Trolley Improvement Projects

The Blue Line Trolley has the most riders of any light rail in the country, serving an average of over 75,000 people a day. That’s why we’re exploring how to make transit trips on this route faster, more convenient, and less crowded. Learn more on the Blue Line Improvements project page.

In partnership with the City of Chula Vista and MTS, SANDAG plans to construct a grade separation at the Palomar Street and MTS rail crossing at Industrial Boulevard. Learn more on the Palomar Street Grade Separation project page.

Trolley Renewal was a $660 million project to rebuild the MTS Orange and Blue lines. The project included raising platforms, replacing old rail and overhead wires, retrofitting/replacing traction power substations, and improving switching, signaling, and crossovers. To accommodate faster boarding, 65 sleek, low-floor Trolleys replaced older vehicles, and platforms at 35 stations were raised to accommodate the new cars.

Upgrades to the Trolley stations included installation of larger shelters to provide more protection from the sun and rain, new furnishings such as benches and trash receptacles, and decorative paving. Stations were also equipped with digital “next arrival” signs.

Trolley Renewal construction was completed in 2015. The project was funded primarily by California Proposition 1B bond funds and TransNet. Other funding sources included California Proposition 1A and the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, commonly known as the federal stimulus package.