Resumed Rail Service and Major Bus Schedule Shifts for Monday Morning Commute

Morning Commute Overview for January 26, 2026

San Diego commuters heading back to work this Monday, January 26, should prepare for a mix of resumed services and significant scheduling adjustments across the county’s transit network. While coastal rail service returns to its normal schedule after a weekend of maintenance, many bus riders will be navigating new timetables that officially took effect yesterday. Official reports from Caltrans and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) highlight key areas where travel times may be impacted.

Public Transit Updates: COASTER and MTS

The most notable news for North County commuters is the resumption of regular coastal rail service. All COASTER and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains between San Diego and Oceanside are back on schedule this morning following a planned weekend closure. The suspension of service on January 24 and 25 allowed crews to complete vital work on the Batiquitos Lagoon Double Track project and the Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Phase 5. Transit officials advise riders to check for any minor residual delays as the first trains move through the newly maintained corridors.

On the bus side, today marks the first weekday commute for the MTS January 2026 service changes. Riders on over a dozen routes should verify their departure times, as several schedules have been adjusted for efficiency. Major changes include:

• Route 12: The downtown terminal has been relocated to the 12th & Imperial Transit Center. Service on 10th and 11th Avenues has been discontinued.
• Routes 2, 8, 9, and 35: These lines have undergone weekday morning schedule adjustments to better align with peak demand.
• Routes 41 and 44: Some early morning trips have been discontinued; commuters who rely on the first trips of the day should confirm their new start times.

Ongoing Roadwork and Construction Detours

While major arteries like the I-5 and I-15 are currently reporting clear conditions, specific localized construction projects will necessitate detours. Route 115 Eastbound remains on detour through January 29 due to ongoing construction. During this period, bus stops at College Ave & Camino Rico and Navajo Rd & College Ave are inactive. Commuters in the San Ysidro area should also expect continued delays at the U.S. Port of Entry. Phase 2 of the $2.7 million border infrastructure project is active, involving continuous lane closures on southbound I-5 as crews install permanent dividers to improve long-term traffic flow.

Accessibility Alert at Grossmont Station

Trolley riders using the Orange or Green lines should be aware that the elevators at the Grossmont Station are currently out of service. This maintenance is expected to last through the end of today. Passengers requiring elevator access are advised to use Bus Route 852 as an alternative to reach the upper level or the station platform. Replacement shuttles are also available outside of regular bus operating hours to ensure continued mobility for all riders.