Policies

Rules of Riding
  • Alcohol: Possession of an open container containing an alcoholic beverage or consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited on all NCTD vehicles, at all NCTD Transit Facilities, and on NCTD property. Violations may result in a citation/fine pursuant to NCTD Ordinance 3, Penal Code section 640 and/or Public Utilities Code §99170(a)(6).
  • Attire: Shirts and shoes required at all times.
  • Behavior: Do not disrupt train conductors or bus operators. No loud, profane, threatening, or disruptive speech. Violations may result in a citation/fine pursuant to NCTD Ordinance 3, Penal Code section 640 and/or Public Utilities Code §99170(a)(2).
  • Bikes (see Bike Policy): Bikes are allowed on all NCTD operated modes but only in designated areas. A bicycle must remain with the passenger who brought it on-board at all times and must be safely secured, not blocking aisles, doorways, or exits. Do not secure your bike on the SPRINTER or the COASTER and leave it unattended. Bicycles found by Train Attendants/Conductors on trains unsecured and/or unattended and unclaimed by a passenger are subject to immediate removal. NCTD is not responsible for unclaimed or removed property. Bicycle racks are provided on BREEZE buses and are the only designated and appropriate location on the bus for transporting of bicycles. For the safety of all passengers, bicycles are not permitted on-board the bus at any time. Note: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner® trains servicing COASTER passengers (Rail 2 Rail service) DO NOT allow bikes on-board without a reservation and Amtrak ticket.
  • Boarding: Be prepared to board and disembark promptly. Keep a safe distance from approaching vehicles. This includes having strollers, carts, dollies, or other utility devices folded prior to the vehicle’s arrival. Allow other passengers to exit the vehicle prior to boarding. Have fare ready for inspection prior to boarding and exit bus through rear door when possible. For passenger safety, request for stops at non-designated locations are not permitted.
  • Children: Must be supervised. Babies/children must be removed from strollers prior to boarding buses and held securely on all NCTD services. LIFT services require a car or booster seat for children under the age of 8 years old or who are under 4’9” in height.
  • Controlled or Illegal Substances: Possession of controlled or illegal substances (including marijuana, narcotics, and prescription medications without a valid prescription from a physician) on all NCTD vehicles, at all NCTD Transit Facilities, and NCTD property is strictly prohibited.
  • Doors: Do not lean on, block, or hold open doorways. Violations may result in a citation/fine pursuant to NCTD Ordinance 3 and Penal Code section 640.
  • Drinking and Eating: Consumption of food is prohibited on BREEZE, SPRINTER, LIFT, and FLEX at all times. Consumption of light snacks in a manner that does not damage NCTD equipment or create a disruption to other passengers is permitted only on the COASTER. All waste shall be disposed of in proper receptacles. Drinking non-alcoholic beverages from spill-resistant beverage containers is permissible on all modes. Violations may result in a citation/fine pursuant to NCTD Ordinance 3 and Penal Code section 640.
  • Fare: Be prepared to present valid fare prior to boarding the vehicle. Passengers must present valid fare for inspection to transit officials including Law Enforcement Officers, Train Attendants/Conductors, and other transit operators, on request. Failure to have a valid fare on NCTD modes of transportation may result in a citation/fine pursuant to NCTD Ordinance 3 and Public Utilities Code §125450.
  • Hand Holds, Railing and Stairwells: Exercise caution and use hand holds and railing when standing, walking on-board the vehicle, or descending the stairwells, especially as the train comes to a stop. Do not block aisles, exits, or doorways.
  • Hazardous Materials: With the exception of oxygen for personal medical use, materials considered hazardous by the U.S. Department of Transportation are not permitted on trains or buses.
  • Hoverboards: Battery powered, wheeled, personal transport devices (commonly known and commercially marketed as “hoverboards”) are prohibited on the following: NCTD vehicles, NCTD property, NCTD facilities, and all Amtrak and Metrolink trains.
  • Loitering: No person shall loiter about any NCTD vehicle, NCTD Transit Facility, and/or NCTD property without authorization of NCTD. Violations may result in a citation/fine pursuant to NCTD Ordinance 3 and Public Utilities Code §125452.
  • Luggage, Surfboards and Other Belongings: Passengers’ belongings must not block seats, aisles, doorways, or exits, and may not take up a separate seat space. Surfboards must not exceed 6′ in length. Surfboards and open strollers are permitted only on the lower-level of rail cars. All passengers’ belongings must be carried in a manner that does not pose a hazard to others and must remain under the control of the owner at all times while on-board NCTD vehicles. Belongings must not be left unattended on any NCTD vehicle, at NCTD Transit Facilities, or on NCTD property. Passengers are limited to items that can be boarded in a single trip without the assistance of others. Multiple trips to load bags, carts/ dollies, or other belongings will not be permitted. Items that are wet, leaking, or create a hazardous condition for any reason will not be permitted.
  • Music: Only allowed through headphones that cannot be heard by other passengers.
  • No Smoking: No person shall smoke any material, via any means, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, and vaporizers (“vapes”) which permits a person to inhale and/or exhale smoke, vapors, or mists, on any NCTD vehicle, at any NCTD Transit Facility, and on NCTD property. Violations could result in a citation under California Penal Code 640(b)(3) and a fine of up to $250 as well as dismissal from transit service for the trip.
  • Personal Shopping Carts: Must fit between the seats and not extend into the aisle. They may not take up a separate seat space.
  • Pets: Small pets allowed only in proper enclosed pet carriers. The carrier must be on the floor/lap and not on a seat.
  • Seats: Please respect seating for other passengers. “NO FEET ON THE SEATS.” Violations could result in dismissal from NCTD vehicles for the trip. Personal belongings must not block seats during peak hours. Elderly and passengers with disabilities get first access to priority seats by law.
  • Service Animals: Service animals are animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals may travel on vehicles, subject to the following conditions:
    • Must remain on a leash or harnessed except when performing work or tasks where such tethering would interfere with the animal’s ability to perform.
    • Must remain under the owner’s control and not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
    • Remain in a down or sit position. Service animals may not block the aisle of the vehicle or occupy a seat.
  • Skateboarding, Roller Skating, Bicycle Riding, Roller Blading, or Motorized Scooter (or similar devices): For safety considerations, NCTD Ordinance 3 prohibits the unnecessary riding of a device that may interfere with the safety of other patrons at a transit facility. Violations could result in a citation under California Penal Code 640(b)(5) and a fine of up to $250 as well as exclusion from the transit system.
  • Soliciting: Unapproved solicitors are not permitted.
  • Strollers/Walkers: Need to be folded and kept in front of or beside the passenger. May not obstruct the aisle or block another seat.
  • Tickets: Be prepared to present valid ticket, Compass Cloud, or Compass Card to officials upon request.
  • Weapons: Are not allowed.
Bike/Scooter Policy

