Coaster Train
OCEANSIDE–Party-goers are encouraged to take the responsible route to New Year’s Eve festivities by riding free late-night trains and buses provided by the North County Transit District.
Tickets will not be necessary after 6 p.m., Dec. 31 on Coaster and Sprinter trains and Breeze buses.
To help revelers get to and from their celebrations safely, NCTD is adding an extra southbound Coaster that will depart Oceanside Transit Center at 10:10 p.m. arriving at Santa Fe Depot, downtown San Diego at 11:10 p.m. An added northbound late-night train will leave downtown San Diego at 12:45 a.m., Jan.1 arriving in Oceanside at 1:45 a.m.
The Sprinter will have extended hourly service from Escondido between 9:03 p.m. and 1:03 a.m. and from Oceanside between 10:03 p.m. and 1:03 a.m. A final trip will leave Oceanside at 2:03 a.m. to allow for connection with the final Coaster.
In accordance with District ordinance, alcoholic beverages may only be consumed on the Coaster and only until 9 p.m. That ordinance will be enforced on New Year’s Eve.
The six select Amtrak trains that stop at all eight Coaster stations will operate on a regular schedule on New Year’s Eve, however the free New
Year’s Eve service does not apply and valid Coaster fare will be required.
The Metropolitan Transit System trolley will run extended service; however MTS bus and trolley will not offer free service on New Year’s Eve. Passengers may purchase a $12 RegionPlus Day pass that includes unlimited service for one day on the Coaster, Sprinter, Breeze, and MTS buses and trolleys.
NCTD is once again offering the free and extended New Year’s Eve service to promote safe and responsible celebrations throughout San Diego County. NCTD encourages event organizers and entertainment publications to include information about this free public transit service on their websites and other materials to discourage drinking and driving.