MTS to Add Amenities to SuperLoop in UCSD and UTC Areas

SANDAG and MTS announced Tuesday that the SuperLoop, a bus loop with stops in the North University City and UC San Diego area, will get a $6 million upgrade.

As part of the project, MTS will install 17 branded "SuperLoop stations" at bus stops along Routes 201 and 202. Stations include shelters, electronic signs indicating next bus arrival times, seating, leaning rails and energy-efficient lighting.

Construction started earlier this month and is scheduled for completion in late 2012. During construction, temporary bus stops will be set up within a short walking distance of the existing stop. Signs will posted to alert rider of any and all changes.

Funding for the project comes from TransNet, the regional half-cent sales tax for transportation projects, according to SANDAG.

SuperLoop service began in June 2009 as a loop between Westfield UTC and UC San Diego. SANDAG said ridership in the first full year was 15 percent higher than forecasted. As of July 2011, more than 2.3 million people have used the SuperLoop.

The current fare for a one-way fare on the SuperLoop is $2.25. UC San Diego students with valid student identification and a bus zone sticker ride free.