VISTA — The North County Transit District has expanded its on-demand microtransit service to the city of Vista, where residents can book trips to local transit stops, grocery stores, parks and more.
Known as NCTD+, the microtransit began service on May 19. It serves a 7-mile area in Vista that includes the Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, the Vista Courthouse, Vista Community Clinic, Food4Less, the Boys & Girls Club and more.
Residents can book a one-way ride to any destination in the service zone for $3, and additional riders on the same booking can be added for $1.50 per person. A one-way ride to or from a SPRINTER station is $1.50. Youth 18 and younger ride for free.
“I was proud to advocate for NCTD+ as a member of the NCTD Board and am excited for the service to come to Vista,” said Vista City Councilmember and NCTD Board Member Corinna Contreras. “NCTD+ is the perfect way for residents and visitors to my city to see the best Vista has to offer.”
NCTD+ service is available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday through Sunday. Rides can be booked using the free NCTD+ app or by calling (760) 726-1111 to book a trip.
Each van has an eight-person capacity, bike storage and is 100% ADA accessible.
“NCTD+ is perfect for short trips around Vista and provides a convenient transportation option to connect to the SPRINTER,” said NCTD Chief Executive Officer Shawn M. Donaghy. “Kids can ride the service free, making NCTD+ the best way for families to travel throughout the City.”
Vista is the second city in North County to host the NCTD+ program. It was pioneered last year in San Marcos with a 10-mile service zone, and the agency made adjustments to its service throughout its pilot year, including lowering the cost for a one-way ride from $5 to $3.
NCTD+ in Vista also replaced the local Breeze 334 one-way circulator route to prevent duplication of services in one area. The district has committed to funding the NCTD+ service in Vista into the future.
NCTD has also shared plans to further expand NCTD+ in Oceanside and Fallbrook, but is still working to identify funding to grow the program. The district was unsuccessful in obtaining Access for All funding from SANDAG earlier this year, and is planning to apply for the Flexible Fleets initiative in the coming months.
