Travelers on the light rail will have a smoother ride by mid 2015. On Wednesday, September 22, the city broke ground on the trolley renewal project.
MTS Chairman Harry Mathis told San Diegans the importance of replacing the bare old lines, "This project to renew the backbone of our transportation system is critical in order to keep moving millions of people.”
SANDAG Chair, Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler, said, "When complete, this project will speed daily commutes and double freight capacity.”
The cost is $620 million. Changing out old cars for 57 from Siemens Transportation Systems in Sacramento, California, amounts to 205.2 million. Ten cars arrive by early 2012. The funds come from the one-half cent TransNet sales tax, state proposition 1B bonds, and an American Reinvestment and Recovery Act account.
Carrying passengers to their destination will be minutes quicker. Low-floors on the new cars, each 81 feet long, make it easier to board and exit, no steep stairs. Closed circuit TVs complete the new insides. Thirty three renovated platforms will give travelers easy access, next-arrival signs, and better lights.
Expect delays in travel flow, up to 30 minutes, with track closures and station closures, especially during the weekend, while construction is in progress. Delays begin on October 16 during overhead wire replacement on the Blue Line. Riders can connect on buses.
Attend to station announcements, call the hotline, or visit the MTS website for updates.
After near 30 years, the old stations, track, and cars with up to 2.5 million miles, heave reached their greatest mileage run.
The overdriven Blue Line gets both passenger and freight improvements. The connection to the U. S.-Mexico border will have all platforms raised, new ties, miles of new freight line track and a renovated freight facility at San Ysidro. The Siemens cars come on the line in 2013.
The eight station platforms from Washington to 12th and Imperial on the Orange Line go up to stand level with the car entryways. All cars cross the line by July 2012.
No more disconnected trips on the Green Line down to the Convention Center and Petco Park from Mission Valley. A line extension, with raised platforms, continues the run to 12th and Imperial. No more Old Town transfers needed. The cars move on track by June 2011.
Passing light rail cars that travel the long distances can again make a name for San Diego travel.
To read earlier telling news articles in High Times on Fridays, read
To read earlier telling news articles in High Times on Fridays, read
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