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Sustainability and Mobility

Neighborhood Shuttles

Take a Ride on San Diego’s Neighborhood Shuttles!

Pacific Beach Shuttle: The Beach Bug

Beach Bug

FRED

FRED Shuttles

These all-electric, low-speed shuttles provide low-cost or free rides in San Diego communities. The Beach Bug and FRED are neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) shuttle services that provide a new, fun and eco-friendly way to get around San Diego! The Beach Bug travels throughout Pacific Beach, taking you to all your favorite beach spots, while FRED offers a convenient way to move around downtown. Help reduce traffic and lower greenhouse gas emissions by enjoying a scenic ride on these neighborhood shuttles! Download the Ride Circuit app for your next ride.

The Beach Bug

The Bach Bug logo

Launched in July 2023, the Pacific Beach Shuttle, better known as The Beach Bug, is a neighborhood shuttle service that serves the Pacific Beach community. The Beach Bug is run in partnership with the City of San Diego and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). The Beach Bug is a fun and sustainable way to get to the beach and your favorite spots!

Service Area

The Beach Bug serves the entirety of the Pacific Beach community, including trips to and from the beach and the Balboa Avenue Transit Station.

The Beach Bug Service Area

Service Hours

Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Cost

  • $2.50 per ride, per person
  • Free of charge if taken to/from Balboa Avenue Transit Station

How to Ride

Download and follow steps in the Ride Circuit app.

If unable to use a smartphone, you may book a ride by calling 858-258-9680.

For more information, take a look at our call center user guide.

The Beach Bug Launch Video

Shuttle FAQs

Can I schedule my ride in advance?

No, The Beach Bug does not currently allow scheduled rides. To book a ride, simply use the Circuit app or call 858-258-9680.

Is this a private or public shuttle?

The Beach Bug is a public shuttle. Your ride will be shared with other passengers who also book a ride.

Will the ride pick me up at my exact location?

The shuttle will pick up passengers from "virtual stops" that the rider will be able to see in the Circuit app. If for some reason the shuttle cannot stop for a pickup or drop-off at the virtual stop, the driver will stop in a safe location as close as possible to the stop and call you with instructions.

What is the approximate wait time for the shuttle to pick me up?

The goal wait time is 10 minutes or less. However, in times of high congestion, such as on weekends, the wait time may take longer.

Can groups ride The Beach Bug together, or is it only for individuals? 

The shuttle service is available to individuals or groups up to five. When you request the ride via the Circuit app, you will be prompted to select the number of seats needed for your trip.

Will the shuttle be wheelchair accessible?

Yes, a wheelchair accessible ride is available upon request through the mobile Circuit app or by calling 858-258-9680.

Can I bring my bicycle or surfboard on the shuttle? 

No, you may not bring large cargo on the shuttle. These shuttles are designed for short trips and small cargo; however, you can ride with a boogie board. 

Can kids ride with me?

Yes, kids may ride the shuttles. Children and adults must follow individual state car seat and child passenger laws.

Can I bring my pet on the shuttle? 

Pets are welcome on the shuttles at the discretion of each individual driver and the other passengers in the vehicle. Please speak with your driver when they arrive to confirm it is acceptable. 

FRED

FRED transport

FRED has served as a neighborhood shuttle service for the Downtown San Diego community since August 2016. FRED offers an alternative transportation mode to traditional cars and helps increase business at local shops downtown. Come down and try out your new friend, FRED!

Service Area

FRED provides rides to and from all areas downtown, including Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center, to name a few.

FRED Service Map

Service Hours

Monday-Thursday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Cost

  • No charge

How to Ride

Download and follow steps in the Ride Circuit app.

Shuttle FAQs

Is this a private or public shuttle?

FRED is a public shuttle. Your ride will be shared with other passengers who also book a ride.

Will the ride pick me up at my exact location?

The shuttle will pick up passengers from "virtual stops" that the rider will be able to see in the Circuit app. If for some reason the shuttle cannot stop for a pickup or drop-off at the virtual stop, the driver will stop in a safe location as close as possible to the stop and call you with instructions.

What is the approximate wait time for the shuttle to pick me up?

The goal wait time is 10 minutes or less. However, in times of high congestion, such as on weekends, the wait time may take longer.

Can groups ride FRED together, or is it only for individuals? 

The shuttle service is available to individuals or groups up to five. When you request the ride via the Circuit app, you will be prompted to select the number of seats needed for your trip.

Will the shuttle be wheelchair accessible?

Yes, a wheelchair accessible ride is available upon request through the mobile Circuit app.

Can I bring my bicycle on the shuttle? 

No, you may not bring large cargo on the shuttle. These shuttles are designed for short trips and small cargo. 

Can kids ride with me?

Yes, kids may ride the shuttles. Children and adults must follow individual state car seat and child passenger laws.

Can I bring my pet on the shuttle? 

Pets are welcome on the shuttles at the discretion of each individual driver and the other passengers in the vehicle. Please speak with your driver when they arrive to confirm it is acceptable.