Free bus, Trolley, SPRINTER, and COASTER service on New Year’s Eve
SAN DIEGO — Ringing in the New Year just got a little more affordable for those planning to use public transit in San Diego.
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and the North County Transit District (NCTD) will provide complimentary rides after 6 p.m. on Dec. 31, as well as extended late-night service from downtown on the MTS Trolley and NCTD COASTER.
Free rides will include all bus, Trolley, SPRINTER and COASTER service.
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“There are so many great things to celebrate from 2023 and looking ahead to 2024, and we want people to do that safely,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Boardmember and San Diego City Councilmember, District 3. “We hope offering free public transit encourages folks to leave the car at home, hop on the Trolley or a bus at no cost, and enjoy the celebrations safely and hassle free.”
There will also be New Years Eve MTS Trolley service from 12th and Imperial. Here’s a breakdown of services:
Green Line
Service will run every 30 minutes.
Last train to Santee departs at 2:06 a.m.
UC San Diego Blue Line
Service will run south to San Ysidro every 15 minutes (until 12:37 a.m.), and then every 30 minutes. Service will run north to UTC every 30 minutes.
Last train southbound to San Ysidro departs at 2:37 a.m.
Last train northbound to UTC departs at 2:08 a.m.
Orange Line
Service will run every 30 minutes.
Last train eastbound to Arnele Ave. Station departs at 2:26 a.m.
Extra NCTD COASTER service will also be provided. An extra southbound train will depart from Oceanside Transit Center at 10:36 p.m., and the last northbound train will depart from Santa Fe Depot at 1:20 a.m.
Taking the Sprinter? There will be extra trips departing Oceanside Transit Center at 12:33 a.m., 1:33 a.m., and 2:33 a.m. There will also be extra trips departing Escondido Transit Center at 11:33 p.m., 12:33 a.m., and 1:33 a.m.
A full look at ride schedules for New Year’s Eve can be found here. On New Year’s Day, MTS bus and Trolley routes will operate a Sunday schedule.
FOX 5 spoke with one resident who said he likes the idea of the free rides because it ensures safety, and means less car accidents.
“It’s always good to not drink and drive, because fatalities, people died they get hurt, injuries, won’t go to jail or get a DUI,” said Jimmie Gregory, a San Diego native and Airforce veteran.
If you are planning on going out to ring in the New Year, you have plenty of options to get around the county safely. Such as an Uber or Lyft, but also free public transportation offered by MTS and NCTD.
Gregory has used the complimentary service in the past.
“It was very good, it was clean and efficient they had enough going where I didn’t have to wait too long between trolleys, it was a good thing,” Gregory explained.
We want people to take advantage of free public transportation, leave the driving to us and let us get you homes safely on New Year’s Eve,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember.
Whitburn said getting home safely, also means while you are riding.
“We’ll be having extra security on New Year’s Eve so don’t be surprised if you see security personnel on the trolley, they are there to keep you safe,” Whitburn said.
With all the driving alternatives, California Highway Patrol Captain Reggie Williams said, “There is no reason to drive impaired anymore. Please plan ahead, utilize these services and arrive safely.”
CHP will be out in their maximum enforcement period, from Friday night at 6:01 PM, to just before midnight January 1. CHP officers will be nailing down unsafe driving.
“As you travel as you gather, and party and socialize, have care and concern for your fellow community members, and exercise the highest level of safety,” Williams said.
Caltrans will have electronic signs along highways with a message that reads:
DONT DRIVE DRUNK
FREE TRANSIT
NEW YEARS EVE
The message will be visible from 8am on 12/30 to midnight on 1/1.
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