Free Ride Day returns for the sixth year in partnership with California Clean Air Day
San Diego – Transportation leaders today encouraged San Diegans to rethink their commutes, reduce emissions, and hop on transit for Free Ride Day on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The annual event, hosted by the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD), offers free rides for the public on all transit services across the region.
“Free Ride Day is a great opportunity to experience how easy, affordable, and convenient it is to get around San Diego by transit,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember. “Transit doesn’t just save money and reduce traffic—it’s one of the most impactful ways we can fight climate change and improve our region’s air quality.”
On Oct. 1, Free Ride Day, all rides will be free on free on MTS buses and Trolleys, NCTD COASTER and SPRINTER trains, BREEZE fixed-route buses and NCTD+ On-demand rides. This will mark the sixth Free Ride Day held jointly by MTS and NCTD.
“NCTD is excited to continue our partnership with MTS to offer free fares throughout NCTD’s entire transportation system in recognition of California Clean Air Day,” said NCTD Vice Chair Mike Sannella. “Whether you plan to take transit to work, to the beach, or to explore popular destinations throughout San Diego – let NCTD be your travel partner and enjoy a free, safe ride to your destination.”
Since the program launched in 2018, Free Ride Day has generated significant spikes in ridership—up to 30% above typical weekday levels. In 2024, riders took more than 340,000 trips countywide, and this year the agencies are aiming to attract even more passengers.
“At SANDAG, we are committed to providing sustainable transportation options in our region,” said SANDAG Vice Chair and San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava. “Whether you opt for the trolley, bus, or our newest option, micro-transit, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions, congestion, and vehicle miles traveled, helping all of us move towards a healthier and resilient future.”
Free Ride Day coincides with California Clean Air Day, a statewide initiative that inspires residents to take simple actions that make a big difference in air quality—like walking, biking, carpooling, riding transit and more.
"California Clean Air Day is about turning everyday actions into meaningful change,” said Joseph K. Lyou, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Coalition for Clean Air. “From the way we get to work to how we care for our neighborhoods, each choice adds up. What we do inpidually helps us achieve clean air collectively.”
Commuters who take advantage of Free Ride Day will enjoy multiple benefits, including:
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Cost savings: With San Diego gas prices near $5 and parking rates high in business districts, transit is often the more affordable option. Riders can use the Commute Cost Calculator to compare.
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Cleaner air: Fewer cars on the road means fewer greenhouse gas emissions and healthier air for all.
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Less stress: Riders can skip traffic while enjoying a safer, more relaxing trip.
Free Ride Day Activities
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) encourages people in the San Diego region to take part in Free Ride Day and support California Clean Air Day. Pledge to commute for clean air on Wednesday, Oct. 1, by walking, biking, carpooling, or riding transit for free. San Diego commuters travel more miles annually than the state average, making Clean Air Day the perfect opportunity to help clean the air. Take the pledge at SANDAG.org/CleanAirDay.
To celebrate, MTS host pop-up outreach events at major transit centers during the morning (7-9 a.m.) and afternoon (3-6 p.m.). Riders can pick up transit information, receive promotional giveaways, and enter to win prizes. For more information about Free Ride Day, visit sdmts.com/free-ride-day or GoNCTD.com.
About Free Ride Day
Free Ride Day will be valid on all MTS and NCTD fixed-route services including buses, the Trolley, SPRINTER, COASTER and NCTD+ on-demand services (Amtrak Rail 2 Rail, MTS Access and NCTD LIFT paratransit are not part of this promotion). Passengers will not need a PRONTO card or valid fare for either system. MTS and NCTD services will operate on a normal weekday schedule. To plan a trip, visit the MTS or NCTD website and use the Trip Planner tool.
About MTS
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates 92 bus routes and four Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. MTS is a leader in advancing initiatives to create a greener, cleaner and better-connected transit system in San Diego. Each weekday more than 250,000 passenger trips are taken throughout the MTS system taking people to work, school, health appointments and other essential trips. In FY 2025, MTS served more than 81 million riders. For service schedule updates, news, alerts and more information on how you can use public transportation, go to www.sdmts.com.
About NCTD
The North County Transit – San Diego Railroad is a public transportation agency providing critical multi-modal services throughout North San Diego County and into downtown San Diego. NCTD is designated as a rail common carrier by the Surface Transportation Board based on the movement of interstate commerce on the tracks and the Railroad of Record by the Federal Railroad Administration responsible for safety over the entire San Diego portion of the LOSSAN corridor, the nation’s second largest passenger rail network. NCTD’s system includes BREEZE buses (with FLEX service), COASTER commuter trains, SPRINTER hybrid rail trains, LIFT paratransit service, and NCTD+ On-Demand and is one of only three public transit agencies in the nation to operate heavy rail, hybrid rail, and bus service. For more information visit: GoNCTD.com.
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