Free rides available Oct. 1 on MTS and NCTD services
San Diego – San Diego’s transit agencies are asking residents to shake up their commutes on Wednesday Oct. 1 and get on board transit – for free. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD) are teaming up for Free Ride Day, an initiative designed to encourage people to try public transit.
All rides on MTS buses, Trolleys, and NCTD’s COASTER, SPRINTER, BREEZE fixed-routes, and NCTD+ on-demand services will be free of charge. Now in its sixth year, Free Ride Day is also part of California Clean Air Day, which encourages people across the state to make small changes to improve environmental health.
“As ridership on MTS continues to grow year-over-year, Free Ride Day is the perfect chance for residents to shake up their routines to give transit a try,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember. “Whether you’re commuting to work or exploring the city, it’s an opportunity to experience how transit can help individuals save money, reduce congestion, improve air quality, and make our region more sustainable.”
Since the first Free Ride Day in 2018, ridership has consistently jumped—by as much as 30% over a typical weekday. During last year’s event, riders took more than 340,000 trips countywide, a 7.9% increase for MTS and 22% for NCTD compared to the 2023 Free Ride Day.
“NCTD is pleased to once again offer free rides this Clean Air Day to promote cleaner air in our communities,” said Priya Bhat-Patel, NCTD Board Chair and Carlsbad Mayor Pro Tempore. “Take the train or bus to work, school or someplace fun and do your part to help improve air quality.”
Transit riders on Free Ride Day can enjoy added benefits by choosing public transit:
- Save money: Skip the pump—San Diego drivers are paying nearly $5 a gallon. Riders can explore how much they could save using the commute cost calculator.
- Cut pollution: Every transit trip helps lower carbon emissions. Take the Clean Air Pledge and join thousands in committing to cleaner air.
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is also encouraging people to take part by pledging to walk, bike, carpool, or ride transit on Clean Air Day. People in the San Diego region drive more miles annually than the state average, making this year’s Clean Air Day the ideal moment to try alternatives. This year, eligible residents within the San Diego region who take the pledge and check the box to receive communications from trusted partners will be entered for the chance to win a folding e-bike, powered by Rad Power Bikes. Rad Power Bikes will coordinate prize redemption with the winner. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more and take the pledge at SANDAG.org/CleanAirDay.
For more details 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 and 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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