel to the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley from approximately 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. The early plan is to have this rolled out in September or January, operating in both directions, seven days a week.
Stretching the Hour
We know many people who ride transit don’t work just from 8am to 5pm. To help people who work early in the morning and late at night, we will be increasing the span of service on many popular routes – giving you more options to take transit late at night and on weekends.
Bring on the Buses....and Trolleys!
Today we have approximately 750 buses and 165 Trolleys all serving 10 different cities in San Diego, but these vehicles are steadily evolving to meet your needs.
We're not just dipping our toes in the waters of near-zero and zero emissions; we're diving in headfirst. Our near-zero emissions fleet of Compressed Natural Gas and propane-powered buses continues to be replaced with brand new vehicles. While we keep our current fleet in good condition, we are embarking on a path to 100% zero-emissions (electric and hydrogen fuel) buses by 2040.
Better Buses
The first stop on that path was in 2019, when we launched our pilot program with eight buses. We expanded our electric fleet on Oct. 15, 2023, when we launched Rapid 227 and added 12 60-foot electric buses - the first of its kind in our fleet. We now have 25 zero-emission buses in service – and more are on the way – to keep you moving, in a cleaner and greener way.
Better Trolleys
But hold your applause because our Trolley fleet is also stepping up its game. In 2023 we received 71 brand new 5000 series Trolley cars, with 20 more on the way in 2024. These 5000 series are a culmination of what we have learned over the years to provide all our riders with a comfortable and safe ride.
Better Fleets
Out with the old, in with the new! MTS is replacing 74 buses in 2024 with more clean-fuel vehicles. Here’s what’s in store in 2024:
- 24 propane powered eco-friendly mini-buses due in Spring 2024
- 5 60ft Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses due in Fall 2024
- 7 propane powered eco-friendly paratransit buses due in Fall 2024
- 38 40ft Compressed Natural Gas powered buses due in Winter 2024
- 20 more Low Floor S700 light rail vehicles (5000 series) to be delivered throughout 2024
Coming Soon
In early 2025 we will get 13 electric buses – another huge step in our conversation to a zero emissions bus fleet by 2040.
