Aug 19, 2008 By San Diego Suburban Newspapers - La Jolla Light
The Metropolitan Transit System announced today that it will operate express bus service to all San Diego Chargers weekend home games at Qualcomm Stadium this regular season.
The Chargers Express service, operated by MTS for more than 25 years, was threatened this year by new Federal Transit Administration regulations intended to promote competition between taxpayer-subsidized transit agencies and private transportation companies.
Following complaints by the Chargers, fans and elected officials earlier this month, the FTA gave a temporary go-ahead to the MTS to continue to operate its express buses to games.
More than 100 private bus companies were notified of the opportunity to bid on the service, but none had by Friday's deadline, according to the MTS.
Chargers Express buses are used by more than 2,600 fans each game.
"This starts off the season with a big win for Chargers fans,'' said Paul Jablonski, MTS' chief executive officer. ``Fans love the convenience of getting in and out of the stadium quickly aboard these express buses.''
MTS will operate its Chargers Express service from five locations in the county for all weekend home games during the regular season, which begins Sept. 7 with the season opener against the Carolina Panthers.
The round trip fare is $10. Buses begin loading two hours before game time, with the last bus departing 45 minutes before kickoff. Buses leave Qualcomm Stadium 20 minutes after the final whistle.
The buses will depart from:
Kearny Mesa Traffic Court on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
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