The agencies logged more than 334,000 passenger trips
San Diego – The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD) are reporting strong ridership during this year’s Free Ride Day, held on October 1. The annual event gave San Diegans the opportunity to ride transit free of charge on MTS buses, the Trolley, COASTER, SPRINTER, NCTD+ On-demand, and BREEZE fixed-route buses. In total, the agencies recorded more than 334,000 passenger trips across their systems.
For MTS, the ridership numbers represent an 11.6% increase compared to the prior week’s daily average (270,779). NCTD recorded a 12.9% increase in systemwide ridership compared to the Wednesday before Free Ride Day.
MTS buses logged more than 155,000 passenger trips (155,442), while Trolley lines saw just over 146,000 trips (146,749). Combined (302,191), that’s an 11.1% jump compared to the prior Wednesday’s ridership (271,997 passenger trips).
“San Diegans continue to show that when public transit is convenient and accessible, they’re eager to use it,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember. “Free Ride Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a reminder of the critical role transit plays in reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and supporting our region’s climate goals.”
COASTER ridership was up 63%, while SPRINTER ridership increased by 2.9%, compared to an average weekday. Additionally, BREEZE bus service rose 6.1% and NCTD+ On-demand services logged a 15.9% increase. Altogether, NCTD experienced a systemwide ridership increase of 12.6% over the average weekday.
“NCTD was excited to welcome new and existing riders to our system on Free Ride Day,” said Mike Sannella, NCTD Vice Chair and San Marcos Deputy Mayor. “Taking transit is a great way to promote clean air and we hope first time riders will continue to choose public transit and experience its many benefits.”
“Thank you to everyone who took part in Clean Air Day and Free Ride Day for making a positive impact on our region,” said SANDAG Vice Chair and San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava. “Each of us can make a difference by choosing ways to travel that reduce pollution and congestion.”
With gas prices near $5 a gallon in San Diego County and the high cost of parking in business districts, Free Ride Day gave thousands of residents a more affordable, sustainable, and community-minded way to get around. According to the American Public Transportation Association, individuals can save more than $13,000 annually by switching from driving to public transit. San Diegans can calculate their own potential savings with the MTS Commute Cost Calculator.
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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