In July 2023, SANDAG and the City of San Diego partnered to launch a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) shuttle service in the Pacific Beach community. The shuttle ("The Beach Bug") was a pilot project that provided residents and visitors with a new travel option to and from the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley.
The Beach Bug pilot program was created for and informed by the Pacific Beach community. The project team worked with several community groups to address community concerns and develop the final program. Public feedback was collected through online and in-person surveys to create the Beach Bug’s route and operations parameters. Outreach also included a naming poll, where community members were encouraged to submit and vote for the shuttle’s nickname, and an art contest for the shuttle’s logo
The Beach Bug pilot was paid for with federal funds, revenue collected from on-street parking meters in Pacific Beach, and a $2.50 rider fare. The pilot program has ceased operation on October 31, 2024.
Did you ride the Beach Bug? Email sustainabilitymobility@sandiego.gov to provide your thoughts and feedback on how the program was used or could be improved.