“Pay-as-you-go” bikes and scooters are NOT permitted on any NCTD vehicle or facility.

COASTER and SPRINTER

Passengers with bikes should enter trains through doors marked with a bike symbol and store bikes in the designated area. Passengers with bikes must observe the following rules:

  • Bikes and scooters must be safely secured in the designated area and must never block seats, aisles, doorways, or exits.
  • Bicyclists and scooter riders must follow transit personnel instructions to relocate due to overcrowding or if space is needed to accommodate a passenger with a mobility device.
  • Bicyclists must stay with their bikes during travel to ensure that bike does not tip over and to avoid potential theft. Unsecured bikes are subject to removal from train.
  • Bicyclists and scooter riders may not ride bikes on-board the train or on the station platform.

Bikes/Scooters Allowed on the COASTER and SPRINTER:

  • Electric bikes and scooters with sealed gel, lithium-ion, or NiCad batteries
  • Folding bikes and scooters
  • Single seat bikes
  • Bike not exceeding 6 feet in length
  • Bikes without any protrusions

Bikes/Scooters NOT Allowed on the COASTER and SPRINTER:

  • Gas-powered bikes/schooters
  • Bikes with liquid lead acid batteries
  • Mopeds, motor, tandem, recumbent, pull-along trailers, and three-wheeled bikes
  • Segways (except when used as a mobility device for a passenger with a disability on the COASTER)
  • Pay-as-you-go rideshare bicycles and scooters

BREEZE and FLEX

Every BREEZE bus has a bike rack capable of handling at least two bikes with standard bike tires (maximum of 26” or 700 cm). Bikes are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Passengers wishing to transport bikes should tell the bus driver that they are loading or unloading a bike before approaching the bike rack. Passengers with bikes must observe the following rules:

  • Bikes must fit safely into the bike rack. Bikes with protrusions, such as long handlebars or oversized tires that extend up into the bus windshield, are not allowed.
  • Bikes and scooters must never block seats, aisles, doorways, or exits
  • Items in baskets or strapped to the bike must be removed
  • Scooters must be folded prior to boarding

