The Metropolitan Trolley System has removed the yellow tape that had roped off the station at San Ysidro Boulevard for two weeks while it implemented a new ticketing system and cracked down on fare cheaters.

MTS brought down the tape after merchants complained that it was eyesore.

"We were ready to declare it garbage in the community and take it down," said Jason Wells, executive director of the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce.

MTS spokesman Rob Schupp said, "we recognize that the tape was an inelegant solution."

He said the tape was used because the station lacks fencing.

MTS had roped off most of the station, except for a few entry points, while it implemented its new ticketing system.

Resale of the paper $5 day passes also has been a problem at the border station as street vendors would often buy them from people returning to Tijuana and resell them.

"What we wanted to do was make sure everybody was buying a pass," Schupp said.

MTS has stopped issuing paper day passes at the border station. Trolley riders who want a 24-hour pass must buy it in a reusable Compass Card, which costs $2. The card is used now by riders who buy monthly passes. MTS plans to phase out paper day passes at other stations, Schupp said.

San Ysidro was selected as a pilot site because more than 3,000 riders purchase day tickets there, the most in the system, Schupp said.

Local businesses complained that the tape was unsightly, however.

The trolley station is the final southbound trolley stop, just feet from the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Merchants were concerned that it was the first thing pedestrians could see after crossing the border.

Wells of the San Ysidro chamber likened the image of the station to that of a house that had been covered with toilet paper by juvenile pranksters on Halloween.

Wells said merchants raised their concerns early with MTS and decided to take down the tape themselves because of a "lack of response."

Wells said they were ready to take action Wednesday morning but MTS beat them to it.

"The threat of a cleanup was enough," Wells said.

Schupp said the tape was removed at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

MTS plans to continue to promote the use of the Compass Card at the station, Schupp said. "We're considering adding fencing. We will not use the yellow tape," he said.

Wells said, "We're thankful MTS decided to work with the community and we look forward to a better working relationship in the future."

Leonel.sanchez@sandiegored.com