San Diego Transit Agencies Provide Free Rides on New Year’s Eve

San Diego County’s public transit agencies are offering free rides on buses, trolleys, and trains to help holiday revelers celebrate New Year’s Eve safely. Starting at 18:00 on December 31, 2023, and continuing into the early morning hours of January 1, 2024, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) will provide complimentary transportation services.

Both agencies are also extending their late-night services. Trolleys will operate until after 02:00, while the final COASTER train will depart at 01:20. In North County, the SPRINTER service will feature three additional trains in each direction to accommodate the increased demand for transportation.

Stephen Whitburn, chair of the MTS board and a member of the San Diego City Council, emphasized the importance of safety during the year-end celebrations. “The end of the year should be about celebration — that’s why MTS is offering free rides on New Year’s Eve. We want everyone to enjoy the moment and also get home safely,” he stated.

The initiative aims to discourage impaired driving and provide a reliable transportation option during one of the busiest nights of the year. Priya Bhat-Patel, chair of the NCTD board and mayor pro tem of Carlsbad, echoed this sentiment, saying, “By offering free rides and extended late-night service on New Year’s Eve, we’re giving riders a reliable, responsible way to celebrate while ensuring everyone has a safe trip home.”

Detailed schedules and service information for both transit agencies can be found on their respective websites: sdmts.com/newyearseve and GoNCTD.com/NewYearsEve.

This initiative comes at a time when drunk-driving incidents typically rise, prompting the California Highway Patrol to announce increased patrols during the New Year’s celebrations. With a focus on safety, these efforts represent a proactive approach to ensuring that all residents and visitors can enjoy the festivities responsibly.