Rapid 235 will pick passengers up both northbound and southbound on the SR-15 freeway level Centerline stations | Passengers (and bus operators) will appreciate the 2.5 miles stretch of bus-only lanes during peak traffic times.

MTS is getting its first-ever freeway-level transit stations! The Mid-City Centerline Rapid Transit Stations were built by the San Diego Association of Governments and Caltrans to serve Rapid 235 along State Route 15 at University Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard.

In addition to the stations, a new 2.5-mile segment of transit-only lanes (MTS busonly dedicated lanes) were built within the existing SR 15 median from just north of Interstate 805 to just south of Interstate 8.

Bus operators – and passengers – will appreciate the dedicated lanes. “The biggest thing operators will notice is that they skirt around all the traffic,” said Peter Casellini, Associate Transportation Planner. “Operators won’t be stuck in congestion during the morning and afternoon peak hours. They also won’t have to deal with traffic lights on the Centerline segment. It’s a straight shot and will be a much faster and smoother journey,” added Casellini.

No autos are allowed in the Centerline lanes and large concrete barriers were installed to separate auto traffic from buses. The only other vehicles they’ll see in the lanes are Rapid 235 buses running in the other direction.

Rapid 235 will run the same route as before, but will not have to exit the freeway ramps at El Cajon Blvd. and University Ave. to pick up passengers at street level. Instead, the route will stay on the freeway, and operate in northbound and southbound transit-only lanes. The $65 million project is intended to improve on-time performance and connections between the existing Rapid system and local transit routes. While only Rapid 235 will use the Centerline stations now, more Rapid options are anticipated to come online in the future as the region grows and needs more transit. It’s been built for added capacity.

Training for MTS bus operators took place in February. The Bus Training Department shot video at the stations and prepared operators similar to when Rapid 215 opened on Park Blvd with dedicated bus lanes. “The training videos, developed by MTS’ training dept., provided an exceptional opportunity to bring the new route segment into the classroom setting,” said Mike Daney, MTS Manager of MTS’ Rapid Service and Contract Operations.

“Prior to opening the new facility, our training procedures ensured that our operators are well prepared and ready to go. Out of the gates, our primary focus was on those operators scheduled to drive this Rapid route. As more operators were assigned to the route for the first time, they were able to review the video, ask questions and perform ridealongs before getting on the road

• Amenities at the two Mid-City Centerline Stations Include:
  • Private entrances and exits to avoid street-level traffic
  • Digital display boards for real-time information and service announcements
  • New benches and shelters
  • Elevator/ADA access
  • Designated bike channel on the staircase
  • Assigned security officers at both Centerline stations during operating hours
  • PA system for dispatch to make announcements
  • Closed Caption Television capabilities
  • Live security video monitors
• Nearby Routes Connected to Mid-City Centerline
  • Route 1 (Hillcrest - Grossmont Transit Center) – Connects at the El Cajon Blvd. Centerline station. Runs every 15 min. most of the day.
  • Route 7 (Downtown – La Mesa) – Connects at the University Centerline station. Runs every 12 min. or better most of the day.
  • Route 10 (City Heights – Old Town Transit Center) – Connects at the University Centerline station. Runs every 15 min. or better most of the day.
  • Route 60 (Euclid Transit Center Express - UTC) – Connects at both the El Cajon Blvd. and University Centerline stations. Runs Mon- Fri every 30 min. north in the morning peak and south in the afternoon peak.
  • Rapid 215 (Downtown San Diego – SDSU) – Connects at the El Cajon Blvd. Centerline station. Runs every 10-15 min. most of the day.
  • Route 965 (City Heights Circulator) – Connects at the University Centerline