Just like the debit card simplified paying options at stores, SANDAG’s Compass+ card aims to improve commuters’ transportation options and increase use of the COASTER commuter rail service in Sorrento Valley . SANDAG teamed with the North County Transit District (NCTD) and Flexcar to bring commuters a new transit/carsharing package designed to provide Sorrento Valley area commuters with more options, more flexibility, and more savings.

SANDAG is conducting a six-month pilot project to test the effectiveness of combining COASTER commuter rail service and carsharing. Sorrento Valley area commuters willing to participate in the pilot project will receive the Compass+ card, which includes COASTER fares, free year-long Flexcar membership dues, and personal hours each month for any Flexcar vehicle located in San Diego. SANDAG will offer promotional pricing of the Compass+ card for qualified participants.

One-hundred Sorrento Valley commuters and five employers are needed to participate in the Compass+ pilot project. Eligible parties must be 21 years old and meet Flexcar membership requirements; currently drive to work alone; and not be a current COASTER rider. Those commuters who are selected as participants will complete entry and exit interviews and six, one-day trip diaries during the course of the project. Participants also can choose to be included in a focus group.

Those employers selected to participate are required to survey their employees, provide a visible, dedicated parking space, and promote the Compass+ project to their employees.

Participants will be able to take the Coaster and have access to a car to get to work, drive to meetings, or to run errands. SANDAG chose Sorrento Valley to test run Compass+ because a large number of commuters that travel in and out of the area don’t have a way to get from the COASTER commuter rail station to and from their workplaces.

Five Flexcar vehicles will be conveniently parked at the COASTER station and nearby business offices and more will be added with demand. The carsharing service offers members the opportunity to reserve these vehicles for as often and as long as needed. Users reserve the vehicle on the Internet and access it with the coded Compass+ keycard. Flexcar takes care of the gas, maintenance, insurance, parking, and billing.

To learn more, contact SANDAG at 619-699-7318 or jbr@sandag.org.

Project Manager: Ray Traynor
619-699-6945