SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The North County Transit District announced plans last week to expand the COASTER rail line to the downtown convention center.
The San Diego Pathing Study outlined the plan to bring COASTER service to the convention center. The long-term endeavor would extend service from the Santa Fe Depot to the Convention Center. The plan includes an eventual station at the Convention Center.
The study is mapped out in near-, mid-, and long-term projects. The convention center extension and station are listed in the plan's mid-term phase, while extending service to a new Amtrak facility in National City for Pacific Surfliner operations falls in the long-term phase.
The full plan, which includes other rail enhancements and services, would cost about $1 billion.
"The collaboration on this important study by NCTD and its freight partner represents the best example of a win-win in public-private partnerships," said Tony Kranz, NCTD Board Chair. "We look forward to applying this framework in our capital project planning. We expect these findings will translate into improved passenger and freight services that support our efforts to increase rail service frequencies, improve our rider experience, and improve our economy and overall quality of life."
In addition to extending the COASTER south and Pacific Surfliner to National City, the plan also aims to provide eight freight paths per directions between the Port of San Diego and the Los Angeles area.
