After nearly 30 years of operation, the Metropolitan Transit System’s Trolley is undergoing a massive overhaul.

New low-floor Trolleys, track, and station platforms are all part of the project to update the system over the next several years. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2010 and be complete by 2015.

The renewal project is focused on improving the Blue and Orange lines. The project will improve station amenities, raise station platforms, replace old rail and overhead wire, and improve switching, signaling, and crossovers.

As part of this project, MTS purchased 57 ultra-short, low-floor light rail vehicles from Siemens Transportation Systems, Inc. The vehicles, which will be purchased for $205.2 million, will be manufactured in Sacramento, California. The first of these vehicles is expected in late 2011.

The new low-floor cars are more accessible and easier to board for all riders, which will lead to faster travel times and easier transfers.

When the renewal is complete, riders will see minutes shaved off travel time. With the realignment of the Green Line, riders will no longer need to transfer when traveling from Mission Valley to the Convention Center or Petco Park.

STAY IN THE KNOW

MTS will post construction alerts, detours, etc. at the following places:

Future Map of MTS Trolley System

(click on image to see larger)

Frequently Asked Questions

How will riders be affected?

MTS is working to minimize the impact on riders, but with station and track closures necessary to complete construction, riders will have to adjust their travels. The majority of the closures and need for bus bridges will happen on the weekend. MTS will supply bus bridges when stations are closed, and will notify riders through station announcements, a telephone hotline, station signage, and this website. MTS recommends staying up to date on construction closures.

Why do this project now?

The rails and equipment on the Blue Line will be 30 years old in 2011, and have far exceeded the original expected use. MTS is beginning the project now in order to avoid delays and breakdowns in the future. Also, the installation of additional rail crossovers between stations will allow MTS to provide service during temporary delays, ensuring smooth riding in the future.

How is this project funded?

The funding sources for this project are TransNet II, California Proposition 1B bonds, and the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. This money comes to MTS designated for capital improvements to the system and cannot be used for day-to-day operations.

Why do we need low-floor Trolley cars?

Low-floor Trolley cars offer a significant advantage over high-floor vehicles. Since the floor of the low-floor cars is level with the station platform, boarding and exit times are reduced for all riders. The low floor also provides enhanced ADA accessibility and eliminates the need for ramps.

The new low-floor vehicles will be 81 feet in length, which is nine feet shorter than the 11 S-70 low-floor vehicles that MTS currently uses on the Green Line. The shorter length will enable the new vehicles to be used on C Street in Downtown San Diego without blocking intersections. This will allow the Green Line to come downtown, terminating at 12th and Imperial Transit Center and eliminating the need to transfer at the Old Town Transit Center.

When will we see new low-floor Trolley cars?

The vehicles are set to be on the Green Line in January 2012, the Orange Line in July 2012, and the Blue Line in 2013. This schedule is due to construction on the lines.