Pacific Beach Shuttle

SANDAG and the City of San Diego have partnered to launch a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) shuttle service in the Pacific Beach (PB) community. The shuttle ("The Beach Bug") will provide residents and visitors connections to and from the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley via the Balboa Transit Station.

An NEV is a low-speed electric vehicle shuttle used for short trips up to three miles. NEVs typically operate on a fixed route or an on-demand route, where the NEV shuttle can be hailed with a smartphone app.

The Beach Bug is being paid for with federal funds and revenue collected from on-street parking meters in Pacific Beach through the City of San Diego.

The Beach Bug is a two-year pilot program that launched in the summer of 2023. Use the interactive map to share your thoughts on the program.

Overhead map of the Beach Bug service area, which covers the Pacific Beach neighborhood from the coast to Balboa Station

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does PB need an NEV?

The Beach Bug shuttle pilot project will provide a link between Pacific Beach and the wider San Diego region through its connection to Balboa Avenue Transit Station. With free rides to and from the station, visitors from anywhere in our region will have access to the many amenities that PB has to offer. The zero-emissions shuttle will also help relieve traffic congestion, making it easier to navigate the area whether you choose to walk, ride, drive, or roll.

How do I book a ride on The Beach Bug?

You can book a ride using the Circuit app or by calling (858) 258-9680.

Select your pick-up and drop-off locations from the available "virtual stops," the number of passengers (up to five), and whether you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

Tap “Request,” and a Beach Bug shuttle will pick you up within 15 minutes. Please note that wait times may be longer and shuttle hours may be shifted during the pilot for this service. The Beach Bug currently does not allow riders to book/schedule rides in advance.

You can track your ride on the Circuit app. If you provide your mobile number in your account, you can also receive phone calls from the driver when necessary.

Your trip may be shared with other Beach Bug riders, similar to an Uber Pool.

How much does a ride on The Beach Bug cost?

The Beach Bug was free for riders for the first 3 months of service. As of October 16, 2023, fares for the Beach Bug cost $2.50 per person, per ride and will be capped at $5.00 per group of two or more. Trips will remain free for riders who take the shuttle to or from the Balboa Avenue Transit Station.

What are The Beach Bug's operating hours?

Beginning in summer 2023, the shuttle will operate:

Monday (7am to 7pm)
Tuesday (7am to 7pm)
Wednesday (7am to 7pm)
Thursday (7am to 10pm)
Friday (7am to 10pm)
Saturday (9am-10pm)
Sunday (9am- 7pm)

Please note that hours of operation may change in the future.

How does Circuit determine which ride requests to accept and routes to take?

Circuit uses an algorithm to find the most optimal and efficient route based on the rider’s origin and destination.

Can I bring my bike/surfboard on the shuttle?

These shuttles are designed for short trips and small cargo. They cannot currently store larger items like bikes or surfboards, but they can store smaller items like roller skates or boogie boards.

Can I bring my pet on the shuttle?

Pets are welcome on the shuttles at the discretion of the driver and other passengers in the vehicle. Pets must stay on your lap or on the floor between your legs at all times.

Are there any advertising opportunities?

To advertise on the Beach Bug shuttle, visit ridecircuit.com/advertise.