The North County Transit District will offer free rides between Oceanside and downtown San Diego on Thursday to promote the 30th anniversary of the Coaster train line.
The agency revealed the promotion and a new bi-level Coaster passenger car during a Friday celebration.
The Coaster line, formerly known as the Coast Rail Express, began operating in 1995 with six morning trains and six evening trains.
Now the rail system offers up to 32 trips per day and takes passengers past 41 miles of coastal scenery.
“As our communities continue forward, we are excited about what the next 30 years will bring,” said NCTD CEO Shawn Donaghy.
NCTD officials said the free ride day will feature Pronto fare card giveaways for customers at the Oceanside Transit Center, Carlsbad Village, and Encinitas stations.
Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner said the new passenger car’s addition represents a significant investment in the future of the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo rail corridor.
The new coach will join a fleet of seven locomotives supporting a total of 28 bi-level coaches.
