New increased COASTER schedule

OCEANSIDE - Commuters and visitors along the I-5 corridor will soon have more options when traveling between Oceanside and downtown San Diego. The new expanded COASTER rail service offered by the North County Transit District is scheduled to begin October 25. The increased COASTER service will provide thirty (30) daily trips Monday through Friday with an additional two (2) on Fridays, and twenty (20) daily Saturday and Sunday trips year-round. The new COASTER schedule can be found at gonctd.com.

“Increasing COASTER service gives travelers along the I-5 corridor the opportunity to leave their cars at home and have reliable transportation to get to events on the weekends or to work during the week,” said Tony Kranz, NCTD Board Chair and Encinitas Deputy Mayor. “The COASTER is now a more viable option for getting to where you want to go, when you want to go.”

The increased weekday frequencies will allow commuters more flexibility and provide more options for those with variable work schedules. Two (2) additional evening trips Monday through Thursday respond to customer requests for later service, and the added weekend trips support special events and popular leisure activities.

The expanded COASTER service is fully funded through TransNet, the county-wide half-cent sales tax for transportation projects approved by voters in 2004 and administered by the San Diego Association of Governments.

In addition to the expanded service, NCTD recently received five (5) new locomotives that provide a smooth and quieter ride and is in the process of renovating all passenger cars with new seating upholstery, carpet, LED lighting, exterior color scheme, and charging amenities at some seats.

As the economy continues to reopen and fully resume normal activities, the NCTD says now is the time to incorporate the COASTER into your commute or your weekend plans.

Submitted by North County Transit District.