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Frequently Asked Questions
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- What are NCTD's office hours?
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NCTD's Customer Service center at the Administrative Office at 810 Mission Ave. is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Customer Service windows at the Oceanside, Vista and Escondido Transit Centers are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m to 7 p.m.
- What are your operating hours and scheduled holidays?
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BREEZE Buses operate 365 days a year, with reduced schedules on Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays, see route schedules for details. The COASTER commuter train operates Monday through Saturday. The COASTER does not operate on Sundays or on major holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day). The COASTER runs fewer trains the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve day and New Year's Eve day. The COASTER operates with a normal schedule on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day. View the Rider Alerts page for more details.
- How do I learn how to use the NCTD public transit system?
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Start on the BREEZE, SPRINTER and COASTER "How to Ride" pages or call 760-966-6500 to request a copy of the Rider's Guide. For customized trip planning, call 511 or visit Transit.511sd.com. If you have a disability or are a senior, visit the Mobility and Travel Training program page.
- What number can I call for information if I live outside San Diego County?
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Call our regional information operators directly at 619-233-3004 from phones outside of San Diego County.
- What is the quickest route to my destination?
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- How do I get to the San Diego Airport?
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Take the COASTER to Downtown San Diego (Santa Fe Depot). You can use your COASTER ticket or monthly pass to transfer for free to MTS route 992 Airport Flyer. Review our list of COASTER stations, view COASTER schedule and learn more about how to use the Airport Flyer route 992 to connect to the airport. When planning your return trip, keep in mind the COASTER has limited service on Saturdays and does not operate on Sundays.
- Can you send me transportation information to tourist attractions in your area?
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Click here to view a list of destinations from COASTER stations. To request a Rider's Guide with this information, call NCTD's Customer Service at 760-966-6500.
- Does NCTD accept transfers?
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If you have a valid COASTER ticket or monthly pass, you can transfer for FREE to the SPRINTER or BREEZE buses. Passengers wanting to transfer from BREEZE bus to BREEZE bus, will need to purchase another fare or may purchase a Day Pass to ride all day for one low price. You can transfer from a BREEZE bus to an MTS bus, but a cash upgrade may be required. A BREEZE Day Pass is valid on OCTA buses for one boarding and vice versa. Click here to learn more about transfers from the sdmts.com web site. If transferring from an RTA bus to a BREEZE bus in Oceanside, full fare is required. Metrolink tickets and passes are valid for one boarding on the SPRINTER/BREEZE at the Oceanside Transit Center.
With a SPRINTER/BREEZE Day Pass, you are eligible to transfer to the COASTER and receive a transfer from transit discount off the COASTER ticket. Metrolink and RTA fare media are not valid for proof of eligibility for transfer from transit discount on the COASTER. Click here to learn more about transferring to the COASTER.
- Do you accept credit cards?
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Ticket Vending Machines at COASTER and SPRINTER stations currently accept credit cards and debit cards. You can not use a credit card on board a BREEZE bus (cash only). Contact NCTD Customer Service for information on the Pass By Mail program or to order monthly passes with a credit card.
- Are discounts available for students, class trips, seniors or people with disabilities?
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- What is the fare for NCTD's services?
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- Where can I purchase tickets?
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Purchase BREEZE single trip and Day Passes on board the BREEZE buses. BREEZE/SPRINTER Monthly and regional passes (such as the senior/disabled/medicard pass) can be purchased from Customer Service or view the list of Bus Pass Outlets. Purchase SPRINTER tickets and regular monthly passes from Ticket Vending Machines located on station platforms. Purchase COASTER tickets and monthly passes from Ticket Vending Machines located on station platforms.
- Where can I get a half-price monthly pass?
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NCTD does not sell half-priced passes at this time. Half-priced regional passes are available only at The Transit Store in downtown San Diego.
- What is your service area?
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NCTD's geographical service area encompasses 1,020 square miles of north San Diego County extending from Del Mar in the South, northeasterly to Escondido, north to the Riverside County line and west to the Orange Count line. The area includes the unincorporated communities of Fallbrook and Ramona as well as the Camp Pendleton Marine Corp Base. Other cities in the service area include Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista and San Marcos. BREEZE routes run as far south as University Towne Center in La Jolla (route 101); San Clemente in the north (route 395) and Ramona in the east (route 386). The total population of the NCTD service area is more than 800,000.
- How do I access the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base?
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Three BREEZE bus routes serve the Camp Pendleton base: 315, 395, and 397. All persons entering Camp Pendleton must have valid identification and are subject to search at any time.
- How is NCTD funded?
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NCTD's funds come from a variety of sources. Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds account for 42% and are based on local sales tax collected in our service area. Passenger fares supply 22% of revenues, followed by 16% from a variety of sources including property leases and vehicle advertising. 13% of funds come from the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) and 7% from TransNet, the voter-approved sales tax dedicated to transportation.
- How frequently do buses run?
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Many BREEZE routes operate every hour or every half-hour. Visit individual route timetables for exact schedules.
- How can I get a BREEZE Rider's Guide sent to me?
