Mid-Coast Extension of the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley

11-mile extension of the San Diego light rail system connecting the region’s most travelled trolley line to major employment centres, schools, hospitals, and recreation areas.

The extension of the light rail line transforms regional transit connectivity and enhances cross-border opportunities by providing a one-seat ride from the U.S./Mexico Border and underserved communities south of Downtown, to the University of California at San Diego, Department of Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, and University Community.

Among the many benefits the project provides, the extension delivers on major promises within the city’s Regional Plan by improving transportation choices and equity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicular traffic.

Economic and social impact
The Mid-Coast Extension of the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley addresses the increase in regional growth by providing improved access to growing employment, education, and residential areas. It has been a major boost to the local economy since construction began in the fall of 2016, employing over 5,200 on-site workers and provides significant benefits to transit-dependent riders, attracting 20,000 new daily riders.

Stations provide easy access to the University community, expanding education opportunities for students and providing a convenient way to travel to one of the region’s largest employment centres. Other stations connect directly to shopping areas, providing riders with easy access to their everyday needs. Additionally, two of the stations service large health campuses significantly improving transit access to critical health services for one of the region’s most vulnerable communities.

The project also added 3.6 miles of new double-track capability to the 351-mile Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo rail corridor, the second busiest passenger rail line in America and a vital link connecting the San Diego region with the rest of the country. The corridor hosts commuter rail (Coaster), Amtrak intercity passenger rail, and Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) freight rail services.