Transit Services

In June 2014, the I-15 Express Lanes began supporting a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service called Rapid, the first of its kind in San Diego County. The Express Lanes are connected to Direct Access Ramps (DARs) that allow transit services to be a reliable, timely, and predictable way to travel. Read on to learn more about the new Rapid transit services that use the I-15 Express Lanes.

Rapid Services

Rapid 235 began operation in June 2014 along the I-15 corridor. Mid-City Rapid 215 launched n October 12, 2014, and Rapid 237 launched on October 13, 2014. An additional route, South Bay Rapid 225, launched in January 2019.

This high-frequency, limited-stop service is operated by Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).

Rapid vehicles were designed to make the ride more comfortable, accessible, and convenient for passengers. Design features, such as comfortable seating and larger windows improve ride quality, while features such as multiple doors, low-floor designs for easier boarding, fare boxes that accept Compass Cards, and video monitors that announce the next stop and other transit information increase passenger accessibility and convenience.

With increased routes connecting residential areas with major employment centers and leisure destinations, Rapid runs more often, offering increased reliability and customer convenience similar to rail services. Additionally, service improvements such as coordination of time intervals between connecting transit routes and signs that display information about the “next vehicle” arrival increase service reliability and predictability for customers. DARs connect upgraded transit stations and their Park & Ride lots to the Express Lanes.

To complement Rapid service, a variety of projects have been implemented including planned improvements to the transit stations and transit centers along the I-15 corridor. Click on the Transit Projects tab above to access more information about these improvements.

Current Routes

Rapid Express (previously called Premium Express) is a weekday, peak-hour service that makes multiple trips south in the morning and north in the evening, along the I-15 Express Lanes and SR 163. Rapid Express 280 operates between Escondido Transit Center and Downtown San Diego, with one stop at Del Lago. Rapid Express 290 operates between Rancho Bernardo and Downtown, with one stop at Sabre Springs. To learn more about Rapid Express routes, visit MTS.

Rapid 235 is an all-day, limited-stop service (15-minute frequency in peak-hours and 30 minute frequency off-peak and on weekends) that runs from Escondido Transit Center to Downtown San Diego via I-15 and Clairemont Mesa Blvd. This route includes a connection to the future Rapid 215 at I-15 and El Cajon Boulevard.

Rapid 237 is a new weekday, extended peak-hour service between the Rancho Bernardo Transit Station and UC San Diego via I-15, with stops in Mira Mesa, Sorrento Mesa, and at Westfield University Towne Centre (UTC Transit Center) and UC San Diego (Gilman Transit Center) where riders can connect to Superloop, a circular transit system that serves the North University City area of San Diego. The UTC and UC San Diego stations also are planned to be future stations for the Mid-Coast Trolley.

Mid-City Rapid 215 operates between San Diego State University and Downtown San Diego via El Cajon and Park Boulevards. Mid-City Rapid offers connections to Rapid 235 and Santa Fe Depot, where passengers can connect to the Trolley, COASTER, and Amtrak.

For more information, visit MTS, read the Rapid FAQs, or view the Rapid network map.

Transit Station/Center Improvements

Transit stations and transit centers help facilitate transit by providing patrons with Park & Ride facilities and serving as transfer points to local transit services. A transit station accommodates only one kind of transit, such as a bus. Transit centers give commuters more choices, such as access to buses, as well as rail or Trolley services. Both are located near I-15 Direct Access Ramps so that the current Rapid Express and Rapid services can use the ramps and provide consistent travel times.

Funding

Funding for the I-15 BRT operations comes from TransNet, a half-cent sales tax for transportation projects approved by voters.

Operational Partners

MTS operates the current Rapid and Rapid Express services. Caltrans operates and maintains the I-15 Express Lanes corridor. FasTrak® operates and maintains the I-15 Express Lanes tolling system.

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