San Diego Trolley Extension Launch a 'Rousing Success'

San Diego's new trolley extension, which serves UC San Diego and communities near the U.S.-Mexico border, saw strong ridership numbers on its opening day.

1 minute read

December 7, 2021, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


San Diego Trolley

Pazut Wutigornsombatkul / Shutterstock

Since San Diego opened a trolley extension to University Center in late November, ridership numbers show a "rousing success," according to an article in Progressive Railroading. "The agency estimates 24,000 trips were taken on Nov. 21 from the nine new stops along the extension, with more than 16,000 trips coming from the UCSD Central Campus and University Towne Center stations alone." An estimated 60,000 trips were taken on the UC San Diego Blue Line that day, doubling previous Sunday ridership numbers and signaling strong demand from university students and staff.

The highly anticipated new extension expanded the trolley system by 20 percent and connects University City to the U.S.-Mexico border. As the article notes, MTS "operates three trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego County."

Monday, November 29, 2021 in Progressive Railroading

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A swamp in South Carolina with tall pale trees and Spanish moss in the water.

Satanic Place Names

From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.

2 hours ago - The Daily Yonder

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters

 A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.

October 30 - South Dakota Searchlight