Get down on the trolley

Renovation work began at the Palm Avenue and Iris Avenue trolley stations last month as part of the Metropolitan Transit System’s Trolley Renewal Project. According to the MTS website, the $660 million project — a complete overhaul of the 30-year-old trolley system — that began in 2010 will be finished in 2015. The modifications to the system will allow for the use of new low-floor trolleys on the entire MTS network.

Renovation of three stations (Barrio Logan, Harborside, and Pacific Fleet) has been completed, and construction continues at seven other stations along the Blue Line route, including Palm Avenue and Iris Avenue.

Work includes new station platforms, next-arrival electronic signs, shelters, track, switches, and overhead electric wire. Construction at the Palm Avenue Station has resulted in a reduction in parking spots, and commuters are being pointed to Ocean View Church (2460 Palm Avenue) for additional parking.

A construction worker at the Palm Avenue Station mentioned that there are no plans to temporarily stop trolley service at that location during the renovation, but there have been cases in the past where commuters have had to take buses to connect from one station to another. Commuters are being asked to check the MTS website in order to keep abreast of any service disruptions.

According to the MTS website, the implementation of low-floor trolley cars eliminates the need for wheelchair lifts and leads to reduced boarding and exit times. The Green Line is now completely running the low-floor trolley cars.