METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

North County Transit District Launches On-Demand Program

San Marcos is the first of four North County areas to receive this new on-demand service over the coming years during the pilot program.

North County Transit District Launches On-Demand Program

 The NCTD+ service is available within in a 10 square mile zone in San Marcos, including connections to four Sprinter commuter rail stations and 72 Breeze bus stops, as well as key locations such as Palomar College, California State University San Marcos, and the city’s many restaurants and retail stores.

Photo: NCTD

2 min to read


Oceanside, Calif.’s North County Transit District (NCTD) held a ribbon cutting event for its new, on-demand transit service, which provides affordable rides within a service zone in the City of San Marcos.

Elected officials, stakeholders and community members attended the free event to officially launch the beginning of NCTD+.

Ad Loading...

“Developing new ways to increase mobility, provide more connectivity to our transportation network, and bring new assets to the communities we serve is a key focus for The District,” said Shawn M. Donaghy, NCTD CEO. “This flexible, on-demand service offers the first and last mile connection that will help attract more people to transit.”

NCTD+ lets you schedule a ride wherever you need to go within a 10 square mile zone in San Marcos.

Photo: NCTD

NCTD’s New On-Demand Service

San Marcos is the first of four North County areas to receive this new on-demand service over the coming years during the pilot program.

 The NCTD+ service is available within in a 10 square mile zone in San Marcos, including connections to four Sprinter commuter rail stations and 72 Breeze bus stops, as well as key locations such as Palomar College, California State University San Marcos, and the city’s many restaurants and retail stores.

NCTD+ lets you schedule a ride wherever you need to go within a 10 square mile zone in San Marcos.

The brightly wrapped vans pick up passengers and bring them to their destination. A one-way ride to/from a Sprinter station is just $2.50, all other destinations within the service zone are $5.00.  

Ad Loading...

The service is available daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The next NCTD+ service launch is expected in the City of Vista in spring 2025.

More New Mobility

A Nova LFSe+ electric bus for STM
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJune 18, 2026

Biz Briefs: Montréal Debuts Nova Electric Buses and More

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.

Read More →
A Merchants Fleet driver putting gas in a vehicle with text reading "6 Transit Management Lessons For Colleges and Universities."
New MobilityJune 15, 2026

6 Transit Management Lessons for Colleges and Universities Facing Seasonal Demand Swings

College transportation demand swings wildly throughout the year. Fleet strategies are starting to catch up.

Read More →
Driving Change Through Technology
Technologyby Alex RomanJune 12, 2026

METROspectives: CharterUP CEO Armir Harris on Modernizing Mobility

From digital transformation to evolving customer demands, CharterUP's CEO Armir Harris offers his perspective on the transportation industry's next chapter.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
frontrunner bus image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Low-Floor vs. High-Floor Cutaway vs. Modified Van: How 3 Accessible Minibus Designs Compare

As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.

Read More →
METROspectives episode with Joshua Schank
Technologyby Alex RomanMay 29, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, the co-author of New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies, discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Biz Briefs for May 29, 2026

Biz Briefs: Foothill Gold Line Award, Matawan Contract, and More

From strategic partnerships to acquisitions and service expansions, the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Find out all the latest here.

Read More →
An EMBARK bus going down the street.
Managementby Alex RomanMay 28, 2026

Inside Look: EMBARK Expands Fare-Free Transit Program Through New Public-Private Partnership

The OKC transit agency says sponsorship helps subsidize the Third Friday Free initiative while reducing barriers for first-time riders and boosting ridership across buses, streetcars, and river cruises.

Read More →
thumbnail for 2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory
SponsoredMay 27, 2026

2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory

Searching for the right vehicles, technology, equipment, or services for your public transit or motorcoach operation? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers from across the transportation market — all in one place. Download it to connect with the companies that help agencies and operators improve mobility, enhance operations, and move their organizations forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Heliox charger on KC Metro property

King County Test Heliox Chargers, Keolis Lands California Contract Top Biz Briefs

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →