Crowded trains expected in nationally televised sold-out game
San Diego, Calif. – With playoff implications and a sellout crowd confirmed for the San Diego Chargers game on Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is advising fans taking the Trolley to travel early and purchase tickets on their smart phones to bypass boarding lines after the game.
MTS will increase the number of Green Line trains that provide direct service to Qualcomm Stadium from downtown and Santee before and after Sunday’s game. Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m. and increased service from downtown to the stadium begins at 11 a.m., and at 12:20 p.m. between Santee and the stadium. After the game, extra Green Line service will be operating in both directions as needed.
Chargers fans are strongly encouraged to travel early as transit center parking lots will fill up fast and trains will be crowded or at capacity after 3:30 p.m. Passengers attempting to board trains after 3:30 p.m. should expect delays as trains reach capacity at stations closest to the stadium. Trolley stops with the highest capacity for free parking available along the Green Line are as follows:
• Hazard Center Station: 1,500 free parking spots (lower level only)
• El Cajon Transit Center: 469 free parking spots
• Old Town Transit Center: 412 free parking spots
• Grantville Trolley Station: 404 free parking spots
To avoid Trolley ticket lines after the game and speed up the boarding process passengers can purchase and store game-day Trolley passes right on their smart phones at any time prior to arriving at transit stations by using mTicket, MTS’s free mobile ticketing app. Multiple mTickets can be purchased on one smart phone too, making it easy for families and friends traveling together. In order to by-pass Trolley lines after the game mTicket holders use a designated express lane on the west side of the ramp. To download the app, visit www.sdmts.com/mTicket.asp. Fans can also find the app by search for “mTicket” in the App Store or on Google Play.
In addition to one-way and day passes on Compass Cards, MTS has printed a limited quantity of commemorative San Diego Chargers game day passes. The $6 commemorative day passes are sold at select ticket booths along the Green Line. Commemorative day passes provide unlimited rides on all Trolley lines and most MTS bus routes.
MTS also advises fans to be aware of the NFL bag policy limiting the size and type of bag allowed into Qualcomm Stadium. To read more travel tips for the game, visit the MTS website at www.sdmts.com/Trolley/Chargers.asp. For more information on special event services, visit www.sdmts.com or contact 511.
MTS operates more than 93 bus routes and three Trolley lines on 53 miles of double-tracked railway. Every weekday more than 300,000 passenger trips are taken on MTS bus and Trolley services. For more information on how you can use public transportation and save money, go to www.sdmts.com.
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