Oceanside electric shuttle program returns in July

By SDCN Editor

Oceanside, CA–The gO’side neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) shuttle program is back and will begin service to downtown Oceanside beginning July 3.

The five-passenger electric shuttles will run Monday through Wednesday from noon to 10 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with adjusted hours from December through April based on demand. 

The shuttle will also include services from Oceanside Harbor south to Vista Way in the area west of Interstate 5, in addition to the East Side neighborhood and Country Club Lane. 

GO’side Shuttles can be hailed by downloading the “Ride Circuit” smartphone app and choosing “Oceanside” as the location. A flat fare of $3 per rider will be charged, with a cap of $6 for groups of more than two riders. 

“We are so excited to bring back the gO’side, which will provide Oceanside residents, visitors, and workers a safe, efficient transportation option to get around downtown,” said Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez. “The pilot program was very popular last year, not only for its contribution to the environment and helping to mitigate parking and traffic congestion, but it’s also really fun to ride!” 

In 2022, the City of Oceanside contracted with Circuit to run a pilot NEV shuttle program using American Rescue Plan Act funds. The pilot program averaged 7,200 monthly riders and was estimated to have saved more than 1,600 gallons of gas while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 18 metric tons. According to data from the pilot program, locals used the service as much as visitors, with the most frequent destinations including local restaurants, the beach, and retail shops. 

“The gO’side shuttle is a valuable program that aligns with our goals for responsible visitation and destination stewardship,” said Visit Oceanside CEO Leslee Gaul. “This earth-friendly, last-mile solution helps support local businesses while offering visitors and locals an easy-to-use, hassle-free option for getting around.”

Through a partnership between SANDAG, the City of Oceanside, and Visit Oceanside, the shuttle program is back for two more years. The total cost for the program is $573,000 per year of which Visit Oceanside is providing a $100,000 contribution, SANDAG is providing $250,000 in matching funds, and the City of Oceanside is funding the remainder.

“Through survey feedback, riders shared that they wanted the program to return, and together with our partners we were successful in bringing it back,” said SANDAG and San Diego County Chairwoman Nora Vargas. “SANDAG is committed to championing projects that connect people from everywhere across the region and this program does just that. The goal is to support initiatives that provide affordable transportation options while helping reduce air pollution and congestion.” 

The Oceanside shuttle is one of the first NEV pilots to launch under SANDAG’s Flexible Fleets program, which is outlined in the Regional Plan. SANDAG is also launching a shuttle pilot in the City of San Diego and plans to expand another pilot in the south county.