San Diego – The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is increasing Trolley and Bus service to get Chargers fans to the sold-out playoff game at Qualcomm Stadium January 17. Fans can forget the parking and traffic hassles and arrive ready to cheer for their Chargers. Kickoff for the game against the New York Jets on Sunday is at 1:40 p.m. and MTS urges fans to travel early and buy round-trip tickets.

With a $5 Day Pass, fans can board MTS Trolleys for service right to Qualcomm Stadium. And it’s only $10 for roundtrip tickets aboard the Chargers Express buses, which depart from five convenient locations around the county (see below).

Commemorative transit day passes are now available at the Chargers Team Store at Qualcomm Stadium and the MTS Transit Store at downtown. The printing of the MTS special Day Pass is sponsored by Cubic Corporation. The Day Pass is valid on Jan. 17 for one day of unlimited riding on all MTS Trolley and bus services up to $2.50.

Chargers fans also are invited to enter a contest to win one of five Compass Cards good for free travel to all the Chargers 2010 regular season home games. Entry rules can be found at www.511sd.com/compass or at the MTS Transit Store located at 102 Broadway in downtown San Diego.

GETTING TO THE GAME
• Take the Trolley: At 9:45 a.m., MTS will offer enhanced service on the Green Line, including increased frequency between Old Town and Qualcomm Stadium and between the 70th Street Trolley Station and the stadium. MTS also will operate longer trains over the entire Green Line. After the game, MTS will operate extra Green Line service in both directions as needed. The Blue and Orange Lines will operate on the regular Sunday schedule. Passengers heading to Qualcomm also can transfer to the Green Line at Old Town (from the Blue Line) or at Grossmont Center (from the Orange Line).

• Take the Bus: MTS Chargers Express buses will be operating from five locations. The round-trip fare is $10 in exact change. There is no one-way fare and MTS passes, tickets, tokens, etc., are not accepted. Boarding starts two hours before kick-off, with the final bus leaving 45 minutes before the game. Post-game buses depart Qualcomm Stadium 20 minutes after the final whistle. The five Park and Ride locations are:
• Kearny Mesa Traffic Court (Complex St. at Clairemont Mesa Blvd., east of SR 163)
• Governor Drive & I-805 Park & Ride
• Spring Street Trolley Station (north of SR 94 on Spring Street)
• Mira Mesa Park-and-Ride (I-15 & Mira Mesa Blvd.)
• Chula Vista High School (“K” St. Parking Lot, 820 Fourth Ave., Chula Vista)

• Park and Ride: Passengers heading to Qualcomm on the Trolley can use the Green Line park & ride lots, which include Old Town, Morena-Linda Vista, Hazard Center (lower level only), Grantville, Grossmont Center, Amaya Dr. (La Mesa), El Cajon Transit Center, Gillespie Field, and Santee Town Center.

• Buy a Day Pass: Customers taking the Trolley are encouraged to buy $5 Day Passes before boarding the Trolley on their way to their event in order to save time and avoid ticket lines. Tickets may be purchased at all Trolley station ticket vending machines or ticket booths. An MTS Day Pass is good on the Trolley and most MTS bus routes.

• Travel Early and go to the Power Party: For people arriving early to Qualcomm Stadium, visit the FREE San Diego Chargers Power Party at section F2 of the parking lot. It features live bands, large-screen TVs broadcasting the early game, and great food and beverages. The party is appropriate for all ages.

• New Compass Cards: Also unveiled today was the new Compass Card now available at select Vons grocery stores, The Transit Store, Ticket Vending Machines at rail stations, and other retail outlets.

For further information on special event services or to purchase tickets visit www.sdmts.com or contact 511. MTS operates a 54.3-mile light rail transit network, 95 fixed bus routes, and ADA Complementary Public Paratransit Service in the San Diego region. In FY09 it set a system record by carrying more than 91 million passengers.

###