It’s easy to ride on Rapid. All Rapid vehicles accept PRONTO Cards, PRONTO App or cash. The fare box and PRONTO Card validator are located right at the front of the vehicle next to the driver.
PRONTO Card & App
The fastest way to travel is with PRONTO app on your iOS or Android smartphone or with a PRONTO Card (purchased and loaded with money at any sales outlet). Earn-as-you-go to get the best fare, every time! Load money into your PRONTO app or onto your card, then scan or tap with each trip you make to earn a Day or Month Pass, sit down in one of the comfortable, cushioned seats, and enjoy the ride. Text your friends, send some emails to get the workday started, or just relax with a book or newspaper. Riding Rapid is easy and relaxing.
Real Time Arrivals
Rapid also takes the guess work out of riding. Many stations are equipped with electronic signage to indicate the next arrival time. You can also find the next arrival while on the go using the OneBusAway app on your iOS or Android smartphone.
FAQs
What are the Rapid hours of operation?
- SuperLoop Rapid 201/202 operates every day from 5:45am to Midnight
- SuperLoop Rapid 204 operates weekdays from 5:45am to 10pm
- Mid-City Rapid 215 operates every day from 4:30am to 1:30am the following morning
- South Bay Rapid 225 operates all day, every day, between 4:30am and Midnight
- Rapid 235 operates all day, every day, between 5am and 11:30pm
- Rapid 237 operates Monday through Friday, during rush hour periods from 5:30-10:30am and from 2-8pm
How often does Rapid run?
- SuperLoop Rapid routes 201/202 every 5-10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on nights and weekends
- SuperLoop Rapid route 204 operates every 30 minutes (weekdays only)
- Rapid 215 operates every 10 minutes during weekday rush hours, and every 15 minutes during non-rush hours and on weekends
- South Bay Rapid 225 operates every 15 minutes during weekday rush hours, and every 30 minutes during non-rush hours and on weekends
- Rapid 235 operates every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on nights and weekends
- Rapid 237 operates every 15 minutes between Miramar College and UC San Diego during weekday rush hours (from 5:30-10:30am and from 2-8pm)
How much does it cost to ride Rapid?
What if I want to take a trip Downtown at night or on the weekend (Padres, Comic-Con, etc.)?
To accommodate leisure trips, all Rapid routes serving Downtown operate 7 days/week:
- Mid-City Rapid 215 runs every day from 4:30am to 1:30am, serving Hillcrest, North Park, City Heights, and SDSU
- South Bay Rapid 225 runs from 4:30am to Midnight every day serving eastern Chula Vista, Eastlake, and Otay Mesa
- Rapid 235 service runs from 5am to 11pm every day along the I-15 corridor serving City Heights, Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Sabre Springs, Rancho Bernardo, and Escondido
Why isn’t there a Trolley line along the I-15 or El Cajon Blvd. corridors?
A Trolley line along the I-15 corridor was evaluated in the 1990s. To provide a range of travel choices for commuters, the decision was made to pursue an Express Lanes/Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) concept that would offer priority access for transit, carpools and vanpools, and the FasTrak program. Future conversion of Rapid 215 to a Trolley line is an option being evaluated in the Regional Transportation Plan. Rapid has many of the same features as a Trolley line: high frequency service, limited stations, high-capacity vehicles, upgraded stations, and Park & Ride lots at several stations.
What passenger amenities does Rapid offer?
In addition to providing faster and more frequent service, Rapid includes new buses with improvements designed to make the ride more comfortable, accessible, and convenient for passengers. Rapid vehicles were designed to streamline and accelerate the boarding process and feature multiple doors, low-floor designs and larger windows.
I’m starting my trip from North County. How do I connect to Rapid?
Rapid 235 and Rapid Express 280 connect with the SPRINTER and local North County Transit District (NCTD) buses at the Escondido Transit Center. Please note that SPRINTER/BREEZE discounted and monthly passes cannot be used to transfer to any MTS route. For information on SPRINTER/BREEZE/COASTER routes visit www.goNCTD.com.