SAN DIEGO–In celebration of National Rideshare Week – October 1 through 5 – the SANDAG iCommute program is encouraging people in the San Diego region to choose alternative methods of transportation.

During Rideshare Week, local transit operators, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), and the North County Transit District (NCTD) will host the first-ever Free Ride Day in San Diego on Tuesday, October 2.

“SANDAG is committed to promoting and providing resources for Rideshare Week every year. It is a great opportunity for commuters to learn about alternative ways to get to and from work,” said SANDAG Board Chair and Del Mar City Councilmember Terry Sinnott. “Rideshare Week aligns with the SANDAG goals of reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions in the San Diego region and preserving our quality of life for generations to come.”

In support of Free Ride Day during Rideshare Week, SANDAG iCommute has teamed up with Lyft and Uber to offer discounted “first and last mile” transit connection rides on Tuesday, October 2.

“Ridesharing and public transit play major roles in making our cities more connected,” said Lyft San Diego Market Manager Hao Meng. “We are excited to expand our partnership with SANDAG iCommute, and to fill first- and last-mile gaps for passengers participating in Free Ride Day as they reach their final destinations.”

Lyft and Uber have committed to help commuters get from their homes to any transit stop in San Diego County, and back, with a designated Rideshare Week promo code.

“Uber is proud to support San Diegans who are opting to leave their car at home during Rideshare Week, and especially on Free Ride Day. By using rideshare to get to and from transit stops, San Diego’s many transit options can become more accessible and feasible for commuters across the city,” said Megan Prichard, Uber General Manager, West.

On Tuesday, October 2, free rides will be available on all MTS and NCTD fixed-route services, including buses, the Trolley, Sprinter, and Coaster.

Now through Friday, October 5, SANDAG invites commuters to pledge to share the ride during Rideshare Week to automatically be entered to win an Apple Watch by choosing to carpool, vanpool, or take transit to work.

To learn more about Rideshare Week and to access the Lyft and Uber promo codes, visit the SANDAG iCommute Rideshare web page.