Copper Line (San Diego Trolley)

Copper Line
Trolley at Santee
Overview
Other name(s)Copper Line–East County Connector
OwnerSan Diego Metropolitan Transit System
LocaleSan Diego, California
Termini
Stations4[1]
Websitesdmts.com/inside-mts/current-projects/copper-line-east-county-connector
Service
TypeLight rail
SystemSan Diego Trolley
Operator(s)San Diego Trolley, Inc.
Rolling stockSingle-car trains[2][3]
History
OpenedSeptember 29, 2024[4]
Technical
Line length3.8 mi (6.1 km)[1]
Number of tracks2 (El Cajon–Gillespie Field)
1 (Gillespie Field–Santee)
Track gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
ElectrificationOverhead line, 600 V DC
Operating speed55 mph (89 km/h) (max)
Route map
Map Copper Line highlighted in copper
Legend
 Santee
California 52.svg SR 52
 Gillespie Field
Arnele Avenue
I-8 (1961).svg I-8
 El Cajon
Green Line
to 12th & Imperial
Orange Line
to Courthouse
Multiple
services
Handicapped/disabled access
All stations
are accessible
This diagram:

The Copper Line, officially the Copper Line–East County Connector,[2] is a light rail line in the San Diego Trolley system, operated by San Diego Trolley, Inc. an operating division of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). Located in East County, San Diego, it operates as a shuttle between El Cajon Transit Center and Santee station. It opened on September 29, 2024, making it the system's newest line.

MTS created the Copper Line because the section of the line between Gillespie Field station and Santee has a single track, which has been the source of delays that impact both the Green and Orange lines. The Copper Line aims to alleviate these issues by creating a dedicated shuttle service disconnected from the larger Green and Orange lines.

  1. ^ a b "San Diego Trolley, Inc" (PDF). San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. February 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 21, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Copper Line – East County Connector". San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. April 29, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference TAM was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Vigil, Jennifer (September 29, 2024). "MTS Copper Line Trolley Service Begins Sunday Between El Cajon, Santee". Times of San Diego. Retrieved September 29, 2024.