San Diego’s Free Ride Day ridership levels marked a new milestone for Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) this year. The agencies announced the annual event recorded more than 340,000 passenger trips on MTS buses, the Trolley, COASTER, SPRINTER, NCTD+, and BREEZE services.

This marks the highest single day ridership, and first to break 300,000 riders, since the start of the Pandemic.

Catching a Free Ride

The Preliminary ridership numbers for MTS represent a 15.4% increase in ridership compared to the previous week’s daily average. 

NCTD saw a 28% increase in ridership compared to the Wednesday prior.

On October 2, MTS buses logged nearly 150,00 trips with Trolley ridership estimated to be just over 153,000 trips. The 303,360 passenger trips show a 7.9% increase over the 2023 Free Ride Day.

NCTD’s COASTER commuter rail service saw a 179% increase in ridership compared to an average weekday. The SPRINTER hybrid rail and BREEZE fixed-route bus services saw increases of 40% and 37% respectively.

This year, NCTD provided free rides on the new NCTD+ on demand microtransit service and saw a 7% increase in ridership compared to the Wednesday prior.

NCTD saw a system wide ridership increase of 22% compared to last year’s Free Ride Day.

“Free Ride Day is a great way to gauge interest in transit use and it is clear that San Diego residents will support, ride and embrace a great transit system,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS board chair and San Diego city councilmember, district 3. “This year's ridership gains highlight the value public transit provides to our communities. Free Ride Day is just one aspect of MTS's ongoing commitment to help San Diego cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and create a healthier environment for all.”

Getting To and From the Game

It is estimated that there were 19,00 Trolley trips to and from Petco Park for the Padres Wild Card Series win over the Atlanta Braves. With large crowds anticipated both inside and outside Petco Park for the NLDS games this week, MTS will be ramping up Trolley service.

Promoting a Healthy Environment

Through SANDAG’s Clean Air Day promotion, more than 1,300 individuals and 75 organizations in the San Diego region pledged to take action and more than 1,000 free rides were provided by Circuit.

“I want to thank everyone who participated in Clean Air Day and Free Ride Day for their commitment in pursuing a healthier environment,” said SANDAG Second Vice Chair and Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner. “Making environmentally conscious decisions is something we should strive to do every day. I encourage everyone to keep the momentum going by choosing sustainable modes of transportation year-round.”

Public Transit Savings

With gas prices nearing $5 in San Diego County, and high-parking rates in busy business districts, Free Ride Day offered a more affordable option for the transportation needs of residents.

By switching from driving a private car to taking public transit, San Diegans can save an average of $1,244 a month according to a 2023 report from the American Public Transportation Association.

Mission Federal Credit Union sponsored this year’s Free Ride Day as part of its Community is Everything initiative.