Forget gasoline pumps.  For about $5 a day, you can explore San Diego’s diverse, cultural and natural regions by taking the train, trolley, or bus.

Rail
The North Coast Transit District’s Coaster Train connects Oceanside to San Diego in seven stops every day except Sunday.  When highway traffic can be at a stand still, the train goes from end to end in less than an hour, making a commute not only scenic, but relaxing.  The brand new Sprinter Train, opening in late 2007, will connect Oceanside to Escondido along the Highway 78 corridor.  Amtrak’s rails run from San Diego up through California and give passengers postcard views of California’s coastline and coastal cities.

San Diego’s red Trolley is a transportation icon in the region.  The Blue Line connects the US/Mexican border to Old Town.  The Orange Line connects downtown to El Cajon, and the Green Line runs from Old Town to Santee in East county.

Road Way
If you’ve wondered why San Diego city buses make a different sound than trucks or cars, they are powered by compressed natural gas.  This fuel choice is helping the atmosphere by reducing carbon emissions.  North Coast Transit District buses connect Oceanside to La Jolla, and extend from Northeast county to the North coast.  The Metropolitan Transit System buses cover San Diego County from the border to East county and central San Diego.  Hospitals, malls, and most attractions host major transit centers.

In 1887, San Diego was the first west coast city to operate a streetcar system, replacing the original network of horse car routes.  Public transportation has come a long way in America’s Finest City.  Enjoy a leisurely commute aboard San Diego’s buses, trains, and trolleys, and count the savings in your wallet!

Local Tips
1.  1-800-COMMUTE for regional transit information.
2.  Trip planning: www.sdcommute.com.
3.  Coaster and Sprinter train schedules: www.gonctd.com.
4.  New! Bus 992 connects Santa Fe Depot (trains/trolleys) to the airport every 10 minutes.

Lydia Cobb is a writer living in San Diego North County, marketing director of Birch Aquarium at Scripps, surfer, and public transit rider.  She gave up her vintage surfing mobile a year ago in a personal challenge to live without a car.