Severe Storm Wreaks Havoc on San Diego’s MTS Trolley Lines
SAN DIEGO – The latest heavy rains and subsequent flooding on January 22 have dealt an intense blow to the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), disrupting the operations of the Orange, Blue, and Green strains. The most full-size effect was borne by way of the Orange Line, which is now going through considerable damages and carrier outages.
According to Brian Riley, the CFO of MTS, the downtown area experienced severe flooding, prompting emergency crews to work tirelessly to restore services across the city. Despite the challenges, MTS continued its operations wherever possible and supplemented services with buses.
In the Encanto region, a mile of the song changed into damaged due to a clogged drainage device, causing flooding throughout the community. Engineers are currently assessing the volume of the damage and formulating an emergency plan to expedite the restoration of the provider.
The Orange Line, particularly around 65th and Imperial, witnessed a retaining wall collapse, further exacerbating the challenges for MTS. Although the Blue and Green lines have managed to operate throughout the day, the focus remains on resolving the issues surrounding the Orange Line.
MTS officials advise commuters and travelers to check SDMTS.com for updates on possible routes and timetables, as reduced services are currently in place. Riley acknowledged the impact of the rain event on both MTS and the city of San Diego, emphasizing the need for understanding among customers.
In response to the damages, MTS announced on Tuesday that all three trolley lines – Blue, Green, and Orange – will be running at reduced capacities. The Orange Line, in particular, is facing significant disruptions, with service currently halted between 12th & Imperial Transit Center and Courthouse Station, as well as between Lemon Grove Transit Center.
To provide alternatives for downtown routes, MTS suggests riders use the Blue Line at America Plaza or 12th & Imperial. Bus services are operational, with a full schedule in effect, but some roadway detours remain due to the storm damage.
The service impacts on specific lines are as follows:
Orange Line:
– In service between 12th & Imperial Transit Center (downtown San Diego) and Lemon Grove Transit Center due to storm damage.
– Between 12th & Imperial Transit Center and Courthouse Station there is no service (downtown core).
– Riders can use the Blue Line at America Plaza or 12th & Imperial as an alternative.
– Between Euclid Transit Center and Lemon Grove Transit Center due to storm damage no service is available.
– Between impacted stations buses will be shuttling passengers.
– Between Lemon Grove Transit Center and Arnele (end of a line) service is available.
Green Line:
– between 12th & Imperial Transit Center – Santee Station, Serving all stations.
– There is a delay as the system recovers, Riders should anticipate this.
UC San Diego Blue Line:
– Ai root of San Ysidro Transit Center – UTC, Serving all stations.
– There is a delay as the system recovers, Riders should anticipate this.
As MTS actively works to mitigate the effects of storms, travelers are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly and update on available services and potential delays.