Rapid Bus Routes

We’re planning to get people where they need to go faster by expanding Rapid bus routes in the region. Expect to get around traffic with designated bus lanes and green light priority at intersections. Most routes will come every 10 minutes, have fewer stops, and come earlier in the morning and later at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What new Rapid routes are in the works?

In 2023, we completed the first two phases of planning for three Rapid routes:

Rapid 41 connects Hillcrest, Fashion Valley, Linda Vista, Clairemont, University City, UTC, and UC San Diego.
Rapid 471 connects Eastern Escondido, Escondido Transit Center, and Palomar Medical Center.
Rapid 625 runs from Chula Vista to San Diego State University via National City, Southeast San Diego, and City Heights.

Find the reports from these studies in the Resources section below.

Our Board recently approved funding to finish planning Rapid 625* and to start planning five more routes:

Rapid 277 will run from Ramona to Poway and Sabre Springs.
Rapid 880 will connect El Cajon, Santee, Kearny Mesa, UTC, and UC San Diego.
Rapid 640 will be a new option following the same route as the Blue Line Trolley with limited stops between San Ysidro and Downtown San Diego.
Rapid 688 will provide service from the U.S.-Mexico border to North San Diego via Chula Vista, National City, City Heights, Kearny Mesa, and UTC or Sorrento Mesa.
Rapid 483 will connect Temecula to San Marcos via Escondido.

*We are working to secure funding to finish planning efforts on Rapids 41 and 471 as well as all other Rapid bus routes in the Regional Plan.

What Rapid routes are ready to ride?

Learn more about all Rapid bus services in the San Diego region on the MTS website.

What Rapid projects has SANDAG worked on in the past?

SuperLoop Rapids 201/202 and 204 provide frequent service, seven days a week, connecting UC San Diego, Westfield UTC, La Jolla Village Square, Costa Verde Shopping Center, and Scripps Memorial Hospital.

Mid-City Rapid 215 is a limited-stop service between San Diego State University and Downtown San Diego via El Cajon and Park boulevards through City Heights and North Park.

SANDAG also worked on Rapid services on I-15:

Rapid 235 is an all-day, limited-stop service between Escondido Transit Center and Downtown San Diego which comes every 15 minutes during peak commuting hours.
Rapid 237 is a one-seat ride from Miramar College Transit Station to UC San Diego with stops at other transit centers and along Mira Mesa Boulevard. It offers extended service earlier in the morning and later in the evening.
Rapid Express 280 and 290 offer frequent service for weekday commuters during peak hours with more frequent service south in the morning and north in late afternoons and evenings.

Rapid 280 runs between Escondido Transit Center and Downtown San Diego with one stop at Del Lago Transit Station.
Rapid 290 connects Rancho Bernardo Transit Station and Downtown San Diego with one stop at Sabre Springs/Peñasquitos Transit Station.

South Bay Rapid 225 connects Otay Mesa Transit Center and Downtown San Diego avoiding traffic on highways 805 and 94 in temporary transit-only lanes.