OCEANSIDE — A nearly $17 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration will allow the North County Transit District to replace its aging fleet of buses with low emission buses across North County.
The grant allows NCTD to purchase new compressed natural gas buses, which are cleaner than diesel buses, according to the transit district.
The new buses will be deployed on routes operating out of the East Bus Division facility in Escondido, which runs 21 routes primarily serving inland communities, including Escondido, San Marcos, Vista and unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Those routes carried more than 2.2 million riders in 2024.
BREEZE routes serve areas with high concentrations of youth and transit-dependent riders. According to NCTD, within a quarter-mile of the 21 East Division route, there are roughly 745 youth per square mile — more than three times the systemwide average.
The approximately $16.8 million award comes from the Federal Transit Administration’s Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities and Low or No-Emission Program.
Transit leaders say the new buses will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize scheduling delays, and improve rider safety.
“This award from the FTA underscores NCTD’s commitment to enhance safety and security on our modes and to provide a world-class transit experience for our customers,” said NCTD Chief Executive Officer Shawn Donaghy. “The replacement of aging buses near the end of their useful life will reduce delays caused by mechanical failures, ensuring our customers arrive to their destinations safely and on time.”
NCTD aims to transition to a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2042, in line with a 2018 state law requiring all transit agencies to move to zero-emission operations.
“Putting new, clean air buses on California’s streets will improve commutes, cut pollution, and enhance the quality of life for communities all across our state,” said U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank). “Even years after its passage, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is continuing to deliver for California.”
The bill, signed in 2021 by then-President Joe Biden, invested $1.2 trillion in repairing and modernizing the nation’s infrastructure.
Schiff, California State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-Santee), State Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel), San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond and other regional partners supported NCTD’s funding application.
“As Vice Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, I know the incredible value that public transit provides to our communities,” said Davies, who represents the 74th District, which includes Camp Pendleton, Vista and Oceanside. “New buses mean safer, dependable service for my constituents, facilitating access to small businesses and job centers throughout the region.”
Under NCTD’s Zero Emission Fleet Transition Plan, the transit district is also pursuing both hydrogen and battery electric zero emission technology.
While the East Bus Division will deploy battery-electric buses, the West Bus Division in Oceanside will use hydrogen fuel-cell buses, designed for longer-distance routes. Each battery-electric bus costs $1.2 million, while each hydrogen bus costs $1.4 million.
NCTD is also designing and constructing a hydrogen fueling station in Oceanside and installing charging infrastructure in Escondido. Both projects are fully funded.
NCTD Public Information Officer Mary Dover said the transit district “is still on track to meet its required 100% zero emission transition with the purchase” of the compressed natural gas buses.
CORRECTION: The Coast News previously reported that the new purchased buses would be electric; however, they are compressed natural gas buses which create lower emissions than diesel buses. We regret this mistake.
