Traffic expected in downtown with Big Bay Boom and Padres game
San Diego - Big celebrations, and crowds, are on the horizon for San Diegans this Independence Day. Tens of thousands of San Diegans are expected to make their way to Downtown San Diego to watch the Padres game at PETCO Park and, later that day, the Big Bay Boom Fourth of July fireworks show. The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is encouraging attendees to plan ahead and take transit to avoid getting stuck in traffic or paying premium parking costs. Buses and Trolleys will be operating on a Sunday service schedule most of the day, but MTS will be increasing Trolley service to accommodate the crowds pre- and post-fireworks show.
Post-Padres Game and Pre-Big Bay Boom Added Trolley Service:
- The Green Line eastbound will run extra service from 12th & Imperial to SDSU for an hour following the Padres game (between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.).
- The Green Line westbound will run extra service from SDSU to 12th & Imperial leading up to the fireworks show (between 7:45 and 8:30 p.m.).
- See full list of Big Bay Boom service information.
Big Bay Boom prime viewing locations are near the following Trolley stations:
- County Center / Little Italy
- Santa Fe Depot
- America Plaza
- Seaport Village
- Convention Center
- Gaslamp Quarter
Post Big Bay Boom Trolley Service:
- Green Line – 15-minute service eastbound until approximately 10:30 p.m.
- Blue Line – 15-minute frequency northbound (until approximately 10:30 p.m.) and southbound (until approximately midnight)
- Orange Line – Additional trip for peak crowd as needed
Travel Tips: In order to make holiday traveling easy, MTS encourages riders to use these helpful transit tips:
- Use a free MTS Park-and-Ride lot: Leave the car behind, park at an MTS lot near you, tap your PRONTO card/app, hop on the Trolley, and head over to Downtown.
- Pay with your Phone: Download the PRONTO app in advance and use your phone to pay. With PRONTO, riders can load value to their cards in advance online, at participating retailers, or through the PRONTO app to avoid lines at the machines. Be sure to tap the validator at the station before boarding the Trolley to ensure travel with valid fare.
- Youth Ride Free: All youth 18 & under ride MTS free with the Youth Opportunity Pass on PRONTO. Please be sure to obtain and submit the PRONTO card/account number for eligible riders for Youth conversion before traveling to receive free Youth fares.
- Holiday Discounts: Fourth of July is a Friends Ride Free holiday, so every adult passenger can bring one guest on board for free.
Support Services: The MTS Information and Trip Planning call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fourth of July, while the MTS Transit Store, PRONTO Support Center, Customer Service call center, and MTS administration offices will be closed. For a full list of service information and trip planning support, visit sdmts.com/holiday-services.
MTS operates more than 100 bus routes and three Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. Frequencies and spans have been restored to near-pre-COVID-19 levels. Updated schedules can be accessed on the MTS website.
