SAN DIEGO — The San Diego-area Coaster commuter rail service will celebrate its 30th anniversary by offering free rides this Thursday, Feb. 27. The service launched on Feb. 27, 1995, offering six trains during the morning commute and six in the evening. It has grown to include 15 round trips weekdays (with a 16th on Fridays), along with 11 round trips on Saturdays and nine on Sundays.
KGTV reports Thursday’s plans also include giveaways at some stations, including free Pronto fare cards.
North County Transit District and elected officials also marked the anniversary with a Friday, Feb. 21, event in Oceanside, Calif., including unveiling of the first new bilevel railcars ordered in 2020 from Bombardier (now part of Alstom). Eight coaches and three cab cars were included in the order, with an option for 27 additional cars.
The free Coaster rides do not extend to the Oceanside-Escondido Sprinter service or other NCTD operations.