Bikes/Scooters Allowed on the BREEZE and FLEX:

  • Bikes that weigh no more than 55 lbs. each and conform to the dimensions above
  • Scooters that can be folded
  • Electric foldable scooters with sealed gel, lithium-ion, or NiCad batteries

Bikes/Scooters NOT Allowed on the BREEZE and FLEX:

  • Gas-powered bike/scooters
  • Bikes with liquid lead acid batteries
  • Mopeds, motor, tandem, recumbent, pull-along trailers, and three-wheeled bikes
  • Pay-as-you go rideshare bikes or scooters

Violations of NCTD Bicycle/Scooter Policy

Customers who violate these regulations may be subject to citation/fine pursuant to NCTD Ordinance 3 and Penal Code section 640.

For safety considerations, NCTD Ordinance 3 prohibits the unnecessary riding of a device that may interfere with the safety of other patrons at a transit facility. Violations may result in a citation/fine pursuant to NCTD Ordinance 3 and Penal Code section 640.

Visit iCommute for more information about bicycle transportation in San Diego.

NCTD is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen items on NCTD vehicles or facilities.

Board Policies
Wi-Fi Policy

The NCTD Wi-Fi Service is a free wireless internet service (Service) provided to NCTD’s passengers on the COASTER and SPRINTER trains. The NCTD Wi-Fi Service Acceptable Use Policy is intended to help enhance the use of the internet by preventing unacceptable use.

As a condition of the use of the Service, you must comply with this Policy and the terms of this Policy as stated herein. Your violation of this Policy may result in the suspension or termination of your access to the Service and/or other actions including, but not limited to, NCTD cooperation with legal authorities and/or third parties involved in the investigation of any suspected or alleged crime or civil wrongdoing.

Indemnification

As a condition of the use of this Service, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the North County Transit District and its officers, employees, agents, elected officials, suppliers, sponsors, or other partners from any and all third party claims, liabilities, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising from your use of the Service, your violation of this Policy, or your violation of any rights of another.

The NCTD Wi-Fi Service Acceptable Use Policy prohibits the following:

  1. Using the Service to transmit or receive any material that, intentionally or unintentionally, violates any applicable local, state, federal or international law, or rule or regulations promulgated thereunder.
  2. Using the Service to harm, or attempt to harm other persons, businesses, or other entities.
  3. Using the Service to transmit any material that threatens or encourages bodily harm or destruction of property or harasses another.
  4. Using the Service to make fraudulent offers to sell or buy products, items, or services or to advance any type of financial scam.
  5. Adding, removing, or modifying identifying network header information in an effort to deceive or mislead another or impersonating any person by using forged headers or other identifying information.
  6. Using the Service to transmit or facilitate any unsolicited commercial email or unsolicited bulk email.
  7. Using the Service to access, or to attempt to access, the accounts of others, or to penetrate, or attempt to penetrate, security measures of NCTD Wi-Fi Service or another entity’s computer software, hardware, electronic communications system, or telecommunication system, whether or not the intrusion results in the access, corruption, or loss of data.
  8. Using the Service to transmit any material that infringes any copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, or other proprietary right of any third party, including, but not limited to, the unauthorized copying of copyrighted material, the digitization and distribution of photographs from magazines, books or other copyrighted sources, and the unauthorized transmittal of copyrighted software.
  9. Using the Service to collect, or attempt to collect, personal information about third parties without their knowledge or consent.
  10. Reselling the Service.
  11. Using the Service for any activity, which adversely affects the ability of other people or systems to use the NCTD Wi-Fi Service or the Internet. This includes “denials of service” (DoS) attacks against another network host or individual user. Interference with or disruption of other network users, network services, or network equipment is prohibited. It is your responsibility to ensure that your network is configured in a secure manner.
  12. Using your personal account for high volume or commercial use. The Service is intended for periodic, active use of email, newsgroups, file transfers, Internet chat, messaging, and browsing of the Internet. You may stay connected so long as you are actively using the connection for the above purposes. You may not use the Service on a standby or inactive basis in order to maintain a connection. Accordingly, NCTD maintains the right to terminate your connection following any extended period of inactivity.