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The entire contents of the guide is available on this website. However, if you need a hardcopy sent to you, call the NCTD Customer Service department at 760-966-6500 or contact us.
- What is the parking availability at stations?
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It is best to arrive 20 minutes before your train leaves to secure parking, especially for Padres and Chargers game day trains. Parking lots are typically at full capacity by mid-day in Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad Poinsettia and Encinitas. Click here to learn more about parking lot locations at our COASTER stations. Click here to learn more about parking at our SPRINTER stations.
- Why can't I get tickets in advanced for future COASTER trips?
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The new Ticket Vending Machines were programmed to coincide with the region's Smart Card implementation, also known as the Compass Card. Although SANDAG had a significant delay, we needed to install the TVMs in June 2007. The new machines self-validate a ticket and therefore, tickets must be used on the day purchased. When the Compass Card, the region's transit smart card, is available for passengers in 2009, passengers will be able to load multiple trips on a card in advance and simply tap & go every time they board a train, instead of purchasing ten trip tickets. Visit compasscard.org for more information.
- Can I eat or drink on the BREEZE, COASTER or SPRINTER?
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Food and drinks are permitted on the COASTER. Please be sure to pick up your trash and dispose of it either in the trash receptacles located on the trains or on station platforms. Passengers are not permitted to eat or drink on BREEZE buses or SPRINTER trains. No open containers or consumption of alcoholic beverages will be allowed on BREEZE buses (including special event Express Buses for sporting events) in accordance with California Vehicle Code sections 23221, 23223 and PUC section 5353(e).
- Can I take a cooler on the COASTER or Express Buses for sporting events?
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Coolers or alcoholic beverages are not permitted on BREEZE Express Buses. Passengers can bring coolers on the COASTER, but Styrofoam containers are not recommended, which have a tendency to break. Properly dispose of all coolers, cans and bottles in station trash or recycling receptacles.
- How often do you clean your vehicles?
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NCTD takes pride in the appearance and cleanliness of our rolling stock. Our BREEZE buses are washed on the outside and cleaned / vacuumed on the inside each night. We make all attempts to remove or clean any graffiti as soon as it is spotted.
COASTER trains are given an exterior wash every other night and cleaned inside every night. We realize that after more than 12 years of service some of our COASTER coaches are showing their age. Although the trains are still extremely reliable, NCTD has been working to spruce up the appearance. This $3 million refurbishment project is taking place over five years and involves upgrading 22 total coaches. In the interior of the vehicles, the carpet and tile flooring is being replaced. On the seats, you'll notice new foam cushions and beach-themed upholstery with new head rests. The trains are being completely cleaned and detailed. Externally, the trains are undergoing a new paint job which will mitigate corrosion and maximize the lifespan of these vehicles. The headrests on many coaches were especially showing wear and tear, so we replaced headrests in all these coaches first.
You can help keep our trains and buses clean by picking and properly disposing of trash, especially bottles and cans, which when left behind are often spilled.
- Who should I contact if a bus stop needs cleaning?
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Contact Customer Service at 760-966-6500 and we will coordinate cleaning of the bus stop with the appropriate city or jurisdiction.
- Why doesn't the COASTER run more frequently or on Sundays?
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The COASTER is primarily a commuter service, with the majority of passengers heading south in the mornings and north in the afternoons on weekdays. COASTER schedules best meet the needs of these commuters. We also share the rail line with up to 24 Amtrak trains and 4 to 6 freight trains a day. Until the rail line is double tracked in more sections, we are physically limited in the number of trains we can operate on this busy corridor. Moreover, NCTD must balance fiscal constraints with passenger demand. Trains don't run on Sundays because ridership projections are low. However, in 2008 the COASTER added trains on Saturday nights and Sunday for home Padres and Chargers games.
- How safe is the NCTD public transit system?
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One of NCTD’Äôs high priority goals is to ensure the safety and security of our employees and customers. We do this by thoroughly training NCTD personnel and security officers with a wealth of specialized knowledge. BREEZE buses, SPRINTER trains and transit centers & stations are equipped with security cameras. All of our equipment undergoes routine safety and maintenance checks. We patrol the rail line to ensure it is protected and secure. Recently, NCTD’Äôs San Diego Northern Railway (SDNR) was bestowed the prestigious 2005 JAKE Award for excellence in railroad safety, largely the result of our dedication to railroad safety and compliance. Administered by the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, the JAKE is the highest safety recognition bestowed by the industry on a non-Class 1 railroad. SDNR received it for exceeding the industry safety average.
- Is wireless internet access available on the COASTER yet?
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Not at this time. The board has directed staff to pursue this benefit for COASTER passengers. More information will be posted on this site when available.
- What is the difference between the COASTER, Amtrak and Metrolink?
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The COASTER commuter trains operate between Oceanside and downtown San Diego (Santa Fe Depot) and serve eight stations. The Metrolink commuter trains serve Oceanside and operate in Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is a southern California intercity service that operates between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, with stops only at San Diego (Santa Fe Depot), Solana Beach and Oceanside in our service area.
- Why isn't there better coordination between COASTER and METROLINK trains in Oceanside?
