NCTD+

Anyone can ride NCTD+. Children 12 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. As required by California law, a child’s car or booster seat must be utilized for younger passengers.

Youth age 13 and older may ride NCTD+ unaccompanied. As a parent, it is up to you to determine if your teen is ready to ride alone.

Yes. However, trips can only be requested for same-day rides.

No. NCTD+ vehicles cannot be hailed from the curb; all trips must be requested via NCTD+ mobile app that can be downloaded for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Alternatively, NCTD+ trips can be requested via phone at (760) 726-1111.

Maybe. NCTD+ is a shared-ride service. Based on demand, passengers going in the same direction will be grouped into the same vehicle, minimizing detours, and resulting in lower wait times.

NCTD+ does not have a set route, it provides trips anywhere within a service zone. Passengers may be asked to walk a short distance to meet the NCTD+ vehicle at a specified pickup/drop-off point. All trips must start and end within the same service zone. NCTD+ is available in San Marcos beginning June 10, 2024.

NCTD+ will launch service zones in the City of San Marcos in June 2024 and City of Vista in April 2025. Do you want to see NCTD+ in your community? Let us know at planning@nctd.org

NCTD+ operates 6am to 9pm daily, except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Customers without the NCTD+ mobile app may request a ride by calling (760) 726-1111. Please have the following information ready before you call:
• Primary passenger name (passengers traveling under the same                        reservation must get picked up and dropped off at the same locations)
• Passenger telephone number
• Preferred pickup time
• Pickup address
• Destination address
• Please also let the reservationist know if the passenger is traveling with
a mobility device Customers requesting a NCTD+ ride by phone must
pay for their trip with cash on-board.

To change your pick-up location or destination, a customer may cancel the original trip and start over or call (760) 726-1111 to speak to a reservation specialist. Customers that repeatedly do not show up for their trip may be suspended from using NCTD+.

Once you submit a trip request, the application will show the estimated arrival time and the designated pickup point. Typically, passengers can expect pickup within 30 minutes, although this duration may vary based on demand and vehicle availability.

Passengers will be able to track the vehicle in real-time using the NCTD+ app. As a courtesy, text notifications are sent when your vehicle has arrived at the pickup location. The NCTD+ driver cannot wait more than 5 minutes, so please be at the pickup location ready to go.

All NCTD+ vehicles are ADA compliant. Passengers may indicate their need for accessible seating and use of the wheelchair lift while requesting a trip via NCTD+ mobile app or phone.

No. PRONTO cards, including Youth Opportunity Program and other discounted fares, are not currently accepted on NCTD+. Passengers may pay the NCTD+ fares via major credit/debit card on the NCTD+ mobile app or use exact cash fare on-board. No change will be provided.

The amount of baggage allowed is equivalent to two grocery bags. Customers must be able to carry and/or secure each item without encroaching on other passengers or seats.

Small pets and service animals are permitted to accompany passengers in NCTD+ vehicles and facilities. Small pets are allowed only in properly enclosed pet carriers that may not encroach on any other passengers, seats, or aisleways.
Service animals must:
• Remain on a leash or harness except when performing tasks where such tethering would interfere with the animal’s ability to perform;
• 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 and not block the aisle of the vehicle.

No, NCTD vehicles are not equipped to accommodate bicycles. Bicycle racks and lockers and available NCTD Transit Centers and Station. Go to Sustainable Transportation Service (SANDAG – Bike Services)for additional informationon where to find secure bicycle storage.

Passengers traveling with a child under the age of 8 that is shorter than 4’9″ in height or under 40lbs are required to be secured in a car or booster seat provided by the passenger accompanying this child. For additional information refer to CA Vehicle Code 27360.

Customers may bring regular strollers but must take the child out of the stroller and secure the child appropriately with seatbelts or in an appropriate booster or car seat.