With the completion of the San Diego Mid-Coast Trolley Extension, the focus is on the economic potential along the route – NBC 7 San Diego

A huge infrastructure project connecting the San Diego Trolley to University City and UC San Diego has been underway for some time, but a local nonprofit said there are still many ways to increase its economic potential in the areas it serves.

The Mid-Coast Trolley extension is among the largest transit investments in San Diego. Now that the $2.2 billion project is complete, they are focused on economic development.

“I use the trolley all the time,” said Nicole Lillie, a UC San Diego student.

Lillie is among the thousands of commuters who rely on the Mid-Coast Trolley to get around San Diego. She’s been using it since the line opened last year. She said access to this transit system changed her life because she didn’t have a car on campus for the first two quarters.

“But having a trolley on campus allowed me to really explore. I could just hop on the trolley and go to another stop and explore San Diego and this new home that I live in,” Lillie said.

Since the new line opened, ridership has increased by 52%, according to a summary by Circulate San Diego.

The nonprofit think tank said the transit investment is already boosting economic activity in the region. However, they suggest improving transportation and land uses to bring new housing, jobs and biotechnology to the area.

They said the recommendations they proposed would help address the housing crisis and meet climate targets.

“More housing near the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension would help students afford life in San Diego,” said Aidan Lin of UC San Diego.

The recommendations require collaboration between the San Diego Metropolitan System, the San Diego Association of Governments, and the City of San Diego.