San Diego transit agency launches new low-floor trolley cars

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) earlier this week introduced a new fleet of low-floor trolley cars on its Blue Line.

The launch of the low-floor service is part of the $600 million "Trolley Renewal" project to modernize MTS' entire trolley system. San Diego officials celebrated the new fleet on Tuesday at the 8th Street Station in National City, Calif.

"This is a significant milestone for our region’s trolley network," said MTS Chairman Harry Mathis said in a press release. "The low-floor design will make our entire transit system more efficient. Additionally, upgrades at Blue Line stations — such as 8th Street and 24th Street — will vastly improve bus and trolley connections."

The Blue Line runs from the U.S.-Mexico border to downtown San Diego and is the busiest transit line in the region. The line registered more than 15 million passenger trips in fiscal-year 2014.

The Trolley Renewal project began in fall 2010. All station improvements are expected to be completed in spring. Additional track and signal work is expected to be completed later this year, MTS officials said.