NCTD+ provides connections to transit and rides around town
Oceanside, CA – North County Transit District (NCTD, The District) held a ribbon cutting event for a new, on-demand transit service that provides affordable rides within a service zone in the City of San Marcos. Elected officials, stakeholders and community members attended the free event to officially launch the beginning of NCTD+.
“Developing new ways to increase mobility, provide more connectivity to our transportation network, and bring new assets to the communities we serve is a key focus for The District,” said Shawn M. Donaghy, NCTD Chief Executive Officer. “This flexible, on-demand service offers the first and last mile connection that will help attract more people to transit.”
San Marcos is the first of four North County areas to receive this new on-demand service over the coming years during the pilot program. The NCTD+ service, which started Monday, June 10, is available within in a 10 square mile zone in San Marcos, including connections to four SPRINTER rail stations and 72 BREEZE bus stops, as well as many key locations such as Palomar College, California State University San Marcos, and the city’s many restaurants and retail stores.
“I am thrilled to see this new service launch in San Marcos,” said San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones. “It provides an entirely new transportation option for college students, seniors, families and employees – anyone who needs to get around in San Marcos.”
NCTD+ lets you schedule a ride wherever you need to go within a 10 square mile zone in San Marcos. The brightly wrapped vans pick up passengers and bring them to their destination. A one-way ride to/from a SPRINTER station is just $2.50, all other destinations within the service zone are $5.00. Additional riders in your party can be added for $2.50 per person. Plus, there is NO surge pricing. Children age 5 and under ride free when accompanied by a fare paying adult.
“NCTD+ offers an easy, convenient and affordable way for anyone to get around in San Marcos,” San Marcos Deputy Mayor and NCTD Board Member Sharon Jenkins stated. “That means more access to our businesses, retail stores, parks, and the many other places to go in San Marcos.”
NCTD+ is easy to use. Download the free NCTD+ app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, book a trip and ride! Typically, passengers can expect pickup within 20 minutes. For those without a smart phone, they can call (760) 726-1111 to book a trip. From now through December 31, 2024, residents get their first ride (up to 8 people) free with promo code FREERIDE.
“This is another great transit option in our city that provides residents with an additional opportunity to reach our local businesses,” shared Rick Rungaitis, San Marcos Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re excited that North County Transit District chose the San Marcos Farmers Market to launch the NCTD+ service.”
NCTD+ is available daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The next NCTD+ service launch is expected in the City of Vista in spring 2025.
For more information about NCTD+ visit GoNCTD.com/Plus.
To view photos and video of the launch event click here.