Limitation of Liability

As a condition of your use of the NCTD Service you assume total responsibility for use of the Service and the Internet and access the same at your own risk and agree that NCTD and its affiliates, officers, employees, agents, elected officials, suppliers, sponsors, or other partners have no responsibility whatsoever for the content accessible or actions taken on the Internet and the NCTD Wi-Fi Service and shall not be liable to you for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages of any kind including, but not limited to, any loss of use, loss of business, and/or loss of profit, arising out of or related to the use of the Service. Under no circumstances will NCTD and its affiliates, officers, employees, agents, elected officials, suppliers, sponsors, or other partners be liable to you or any third party for any amount.

Disclaimer of Warranties

The Service is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. NCTD and its affiliates, officers, employees, agents, elected officials, suppliers, sponsors, or other partners make no warranty of any kind, written or oral, statutory, express or implied, including any warranty of merchantability, infringement, or fitness for a particular purpose.

No advice or information given by NCTD and its affiliates, officers, employees, agents, elected officials, suppliers, sponsors, or other partners shall create a warranty. NCTD and its affiliates, officers, employees, agents, elected officials, suppliers, sponsors, or other partners do not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components.

Revisions to this Policy

NCTD reserves the right to revise, amend, or modify this Policy, other policies, and agreements at any time and in any manner.

Cookies Policy

NCTD Cookies

As is common practice with almost all professional websites this site uses cookies which are tiny files that are downloaded to your computer to improve your experience. This page describes what information they gather, how we use it and why we sometimes need to store these cookies. We will also share how you can prevent these cookies from being stored however this may downgrade or ‘break’ certain elements of the site’s functionality.

You can prevent the setting of cookies by adjusting the settings on your browser (see your browser Help for how to do this). Be aware that disabling cookies will affect the functionality of this and many other websites that you visit. Disabling cookies will usually result in also disabling certain functionality and features of this site. Therefore it is recommended that you do not disable cookies. You can learn how to manage cookies on your web browser by following the Browser Cookies Guide.

Forms-related Cookies

When you submit data to NCTD through a form such as those found on contact pages or comment forms cookies may be set to remember your user details for future correspondence.

Third Party Cookies

In some special cases we also use cookies provided by trusted third parties. The following section details which third party cookies you might encounter through this site.

  • This site uses Google Analytics which is one of the most widespread and trusted analytics solution on the web for helping us to understand how you use the site and ways that we can improve your experience. These cookies may track things such as how long you spend on the site and the pages that you visit so we can continue to produce engaging content.
  • For more information on Google Analytics cookies, see the official Google Analytics page.
  • From time to time we test new features and make subtle changes to the way that the site is delivered. When we are still testing new features these cookies may be used to ensure that you receive a consistent experience whilst on the site whilst ensuring we understand which optimizations our users appreciate the most.
  • We also use social media buttons and/or plugins on this site that allow you to connect with your social network in various ways. For these to work, social media sites will set cookies through our site, which may be used to enhance your profile on their site or contribute to the data they hold for various purposes outlined in their respective privacy policies.
Privacy Policy

The following information explains NCTD’s policy regarding the use of information visitors may supply to it when visiting GoNCTD.com and affiliated pages that are part of NCTD’s official website as well as any information that may be provided to the public by NCTD’s official site.

The official NCTD website (GoNCTD.com ) is intended for NCTD business only. It is intended to provide information about the operation of NCTD, to clarify the function of NCTD departments and services, and provide guidance to members of the public who desire/require NCTD services. Information (words, photos, and graphics) on the website are intended in every respect to be one-way and informational in nature.

Although NCTD does provide links to various social media sites, the website is not intended to directly or indirectly create a public forum or invite discourse. NCTD is not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of any third party. This website uses cookies. By using this website and agreeing to these terms and conditions, you consent to NCTD’s use of cookies.

These terms and conditions govern your use of this website; by using this website, you accept these terms and conditions in full. If you disagree with these terms and conditions or any part of these terms and conditions, you must not use this website.

Collection Information

Personally Identifiable Information

NCTD does not automatically collect personally identifiable information from visitors who do no more than visit our website. NCTD may collect your personally identifiable information when you engage in activities and services on our website. You may be presented with opportunities to share personal information online with NCTD in order to facilitate better correspondence and service. This information includes but is not limited to e-mail addresses, responses to surveys, registering for services, and new services to be created. NCTD will not disclose this information to any third party, unless required to do so under federal or state law, including, but not limited to the California Public Records Act.

Non-Personally Identifiable Information

NCTD uses Google Analytics to help analyze how visitors use the NCTD website; Google AdSense to display targeted advertisements to you on other websites; and Facebook ads to display targeted advertisements to you when you are logged into Facebook. Google Analytics, Google AdSense, and Facebook use first party cookies to collect standard internet logs and visitor behavior information in an anonymous form, such as:

  • The type of browser and operating system used to access our site
  • The date and time you access our site
  • The pages you visit
  • If you linked to our website from another website, the address of that website. Google Analytics and Google AdSense do collect the IP address assigned to you on the date you visit this site; however, this information is not shared with NCTD.

Google’s ability to use and share information collected about your visits to this site is restricted by the Google Analytics Terms of Service and the Google Privacy Policy. If you disable cookies on your browser, Google Analytics and Google AdSense can be prevented from “recognizing” you on return visits to this website. You may also visit the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page or the Google Ads opt-out page. Facebook’s ability to share and use information about your visits to this website is restricted by Facebook’s Data Collection Policy. You may also adjust your Facebook advertising preferences on your Facebook Ad Control page.

California Public Records Act

The California Public Records Act requires that certain public records that pertain to NCTD business be disclosed upon request to a member of the public. Therefore, this Privacy Policy does not apply to the content of any record, email, or form that may or may not contain disclosable public information as provided by and in compliance with California and/or Federal Law.

Use of Information

Unless otherwise stated, NCTD and/or its licensors own the intellectual property rights in the website and material on the website. Subject to written authorization or other valid legal use, all these intellectual property rights are reserved.

You may view, download (for caching purposes only), and print pages or photos from the website for your own personal use, subject to the restrictions set out herein and elsewhere in these terms and conditions.

  • NCTD’s goal in collecting personal information online is to provide you with the most personalized and effective service possible. By understanding your needs and preferences, NCTD will be in a better position to provide you with improved service. NCTD will maintain the confidentiality of information it receives online to the same extent it is legally able to do so with respect to information obtained through other means.
  • Using email addresses provided at registration or otherwise, users are giving NCTD permission to periodically send out email newsletters and promotional email to our users about website updates and product and service information offered by NCTD.
  • Users may indicate that they do not wish to receive email information from NCTD. Upon request, NCTD will remove users (and their information) from NCTD database or permit them to elect not to receive any further e-mail newsletters or contact.
  • Communications made through email and messaging systems shall in no way be deemed to constitute legal notice to NCTD or any of its agencies, officers, employees, agents, or representatives with respect to any existing or potential claim or cause of action against NCTD or any of its agencies, officers, employees, agents, or representatives where notice to NCTD is required by any federal, state, or local laws, rules or regulations.
  • You must not use this website in any way that causes, or may cause, damage to the website or impairment of the availability or accessibility of the website; or in any way which is unlawful, illegal, fraudulent, or harmful, or in connection with any unlawful, illegal, fraudulent, or harmful purpose or activity.
  • You must not use this website to copy, store, host, transmit, send, use, publish, or distribute any material which consists of (or is linked to) any spyware, computer virus, Trojan horse, worm, keystroke logger, rootkit, or other malicious computer software.
  • You must not conduct any systematic or automated data collection activities (including without limitation scraping, data mining, data extraction, and data harvesting) on or in relation to this website without NCTD’s express written consent.
  • You must not use this website to transmit or send unsolicited commercial communications.
  • You must not use this website for any purposes related to marketing without NCTD’s express written consent.

NCTD Disclosure Statement

NCTD does not warrant:

  • That the functions contained in the materials will be uninterrupted or error-free.
  • That defects will be promptly corrected.
  • That this site or the server that makes it available is free of viruses or other harmful components.
  • That NCTD is responsible for the content or the privacy policies of websites to which it may provide links. NCTD’s web servers are maintained to provide public access to NCTD information via the Internet. NCTD’s web services and the content of its web servers and databases are updated on a continual basis. While NCTD attempts to keep its web information accurate and timely, NCTD neither warrants nor makes representations or endorsements as to the quality, content, accuracy, or completeness of the information, text, graphics, hyperlinks, and other items contained on this server or any other server. Web materials have been compiled from a variety of sources and are subject to change without notice from NCTD as a result of updates and corrections. Further, some materials on NCTD’s website and related links may be protected by copyright law, therefore, if you have any questions regarding whether you may: a) modify and/or re-use text, images, or other web content from a NCTD server, b) distribute NCTD’s web content and/or c) “mirror” NCTD’s information on a non-NCTD server, please contact NCTD’s Marketing Department.

Security in General

NCTD uses reasonable precautions to keep the personal information disclosed to NCTD secure.

Copyright

All content © 2019 North County Transit District, CA and its representatives. All rights reserved.