Pacific Beach's Beach Bug's Final Ride

As the pilot program for the Pacific Beach Bug sunsets, the city and San Diegans are looking to possible alternatives and improvements in the future.

Key Takeaways

Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Pacific Beach's Beach Bug's Final Ride
Beach Bug Says Goodbye
A Successful Journey
Go City Pass & Save
Navigating the Future
Community Voices
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Beach Bug's Final Ride: Pacific Beach Says Goodbye (for Now)

Pacific Beach, Beach Bug Electric ShuttleBusy Boardwalk next to Woodies in Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach residents and vacationers take note: the Beach Bug will no longer be available as of October 31, 2024 at 6:00 pm.

These electric shuttles provided by Circuit were especially popular as a way to get around PB without a car. Even as a local, I found the ability to call a shuttle to anywhere in the neighborhood through an app to be a huge convenience, but it’s one we’ll soon have to learn to live without - at least for a while.

The Program’s History

Beach Bugs were rolled out to Pacific Beach in the summer of 2023. This followed the introduction of Ride Circuit services Downtown San Diego a few years prior.

The shuttles were pitched as an alternative to other methods of public transit, from the bus and trolley to rideshares. They aimed to be both affordable and eco-friendly.

Now, the pilot program for the Beach Bug is coming to an end.

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A Successful Journey: Reflecting on 15 Months of Beach Bug

Back of the Electric Shuttle - PB Beach Bug
Back of the Electric Shuttle - PB Beach Bug

Many of Pacific Beach’s residents (myself included) and visitors will be sad to see the Beach Bug go, as it was a very popular service.

During its 15 months of operation, Circuit reports that over 45,000 people called a ride.

Benefits of the Bug

The shuttle’s operation didn’t just help many people get around - it also provided lots of valuable info about how electric shuttles and other public transit options help improve accessibility and reduce driving and parking congestion.

As a result, there’s still hope that the program will return in the future in a new form.

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Navigating the Future: Plans for Permanent Mobility Solutions

Many of the insights gathered during the Beach Bug’s run will be used to help develop a long-term solution. Circuit plans to continue collaborating with the City of San Diego, using the vital feedback from its riders.

Fred Shuttle next to the Star of India
Fred Shuttle next to the Star of India

Circuit Services in Other Neighborhoods

You might be down one option for getting around Pacific Beach, but electric shuttles are still available in some other San Diego neighborhoods.

The most well-used service is the FRED Shuttle, which has served the Downtown San Diego area since 2016. This includes areas like the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park (home of the famous San Diego Zoo), the Embarcadero, and Little Italy - making it a cheap and convenient way to reach many of the stops on our list of the best things to do in Little Italy.

Other Circuit electric shuttles that are still running include the Island Express in Coronado and gO’side in Oceanside.

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Community Voices: Shaping What's Next for Pacific Beach

The Wheelchair Accessible  Electric Shuttle
The Wheelchair Accessible Electric Shuttle

Though the pilot program is coming to a close, the voyage in Pacific Beach may not be over forever. Circuit will continue to work with the city to provide transportation services to San Diegans and vacationers alike.

Whether the Beach Bug will return or if another service will replace it is currently uncertain, but everyone involved remains committed to exploring possible solutions that address issues like transportation equity and climate concerns.

San Diego Trolley Passing by the Convention Center in Downtown
San Diego Trolley Passing by the Convention Center in Downtown

Shaping the Future of Transportation in San Diego

While Circuit and the City of San Diego plan for the future, they’re requesting feedback from riders who used the Beach Bug while it was in operation.

To throw my hat in the ring as a PB resident, I’m hoping that if the service returns, it will run a bit later into the evening, especially on weekends.

Previously service ended at 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 8pm on other days. This meant that when I took my family to a Padres game at PETCO PARK, when I got back in the PB area around 10:30pm, I was out of luck.

White Water at North Pacific Beach
White Water at North Pacific Beach

A Call for Feedback

Have your own suggestions? Circuit is requesting community input, so send an email to SustainabilityMobility@sandiego.gov to share your experience with the Beach Bug and potential improvements.

Hopefully, the Beach Bug (or an even better service) will soon ride again!

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