San Diego, CA – The Metropolitan Transit System announced today that it will operate Chargers Express bus service to all weekend home games for the 2008 regular season.
This service has been operated by MTS for more than 25 years, but it was threatened this year by more restrictive regulations imposed by the Federal Transit Administration. To satisfy these regulations, more than 100 private bus companies were notified of the opportunity to bid on the service. There were no bids on the FTA’s web site as the deadline passed on Friday, August 15.
As a result, MTS will operate its Chargers Express service from five locations in the county for all weekend home games during the regular season, kicking off on September 7 for the 1:15 p.m. season opener against the Carolina Panthers. The round trip fare is $10. Buses begin departing two hours before kick-off, with the final bus leavingt 45 minutes before the game and leave Qualcomm Stadium 20 minutes after the final whistle.
Park and Ride locations are:
• Kearny Mesa Traffic Court (Clairemont Mesa Boulevard east of SR 163)
• Governor Drive & I-805
• Spring Street Trolley Station
• Mira Mesa Park-and-Ride
• Chula Vista High School (820 Fourth Ave., Chula Vista)
“This starts off the season with a big win for Chargers fans,” said Paul Jablonski, Chief Executive Officer of MTS. “Fans love the convenience of getting in and out of the stadium quickly aboard these Express buses. We’re carrying more than 2,600 fans each game on buses. MTS, which also carries almost 20,000 fans to the game aboard its trolleys, transports more than 30% of all fans to Chargers games. We’re happy to be able to continue this high level of service with Express buses and trolleys.”
Jablonski credits Congressman Bob Filner and the San Diego Chargers for working with MTS and the FTA to raise awareness of this issue.
"This is a classic example of everyone working together to get a win,"
Congressman Filner said. "I am thankful for MTS and Charger leadership on this issue, and I look forward to working with them to ensure that quality public transportation is provided for Chargers games. At a time when gas prices are near record highs and the effects of vehicle emissions are not fully realized, it is important that efficient public transportation is available. Clearly, the continued operation of the MTS Chargers Express is good for fans, the team and the environment!"
“I’m sure I speak for the thousands of fans that regularly take the Chargers Express to the games when I say ‘thank you’,” said Jim Steeg, the Chargers’ executive vice president & chief operating officer. “And MTS’s service doesn’t just benefit those who ride it; it benefits everyone coming to the games by taking cars off the roads and freeing additional parking spaces. This is good news for all of our fans.”
MTS will provide Chargers Express service for weekend games only. There will no Chargers Express services for games on the following dates: Monday, August 25; Monday, Sept. 22, and Thursday, December 4.
The North County Transit District will operate special COASTER service to connect with the Trolley at Old Town for each home game. See the NCTD Web site: www.gonctd.com for more information on COASTER service.
For more information on MTS services, go to www.sdmts.com.
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