They're cute, they're friendly, and they're here to make every ride a little more welcoming.
Meet Ollie and Sandie, the newest members of the MTS family and your official ambassadors of transit.
Whether you're riding to work, heading to a Padres game, meeting friends downtown, or taking your very first trip on transit, these two friendly faces are here to remind you that getting around San Diego should feel fun, approachable and easy.
And the best part? San Diego named them.
After thousands of votes and comments from riders and transit fans, the winning names were chosen by the community they'll be representing. It was important to us that these mascots belong to everyone—not just MTS.
A Mascot Story More Than a Year in the Making
While July 1 marks their official debut, these mascots have actually been riding alongside us for more than a year.
It all started during San Diego Pride Month 2025, when MTS introduced a playful bus character as part of our annual Pride bus wrap.
The response was immediate. Riders loved seeing the cheerful bus rolling through San Diego. That excitement inspired us to bring them back for Free Ride Day 2025, where they appeared on limited-edition giveaway items distributed at stations across the system.
The response exceeded our expectations. Transit enthusiasts, families and longtime riders embraced the characters, showing us that San Diego wanted the mascots to stay.
Over the following months, our team refined their designs and began envisioning them as permanent members of the MTS family.
Why Create Mascots?
Public transit can feel intimidating, especially for someone riding for the first time. We wanted to create friendly characters that help make transit feel a little less daunting.
Our mascots are welcoming guides. Faces you'll recognize across select MTS communications, events, rider education and community outreach efforts. They'll help explain how to ride, celebrate special events, introduce new services and simply make interacting with MTS a little more fun.
Think of them as trusted travel companions.
Meet the Mascots
Meet Ollie
Our Trolley mascot is energetic, curious and always on time for the next adventure. They love meeting new people, taking riders to Padres games and exploring all the exciting events San Diego has to offer. Whether it's a trip downtown, Comic-Con or a day at the waterfront, they're always eager to help others experience the city.
- Personality: Friendly, energetic and adventurous
- Favorite hobby: Exploring San Diego and attending sporting events (Go Padres, Wave FC & San Diego FC!)
- Favorite food: California burritos
- Favorite place: Downtown San Diego
Meet Sandie
Friendly, dependable and always ready for the next adventure, our Bus mascot loves exploring San Diego's neighborhoods and discovering hidden gems along the way. On a day off, you'll probably find them browsing a local farmers market, relaxing at Balboa Park or trying the newest taco spot in town. They're the kind of friend who's always happy to help, never in a rush and knows that every neighborhood has something worth discovering.
- Personality: Welcoming, reliable and caring
- Favorite hobby: Exploring San Diego neighborhoods
- Favorite food: Tacos
- Favorite place: Balboa Park & beaches
Celebrate With Us
This year is extra special because MTS is celebrating 140 years of serving San Diego.
To mark the occasion, we're throwing a birthday celebration not only for MTS—but for our newest members of the fleet.
Join us on Wednesday, July 1, from 3 to 5 p.m. at either the 24th Street Transit Center or the Grossmont Transit Center to:
- Meet the mascots for the very first time
- Take photos with them
- Pick up exclusive mascot giveaways (while supplies last)
- Enjoy cookies and birthday festivities
- Celebrate 140 years of connecting San Diego
We can't wait for you to meet the newest faces of MTS. Be sure to stop by, say hello and welcome Ollie and Sandie aboard!