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The COASTER and Metrolink train systems focus on two opposite operating plans. The COASTER focuses on the southbound commuter, while Metrolink focuses on northbound commutes. Amtrak serves passengers who need to make intercity trips. Since each train operator shares the tracks with other trains, each schedule has physical constraints.
- Will I be able to use my BREEZE monthly pass or Day Pass on the SPRINTER?
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Yes. BREEZE/SPRINTER Monthly Passes and Day Passes are used interchangeably on the BREEZE and SPRINTER. A COASTER ticket is valid for two hours after purchase for use on the SPRINTER. COASTER monthly pass holders also ride the SPRINTER for no additional charge.
- Where can I receive help planning a trip over the phone or online?
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- How do I find out more about SPRINTER rail safety?
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- What are the eligibility requirements for LIFT paratransit services?
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- Does the LIFT paratransit service reach the VA Hospital in San Diego and San Clemente in the north?
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LIFT paratransit service provides transportation to all areas where the BREEZE buses travel. Transfers to San Diego's paratransit services, Access or CTS, are simple. When you schedule your trip with LIFT, the reservationist will take your info rmation and set up the transfer for you. Transfer points include North County Fair in Escondido , the VA Hospital in La Jolla , and on Day Street in Ramona, by the Kmart. Our northernmost stop is at the Carl's Jr. on El Camino Real in San Clemente . You would need to contact OCTA Access, at (877) OCTA-ADA, to schedule a trip from that transfer point.
- Why do BREEZE buses look empty?
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If you see a BREEZE bus running with few passengers, you probably saw it in the off-peak hours or at the end of its route. Roads and parking lots are often empty as well but are built to absorb peak demand. We would not reduce Interstate-5 to two lanes simply because that is what may be needed late at night. Buses are operated in the same way. A school or commuter run, which is at full capacity during peak hours, may have few riders in the middle of the day. It is not feasible to run two different bus fleets: such as a large bus for peak times and a small bus for off-peak times. NCTD is constantly evaluating our bus routes to shift resources to make our system most efficient.
- How do I register a complaint?
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NCTD welcomes public comment. For your convenience, we have "Rider Report" forms available at the Customer Service windows at the Oceanside, Vista, and Escondido Transit Centers. Of course, you can also call our main office during business hours at 760-966-6500, fax us at 760-967-2001 or mail to NCTD Customer Service, 810 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, California, 92054. If you prefer to send an e-mail please download the PDF form from the Customer Service contact page.
- Can I take a bike, skateboard, surfboard, or stroller on board?
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You can take these items on board the BREEZE, COASTER and SPRINTER. Surfboards (or boogie boards) must be less than 6 feet in length and held upright in front of the passenger. Skateboards must be held on laps. Bikes on the COASTER can be secured with Velcro tie downs. Bikes on the BREEZE (up to 2 per bus) must be stored on the bike rack on the front of the bus. Strollers can be brought on board the BREEZE and SPRINTER, but must be collapsed. These items must not block aisles, seats, doorways or exits. Look for the decals on the doors of the SPRINTER for bikes, strollers and wheelchairs. SPRINTER trains have tie down hooks for bungee cords, but you must carry your own (not provided on the train). Each SPRINTER train has a striped yellow area for bikes and the area can hold as many bikes as can fit; first come, first served. Bikes on the SPRINTER must not block the area for wheelchair passengers.
- Do you have a lost and found for items left on the bus or train?
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Yes, it is located at the Oceanside Transit Center. Call 760-967-2884.
- What are you doing to help the environment?
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You can turn to public transit as a way to tame congestion on our roadways and help keep air quality at safe levels. At NCTD, we take pride in our innovations that have allowed us to leave less of a footprint on our environment. We chose to take an alternative fuel based path for our BREEZE buses in 2002, reducing particulate emissions in the bus fleet by 69%. Currently, nearly half our buses run on environmentally-friendly compressed natural gas (CNG).
Public transportation improves air quality by reducing pollution. Compared with private vehicles, public transportation produces, on average, per passenger mile, 95 percent less carbon monoxide, 92 percent fewer volatile organic compounds, 45 percent less carbon dioxide and 48 percent less nitrogen oxide.
The COASTER has been using ultra-low sulfur content diesel fuel for years. This fuel contains 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur and is therefore better for our environment (also more expensive than regular diesel fuel). The COASTER acquired two new locomotives in 2002 which are the lowest emission diesel passenger locomotives available in the marketplace. The locomotives burn low sulfur content fuel to a high efficiency level, which has greatly reduced particulate emissions. All five locomotives that started COASTER operations in 1995 have been overhauled with new advanced emission-control technologies including turbochargers combined with software that allow the engines to burn fuel to the highest efficiency. These overhauls have been done well in advance of any regulatory efforts targeting locomotives.
- How many cars does public transit take off the road?
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It's hard to determine exactly how many cars are kept off the road each day, but we do know that our BREEZE bus system moves nearly 35,000 passengers each weekday, while the COASTER averages 6,500+ passengers on a weekday. The SPRINTER is projected to move more than 11,000 passengers on weekdays.
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