Major Bus and Trolley Changes in Store for San Diego Commuters

Beginning Sept. 5, 2006, some major changes are in store for local commuters who use public transportation. The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is embarking on Phase 2 of its major schedule and route changes for the region's bus and trolley system.

MTS made the major changes due to operting budget constraints, low ridership on some routes, and changes to job and housing destinations. On the other hand, high ridership areas will see the most changes, and hopefully those changes will mean more efficient commute times.

According to the MTS, the changes include:

New Limited Stop Services on University Ave. (Route 10), El Cajon Blvd. (Route 15), and 4th/5th Avenues (Route 120) for faster trips.
More higher frequency routes
Many streamlined routes for faster service
New local community shuttles for residential access

The limited stop service bus routes, which will only make stops at major transfer points, are intended to speed up commutes within the urban core of the city. A large number of routes through the urban core, including Routes 13, 5, and 6, will now be serviced with higher frequency, every 15 minutes instead of 30 minutes. Several shuttle routes will service neighborhoods in the University City and UCSD area.

As for the trolley, late night Green Line service will be extended between Old Town Transit Center and San Diego State University (SDSU) 7 days/week. Current 30-minute service will be extended until 1:00 a.m., with the last eastbound departure arriving at SDSU at 1:22 a.m. The last westbound train departs SDSU at 1:32 a.m. and arrives at Old Town at 1:55 a.m. Blue Line weekday rush hour service between Old Town and Qualcomm Stadium will be discontinued.

For full details and downloadabl maps on all of the bus and trolley routes affected by the changes, go to the MTS' website at sdcommute.com