Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)

Operational

City: San Diego (United States).
Total route length: 105.0 km (65.2 miles).

Track gauge: 1435 mm (standard gauge).
Opened: July 19, 1981.

Trams and light rails worldwide

Select a country: Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel / Palestine, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Korea, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

Trams and light rails in United States

Select a city: Baltimore, Boston, Brooks, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, French Lick, Houston, Jamestown, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Montgomery, New Haven, New Orleans, New York City, Newark, Omaha, Orlando, Perris, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Pueblo, Colorado, Racine, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C..

Tram lines in operation

San Diego Blue Line: UTC - San Ysidro
Operational

San Diego Green Line
Operational

San Diego Orange Line: Arnele Ave - Courthouse
Operational

San Diego Silver Line
Operational

Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) stops

5th Avenue, America Plaza, Arnele Ave, Courthouse, San Ysidro, and UTC.

Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) route map

View the route map in high resolution. See the official route map.

Current trams in operation

Articulated tram: 4002, 4011, 5045.

Former trams in operation

Articulated tram: 1040.

Metropolitan Transport Trust
Closed

Articulated tram: 1040.

Add a comment

Photos from Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)

San Diego Orange Line with articulated tram 4002 close by 5th Avenue (2022)By Silas Boye Nissen.
December 26, 2022.

San Diego Blue Line with articulated tram 5045 at 5th Avenue (2022)By Silas Boye Nissen.
December 26, 2022.

San Diego Orange Line with articulated tram 4011 near 5th Avenue (2022)By Silas Boye Nissen.
December 26, 2022.

3:23

Added July 29, 2026
Transit Like a Pro - Episode 1: Riding the Trolley (2024)Do you want to start riding MTS but don't know where to start? Public transit can feel a little intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. We're here to help! Introducing 'Transit Like a Pro,' our new YouTube series that will help you learn the ins and outs of riding MTS. From planning your trip to calling a stop on a bus, 'Transit Like a Pro' can help you go from transit newbie to expert! Ready to make that first trip on MTS? Don't know where to start? Riding public transit can be a little intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. We're here to help you transit like a pro. So here we are at the MTS trolley station. Whether you get here on foot, by bus, or by car, trolley stations play an important role in the MTS system. They are the anchors of our Transit Network. There are 62 trolley stations throughout the MTS system, with almost all of them providing connections to several MTS bus routes. To help us demonstrate today's trip on the trolley departing from a Transit Center, Hector, say hi. Hector, okay, let's begin. All trolley stations are equipped with the same features to help you on your trip. Some things to be on the lookout for include Pronto ticket machines, where you can purchase a Pronto one-way ticket, add money or a monthly pass to your Pronto card, and check balances; station validators to validate your Pronto fare using a card or mobile app; electronic signs displaying next arrival times; station kiosks containing important how-to-ride information and system maps; and station ID signs telling you what trolley line you're on and the direction in which you're going. The first thing you want to do is obtain a valid fare. Adult one-way tickets are available for 250 at Pronto machines. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most machines, with some accepting cash. Next, make sure you're waiting at the right platform. Destination signs on each side of the platform indicate the direction of the trolley. You can confirm this by looking at the header sign on the front of the trolley. If you already have a valid fare on your Pronto card or app, please tap it on a validator to deduct or validate your fare. After tapping or scanning, you're ready to board. Please wait behind the yellow line at all times, and wait for the trolley to come to a complete stop. To enter, simply press the green button to deploy a ramp. Press the blue ADA button if other passengers are deboarding. Please let them exit before boarding. Once inside, please find a seat or hold on to the handrail while standing. There are ADA seats reserved for seniors or riders with a disability. Please make sure to leave these seats available for those who need them. Enjoy the ride. Bring a book to read or headphones to enjoy your favorite playlist while riding, but don't forget to pay attention to the announcements on board the trolley. Each station is announced shortly before arrival. Oh, and there's no need to call a stop on the trolley. The trolley stops at every station. When you get to your destination, wait until it comes to a complete stop, then step off to continue with your day. If transferring to another trolley line, don't forget to tap your card or scan your app before boarding. Congratulations, Hector. Your first trip on the trolley wasn't so bad, right? Hope to see you on board again soon. For more how-to-ride tutorials, check out the rest of the Transit like a pro playlist. Thank you for choosing Transit.

Postcard: San Diego Blue Line with articulated tram 1040 on America Plaza (1993)San Diego Trolley MTS, articulated light rail vehicle, double-ended, near Santa Fe Station on America Plaza in September 1993 DUEWAG/Siemens 1988, B'2'B'', 2x150 kW, top speed = 80 km/h San Diego MTS (Metropolitan Transit System), light rail vehicle 1040 for bidirectional serviceBy Der Bahnladen, Henrik Boye, Wolfgang Walper - September 1993.

See all photos from Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).

Last updated: August 25, 2026.