San Diego County transit agencies give free rides and extended service for New Year's Eve

As San Diegans prepare to ring in the New Year, local leaders reminded residents that many government offices will be closed Wednesday and Thursday for the holiday, and that free public transit will be available on New Year’s Eve to help people get home safely.

Free public transit rides across San Diego County on New Year’s Eve

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and the North County Transit – San Diego Railroad will offer free rides and extended late-night service on Wednesday. Complimentary rides will be available after 6 p.m. on all MTS buses and trolley lines, as well as on NCTD’s COASTER, SPRINTER, BREEZE fixed- route services, LIFT and NCTD+.

Both agencies will operate additional late-night service from downtown San Diego on the trolley and COASTER, with NCTD also extending SPRINTER service between Escondido and Oceanside.

MTS will run late-night trolley service on the UC San Diego Blue Line, Orange Line, Copper Line and Green Line past 1 a.m., with several trips to UTC, San Ysidro, El Cajon and Santee.

“The end of the year should be about celebration, that’s why MTS is offering free rides on New Year’s Eve. We want everyone to enjoy the moment and also get home safely,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilman. “The best decision people can make on New Year’s Eve is choosing transit and letting someone else do the driving.”

Full schedules are available at sdmts.com/newyearseve.

NCTD’s final COASTER will depart Santa Fe Depot at 1:20 a.m. The last SPRINTER will leave the Escondido Transit Center at 1:33 a.m. and the Oceanside Transit Center at 2:33 a.m. For complete schedules, visit GoNCTD.com/NewYearsEve.

“At NCTD, our priority is keeping our communities connected and safe,” said NCTD Board Chair Priya Bhat-Patel. “By offering free rides and extended late-night service on New Year’s Eve, we’re giving riders a reliable, responsible way to celebrate while ensuring everyone has a safe trip home.”

Reduced public transit services for Jan. 1

On New Year’s Day, San Diego public transit riders should plan for a reduced Sunday service schedule on all MTS and NCTD services. Regular weekday schedules will resume on Friday, Jan. 2.

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