San Diego’s Light-rail Refresher

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) launched service on the initial phase of the San Diego Trolley light-rail system in 1981. The system consisted of a 15.9 mile segment between the U.S.-Mexican border and downtown San Diego. In subsequent years, MTS extended the later-named Blue line and also built what are now known as the Orange and Green lines, which create today’s 53.5-mile double-tracked system. In the 1980s, the trolley was the poster child for modern-day light-rail systems in the United States. But now, the initial phase of the trolley system is more than 30 years old and in need of a facelift. In 2010, MTS launched a four year, $570 million trolley renewal project that was designed to improve on-time performance, modernize stations, upgrade technology, make trains easier to board and even upgrade a freight-rail line. The project calls for the rehabilitation of the Blue and Orange line stations to accommodate low floor vehicles; realigning the Green line to eliminate transfers in downtown San Diego; replacing overhead contact wire, upgrading the 90-lb rail to 115-lb rail; installing fiber optics system-wide; upgrading the signal system and power substations; and rebuilding several grade crossings. Transit stations will also be rehabilitated to feature bike lockers, waiting areas and next-train arrival systems.