San Diego is celebrating the completion of a $650 million upgrade of the trolley system with a free community event Saturday in Chula Vista.
Officials from SANDAG and the Metropolitan Transit System say the event is a thank you to Trolley riders, residents and businesses that have been patient with inconveniences caused by the renovation work.
The event at the E Street Station starts at 11:30 a.m. and includes free food, activities for kids, and entertainment by the Millionaire Beach Bums and country singer Patrick Howard Trampus. In addition, the first few thousand guests will receive free “Ride On” T-shirts and backpacks.
At noon, city, county and transit officials will speak at a brief ceremony. The event ends at 2:30 p.m.
Improvements to the system include new low-floor trolleys, redesigned stations equipped with next-arrival signs, improved shelters and seating. Riders will now enjoy easier access, quicker trips, a more comfortable ride, and an enhanced transit experience.
MTS operates 95 bus routes and three trolley lines on 53 miles of double-tracked railway. Every weekday more than 300,000 passenger trips are taken on buses and trolleys. MTS is expecting to set a new record this year with more than 97 million riders.