Public transit agencies in San Diego County are promoting safety this New Year’s Eve by offering free rides on buses, trolleys, and trains. The initiative begins at 18:00 on December 31, 2023, and continues until the early morning hours of January 1, 2024. Both the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and the North County Transit District (NCTD) aim to encourage holiday revelers to celebrate responsibly.
Along with complimentary rides, the agencies have scheduled extended late-night services. The last trolley departures from downtown San Diego will occur after 02:00, while the final COASTER train is set to leave at 01:20. The SPRINTER service in North County will also add three additional trains in each direction to accommodate those celebrating the New Year.
Stephen Whitburn, MTS board chair and San Diego city councilmember, emphasized the importance of safety during the holiday. “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.
This initiative is particularly relevant given that the holiday period is often associated with increased incidents of impaired driving. In response, the California Highway Patrol has announced plans for additional patrols throughout the period to enhance road safety.
The NCTD board chair, Priya Bhat-Patel, who also serves as the mayor pro tem of Carlsbad, echoed Whitburn’s sentiments. “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,” she said.
Detailed service schedules and further information can be found on the agencies’ websites: sdmts.com/newyearseve and GoNCTD.com/NewYearsEve. The collaboration between MTS and NCTD highlights a commitment to community safety during one of the busiest nights of the year, aiming to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festivities without the risk of impaired driving.
