Rapid Bus Routes

We're making it easier for people to get where they need to go by expanding Rapid bus routes across the region. Thousands of people shared their feedback during our 2025 Regional Plan outreach, and the message was clear: the public wants transit to be faster and more convenient.

That's why we’re prioritizing the expansion of Rapid bus service by proposing 35 new rapid bus routes over the next decade. These projects will deliver fast, direct, and dependable connections to key destinations, including job centers, schools, healthcare services, shopping, and more.

The Difference between Rapid and Regular Routes

Rapid routes run more frequently, have fewer stops, and use technology and infrastructure to get around traffic. For example, Rapid routes can use express lanes on highways and get green light priority at stoplights. As more people choose to ride transit, traffic will flow more smoothly, air quality will improve, and even those who don’t take the bus will feel the benefits.

Rapid Routes Currently Being Planned

The SANDAG Board approved funding to start or continue planning for several Rapid routes:

Rapid 277 will run from Ramona to Poway and Sabre Springs.
Rapid 483 will connect Temecula to San Marcos via Escondido.
Rapid 625 will connect Chula Vista to San Diego State University, passing through National City, Southeastern San Diego, and City Heights.
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 San Ysidro to North San Diego via Chula Vista, National City, City Heights, Kearny Mesa, and UTC or Sorrento Mesa.
Rapid 880 will provide service from El Cajon to UC San Diego or Sorrento Mesa via Santee and Kearny Mesa.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to plan and realize a new Rapid bus route?

The amount of time it takes to plan a new Rapid route and start service depends on many factors, including finding and securing funding at various stages. Following state and federal planning process guidelines, a project could take four years or more to complete.

There are several steps in the process:

We study the project area, including existing conditions and destinations the bus could serve, and collect public input.
We study possible routes, transit priority features, and collections of stops, then analyze the information and collect public input to determine which route will work best.
We present a proposed final route, priority features, and bus stops to the public for input.
We study the possible impacts the project could have on the environment (natural resources and people, businesses, infrastructure, etc.) and share that information with the public for input.
We design the final route and all its supporting infrastructure.
We construct any infrastructure and/or add supportive technology needed for the route, such as bus-only lanes, transit priority stoplights, bus stops, etc.
Transit operators prepare to operate the service by hiring and training bus drivers, acquiring more buses, and more.

Which Rapid routes are ready to ride?

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

Which Rapid routes has SANDAG worked on recently?

In 2023, we completed initial planning for three Rapid routes:

Rapid 41 would connect Hillcrest to UC San Diego via Fashion Valley, Linda Vista, Clairemont, University City, and UTC.
Rapid 471 would connect Eastern Escondido, Escondido Transit Center, and Palomar Medical Center.
Rapid 625 (see above under Rapid Routes Currently Being Planned).

We successfully obtained funding to continue planning Rapid 625, and we are still working to secure funding to finish planning Rapid 41 and Rapid 471, along with other Rapid bus routes outlined in the Regional Plan.

View the results of this preliminary planning in the documents linked in the Resources section below.

Which 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.