MTS Boosts Trolley Service for Major Games at Petco Park

San Diego Padres Home Stand: MTS Enhances Public Transit for Fans

As the San Diego Padres prepare for a week-long home stand against divisional rivals, fans are in for an exciting series of games. With sellout crowds expected for all seven games, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is stepping up its efforts to ensure smooth transportation for attendees.

The Padres will face off against the Giants in four games and the Dodgers in three games during this stretch. To accommodate more than 280,000 fans visiting Petco Park over the seven-game period, MTS has introduced additional trolley services before and after each game. This initiative aims to help fans avoid traffic congestion and high parking fees.

Pre-Game Trolley Service

For all seven games, which start in the evening except for Thursday and Sunday matinees, MTS will provide trolleys serving all stations every 15 minutes or better. The Green Line will see extra service closer to game time to manage the increased demand.

Post-Game Trolley Service

After the night games, several trolley lines will offer extended service:

• UC San Diego Blue Line: Trolleys will depart downtown every 15 minutes heading to San Ysidro and UTC.
• Green Line: Trolleys will leave downtown every 15 minutes, with additional trips from the Gaslamp Quarter Station as needed until crowds decrease.
• Orange Line: Trolleys will depart downtown every 15 minutes after the game ends until crowds diminish.

For the Thursday and Sunday day games, the post-game service will be slightly different:

• UC San Diego Blue Line: Trolleys will depart downtown every 7.5 minutes to San Ysidro and every 15 minutes to UTC after Thursday’s game. After the Sunday game, trolleys will run every 15 minutes in both directions.
• Green Line: Trolleys will depart downtown every 15 minutes, with extra trips from Gaslamp Quarter Station as needed.
• Orange Line: Trolleys will depart 12th & Imperial every 15 minutes after the game ends.

Free Park & Ride Lots

Fans have several options for free parking through MTS’ Park & Ride lots:

• Old Town Transit Center (Green Line and UC San Diego Blue Line North): 400 free parking spots
• Overflow parking option across the street at Caltrans District 11 (after 5 p.m. weekdays & all weekend only): 300 free parking spots
• Grossmont Transit Center (Green Line and Orange Line): 220 free parking spots
• H Street (UC San Diego Blue Line South): 300 free parking spots
• E Street (UC San Diego Blue Line South): 265 free parking spots
• Tecolote Station (UC San Diego Blue Line North): 275 free parking spots

Payment Options for MTS Fares

MTS offers various ways to pay for fares, including some free options:

• Contactless payments: Fans can tap a credit card or use contactless payment options like a smartphone or smartwatch on a station validator. This allows for a one-way ride at $2.50, valid for two hours.
• Kids ride free: During weekends, two children 12 and under can ride for free with every paying adult.
• Youth Opportunity Pass: Youth ages 18 and under with a registered Youth PRONTO card or app account can ride free.
• PRONTO App: Fans can download the app in advance and load at least $5, covering a round-trip fare for adults. All riders must tap or scan on platform validators to activate their pass before boarding.

One important note: Every person needs their own payment method. Riders cannot purchase fares for multiple people using the same account, card, or payment method.