San Diego: Upbeat Despite the Downturn

The United States' economic downturn is squeezing many of the nation's light rail networks, including San Diego, the first city in the United States to open a modern light rail system. (The Trolley) This year alone, the system is expected to carry more than 37 million passengers. The author describes a conversation with Paul Jablonski, chief executive officer of San Diego's Metropolitan Transit Systems. Cuts in both state and city funding have and will continue to take place. Nevertheless, further investment will be needed soon. The relocation of the San Diego Chargers from Qualcomm Stadium to a new development south of the city is also an issue, since the shift from the existing Green Line station will require the ability to move more than 60,000 to the new facility twelve times a year. Additional enhancements and extensions are discussed.