Microtransit Services

Providers

In 2022, SANDAG started a process to select service providers to design, deploy, operate, and monitor on-demand Flexible Fleets throughout the region. Contracts with these providers are available to local agencies:

As we implement the Regional Plan, we will continue to use the contracting process to encourage competitive procurement, provide consistent customer experiences, and support data sharing and planning needs. We anticipate that a variety of new partnerships will be formed with nonprofits and local jurisdictions as well as healthcare and education providers.

Please contact flexiblefleets@sandag.org for more information. 

Services

SANDAG’s Flexible Fleets Task Force partners with many agencies and organizations to support the implementation of microtransit services.

Barrio Logan Via Verde is a free, on-demand, all-electric shuttle service that is scheduled to begin operating in Barrio Logan and the surrounding neighborhoods in 2026. SANDAG supports this program through the task force.
Chula Vista Community Shuttle is an EV microtransit shuttle service that has been serving West Chula Vista since 2022. It provides rides within the service area for $2 (free for riders ages 55 and older). SANDAG supports this program through the task force.
FRANC is National City’s free, on-demand NEV microtransit electric shuttle service which began in September 2023. SANDAG supports this program through the task force.  
The gO'side NEV microtransit shuttle was initially piloted in 2022, and it was relaunched in 2023 through a partnership between SANDAG and the City of Oceanside. It serves Downtown Oceanside and areas east of I-5 including East Side Capistrano. gO’side is funded by SANDAG, the City of Oceanside, and Visit Oceanside.
In February 2025, North Park Mainstreet and City Heights CDC launched Mid-City GO, a free, electric ride-share service designed to connect these Mid-City communities. It provides easy, on-demand access to support a more cohesive transit system. SANDAG helped the Mid-City GO team secure grant funding through technical guidance—including the Flexible Fleets Implementation Strategic Plan—and continues to support this program through the task force.
NCTD+ San Marcos Microtransit launched in June 2024. It is an on-demand microtransit service that provides shared rides within a service zone in San Marcos, CA. The service is available to all riders and uses ADA accessible vans that can seat up to eight passengers. NCTD leveraged SANDAG’s Flexible Fleets Implementation Strategic Plan in their 2024 NCTD+ Microtransit Pilot Program Suitability Analysis. Additionally, SANDAG supports this program through the task force.
In May 2025, NCTD+ launched Vista Microtransit. This on-demand transit service provides shared rides within a service zone. The service is available to all riders and uses ADA accessible vans that can seat up to eight passengers. NCTD leveraged SANDAG’s Flexible Fleets Implementation Strategic Plan in their 2024 NCTD+ Microtransit Pilot Program Suitability Analysis. Additionally, SANDAG supports this program through the task force.
SANDAG and the Urban Collaborative Project CDC are partnering to launch Southeastern Connect, a microtransit service in Southeastern San Diego.
In March 2025, the City of El Cajon launched Via San Diego El Cajon Microtransit, an app-based, on-demand transit program that allows anyone within the El Cajon service zone to book a shared ride in the app. SANDAG helped the El Cajon team secure grant funding through technical guidance—including the Flexible Fleets Implementation Strategic Plan—and continues to support this program through the task force.

These inactive pilot programs used a variety of modes, service models, and funding structures. Using data from these pilot programs, including community feedback and performance monitoring, we are able to identify best practices and apply them to other microtransit services in the region. Historical data for some inactive services is available on SANDAG’s Open Data Portal.

  • The Island Express provided on-demand microtransit and NEV microtransit shuttle service in Coronado from June 2024 to December 2024. SANDAG supported this program through the task force.
  • The Carlsbad Good Ride shuttle was an on-demand microtransit service created to bring visitors and locals to Carlsbad attractions and retailers. It was launched in September 2023 and ended in August 2024. SANDAG supported this program through the task force.
  • In July 2023, SANDAG and the City of San Diego partnered to launch The Beach Bug, a NEV microtransit shuttle in the Pacific Beach community. This pilot project provided residents and visitors with a new travel option to and from local destinations and the Blue Line Trolley, leveraging SANDAG’s investment in the Mid-Coast Trolley extension. The pilot program ended in October 2024.
  • The Carlsbad Connector fixed microtransit pilot launched in August 2019 and ended in July 2020 due to the pandemic. This service connected commuters to and from the Carlsbad Poinsettia COASTER station and workplaces in the area. The City of Carlsbad, NCTD, and SANDAG funded and managed this pilot.
  • In August 2016, the City of San Diego launched FRED (Free Ride Everywhere Downtown) in Downtown and Little Italy. The FRED NEV microtransit shuttle program ended July 2025. SANDAG supported this program through the task force and on-call providers.

In This Section

Resources

Flexible Fleets Implementation Strategic Plan

Microtransit Pilot Data on SANDAG’s Open Data Portal