The City of San Diego and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) unveiled the Beach Bug, a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) shuttle service available to both residents and visitors in the Pacific Beach community, today. According to FOX 5 San Diego, Mayor Todd Gloria invited everyone in San Diego to enjoy a ride on the Beach Bug and take advantage of this environmentally friendly and convenient transportation option.
Beach Bug rides can be requested through the Circuit App and are designed to make traveling within the city easier and more accessible while reducing the need for cars and their associated emissions. This new shuttle initiative aims to lower emissions and make streets safer for everyone, as mentioned by a local resident, Randal Engstrom, in the same FOX 5 San Diego report. Operating the Beach Bug electric shuttles would also contribute to the city's Climate Action Plan goals.
These low-speed, all-electric shuttles are capable of traveling at speeds up to 25 mph. According to a City of San Diego webpage, they can be booked through the "Ride Circuit" mobile app or by phone call for those without a smartphone. The service runs seven days a week, with varying operating hours, ensuring accessibility for commuters and beachgoers alike.
During the summer months, the Beach Bug service remains free for all riders. After the summer ends, a nominal fee of $2.50 will be charged per rider. However, trips will still be free for youth aged 18 and under and for those traveling to or from the Balboa Avenue Transit Station, as reported by the City of San Diego.
With the launch of the Beach Bug service, San Diego aims to reduce the demand for parking near coastal attractions and make public transit more convenient for the beachside community. As mentioned in an ABC 10News article, the creation of the Beach Bug shuttle followed a public vote, seeking community involvement from the start. Connecting the Balboa Avenue Transit Center to the beach neighborhood, these electric shuttles offer a fun and sustainable way to navigate the city and enjoy a day at the beach.
The Beach Bug shuttle service is funded by SANDAG and parking meter revenue collected from on-street parking meters throughout the city, according to both a City of San Diego webpage and an ABC 10News article. The funding showcases the city's commitment to using existing resources to provide innovative and sustainable transportation solutions for residents and visitors.
The Beach Bug pilot program marks the beginning of a larger plan to implement similar electric shuttle services in other San Diego communities, such as Southbay and Oceanside. Each shuttle service will be uniquely named to align with the local communities they serve, adding a personalized touch to the transportation program.
