The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) announced that new state-of-the-art digital boards are being installed along the Trolley’s Orange Line that will provide passengers with important real-time messages about service. 

The Variable-Message Signs (VMS) keep passengers informed about the next arriving Trolleys, service disruptions, special events, and more.

"As part of MTS’s ongoing commitment to enhance the rider experience, we’re ensuring riders have timely, accurate, and easily accessible travel information using the latest technology," said Stephen Whitburn, MTS board chair. "This important upgrade reinforces our dedication to providing high-quality public transit service for our community."

Providing Flexibility, Real-Time Updates

The Orange Line VMS Replacement Project will provide greater display flexibility, enabling real-time Trolley arrival updates, delivery of critical passenger notifications, special event information, public service announcements, and more. These improvements will significantly improve the agency’s ability to communicate in real-time with riders.

In total, 78 digital signs will be installed at 19 Trolley stations. The installation at all stations is scheduled to be completed by the end of spring with no impact on Trolley operations.

The transit agency invested $2.3 million on the VMS modernization project, which is funded in part by a 2022 Transit and Intercity Rail Program (TIRCP) Award from the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA). The Green, UC San Diego Blue, and Copper Lines will also get VMS upgrades after the Orange Line is completed.

Partnering to Complete the Project

MTS partnered with Psomas, Global Display Solutions, and Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Inc. for the design, procurement, and installation of the signs, respectively. 

The VMS integrates the latest optical bonding technology. This improvement makes the monitors more robust to withstand the elements and have an improved image quality when exposed to sunlight. 

Additionally, the updated technology allows for close monitoring of the whole unit, as well as individual and crucial components to ensure optimal performance.

MTS also has plans to modernize the Orange Line track infrastructure this year to ensure a smoother and faster ride on its Trolley network. 

The comprehensive state of good repair project aims to enhance the railroad signaling system between 32nd Street and Massachusetts stations along the Orange Line to increase train speeds, replace and upgrade grade crossing safety equipment, reconstruct three new pedestrian grade crossings, and upgrade lighting in MTS parking lots to energy efficient LED systems.