As San Diego gears up for December Nights, the city's premier holiday event that annually draws massive crowds, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) steps in with a transportation solution. Offering transit relief during the anticipated congestion, MTS announced they will provide free shuttle services to the festivities on December 5 and 6, connecting City College to Balboa Park. Heavy traffic and limited paid parking spaces are expected challenges as over 300,000 attendees descend on the celebration, according to MTS.
Operating between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday and from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, the shuttles promise attendees a swifter journey, traveling southbound in a reserved bus-only lane on Park Boulevard, stopping at all locations between Zoo Drive and Broadway. Usually, these measures are implemented to bypass the traffic blockade to the celebration site.
To attend December Nights, attendees can utilize various transit services, including the UC San Diego Blue Line or Orange Line, which can be boarded at City College. From there, a transfer to the free event shuttle on 11th Street will be necessary. For those requiring access to Balboa Park on the west side, the option exists to take the Blue or Orange Line to the Fifth Avenue Trolley Station and transfer to the northbound Route 3 or 120 at Fifth Avenue & C Street, as per MTS's instructions. It should be noted, however, that while the special event shuttle is free, Routes 3 and 120 will require a fare. Payment has been made simple with the option to tap or scan a credit card directly on the validator for an easy payment process.
Those approaching from the Green Line can transfer at Fashion Valley Transit Center to the southbound Route 120 and get off at Fourth and Laurel Streets. Connections to and from the UC San Diego Blue Line are also available at the Old Town Transit Center. With the influx of people, MTS encourages riders to plan ahead, arrive early, and allow for extra time in their schedules to accommodate the significant delays expected due to traffic around Balboa Park. Details regarding detours and recommendations for navigating December Nights can be found on the MTS December Nights webpage.
For those unfamiliar with the system or the event, MTS suggests using their Trip Planner to devise a travel strategy before leaving home. Additionally, they recommend loading $5 onto a PRONTO card using the corresponding app, ensuring smooth travels without the need for cash transactions. Parking can be found at various Park and Ride lots throughout the city, most of which are free, providing easy access to the Trolley system and ultimately to the heart of December Nights.
