A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Tuesday at the MTS Tecolote Trolley Station.
Local officials and transportation leaders took part in the inaugural ride of the Mid-Coast Extension of San Diego’s Blue Line trolley.
This milestone signifies successful train testing and being one step closer to the full opening.
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Supervisor Nathan Fletcher says the extension provides a safe and efficient way for San Diegans to travel and help the environment.
“This special ride we’re doing today is a part of our run up to the full expansion. The 11 mile expansion which will open later this year in November. We know transit works,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher also described MTS’s new fare collection system Pronto and it comes with an incentive to encourage public transit.
“Free ride month for the entire month of September with your new pronto card you can ride all of our buses and trolleys fare free,” Fletcher noted.
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Mayor Todd Gloria says this is not just a trolley extension.
“This is a jobs train for people in the south bay who want access to the good paying jobs up in the University Town Center area,” Gloria continued, “This is an education train. This is an opportunity to get a one seat ride to the incredible international institution that is UC San Diego. This is a healthcare train that gives our veterans a chance to go to our VA hospital.”
The MTS blue line expansion provides a one seat ride from the border to the UTC area.
“The border is not a problem, it’s an asset for our region,” Gloria said.
Tijuana Mayor Karla Ruiz MacFarland noted that the San Ysidro station is one of the busiest MTS stations.
“It’s a symbol of everything that unite us. Everyday, thousands of riders rely on the trolley to make vital connections to important destinations,” MacFarland said.
The public can enjoy the extension this Saturday, August 28th from 10 am to 1 pm, as part of the Mid-Coast on Morena Community Appreciation Festival.
