The Mid-Coast Trolley Blue Line Extension project extended service from Downtown San Diego to University City through Old Town, Mission Bay, and the area of La Jolla near UC San Diego. It added 11 new miles of light rail and nine new stations to the existing Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Blue Line.
The project connects residents with other Trolley lines serving Mission Valley, East County, and South County, and offers a one-seat (no transfer) ride to the international border and communities south of Downtown San Diego.
Project Status and Funding
Construction began in fall 2016, and the Trolley extension was completed on time and opened for service on November 21, 2021. The project’s budget was approximately $2.17 billion.
In September 2016, the FTA signed a Full Funding Grant Agreement with SANDAG to provide the 50% federal funding match needed to begin construction. The other half of the funding was provided by TransNet, which will also provide operating funds for the project through the year 2048.
On Sunday, November 21, 2021, SANDAG and MTS hosted a community celebration, to commemorate the successful completion of the Mid-Coast Extension of the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley.