The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is now offering a free multichannel, video on demand (VOD) service for their passengers using FlashPoints Media Group’s latest ad supported entertainment system for transit operators. The service will be accessible to passengers on their mobile devices, including smart phones, tablets, and laptops.
There will be no cost or data usage fees for riders to access movies, television shows, cartoons and other entertainment. MTS-TV will initially be available on all Trolleys operating on the Green Line, with rollout on all Blue and Orange Line Trolleys to be completed by the end of August 2015. The MTS-TV service will be available in the major Trolley stations on all three Trolley lines by the end of September 2015.
Ad Loading...
“This first-of-its-kind offering is meant to enhance the experience of our Trolley passengers who rely on us daily to get to their destinations,” said Paul Jablonski, CEO at MTS. “Public transportation plays a vital role in the San Diego region and our goal is to offer new features as services grow.”
Passengers will be able to access the free video programming by connecting to the MTS-TV WiFi on their mobile device and opening the MTS-TV home page on their Internet browser. The system is provided to MTS by FlashPoints Media Group. (FlashPoints), the developer of the Mass Transit Media Streamer system (marketed as MTS-TV in San Diego). Revenue generated through limited advertising will be shared with MTS.
Cox Communications is participating with both MTS and FlashPoints in this first-to-market trial by donating much of its locally produced video content. “We’re pleased to help enable an easy and convenient way for public transportation users to enjoy video entertainment,” said Dave Bialis, senior VP, regional manager for Cox California. “As mobile technology grows, we’re continuing to provide innovative solutions for consumers.”
“Our unique technology offering to transit operators provides passengers a free multichannel VOD system and provides the operator a share of the advertising revenue,” said Bob Kulakowski, CEO of FlashPoints, based in San Diego. “With the growing number of people riding public transit and the explosive growth in the use of mobile devices we are delighted to offer a high performance Video on Demand system to the transit operators.”
Content highlights include:
• Sam the Cooking Guy (Cox San Diego) • TEDx Talks • Kids Cartoons/Classic Cartoons • Hollywood Movies (available in English and Spanish) • Hollywood Gossip • Coming to a Theater Near You (Movie Trailers) • Action/Extreme Sports GoPro • ON the Spot (History, Geography, and Animals) • Unsealed: Alien Files (SciFi) • Pioneers (SciFi) • About San Diego: Destinations and Sights • The Other Cooking Channel • Music Scene • Gone Fishing • At the San Diego Zoo • Geographic Discovery Science
Each one of the three MTS Trolley Lines services more than one million passengers a month. The Green Line runs between downtown San Diego and Santee, with stops in Old Town, Mission Valley and Fashion Valley, Qualcomm Stadium and more. The Blue Line goes from Downtown and stops in Chula Vista, National City and San Ysidro. The Orange Line runs from Downtown through Lemon Grove, and out to Le Mesa and El Cajon.
Operation Lifesaver awarded $220,200 in grants to 12 states to support rail safety campaigns focused on grade crossing awareness and trespass prevention.
The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.
Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.
In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.
The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.
The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.
While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.
With more than 59,400,000 boardings since the service’s debut, the A Line’s utilization surpassed that of all other RTD rail services in 2025, the agency reported.
The plan outlines funding for transit operations, capital projects, and freight and passenger rail initiatives, as state officials seek public input on priorities shaping mobility and infrastructure across the Commonwealth.
