FLEX Buses to Replace Breeze Route

Ramona commuters that rely on NCTD buses to get around will notice a big change beginning Monday with the end of Breeze route 386 linking Ramona and Escondido, replaced with three FLEX routes and a new rate structure. The new routes feature on-demand service, as well as regularly-scheduled trips.

“We looked at a service that didn’t have high ridership numbers, and we had to be more efficient,” said Alex Wiggins, a spokesman for NCTD.

Buses will continue to travel between Ramona and Escondido several times on weekdays. FLEX route 371 will depart Ramona Station in front of on Main Street at 5:45 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. and end at the Escondido Transit Center. Eastbound afternoon trips from Escondido to Ramona depart at 4:05 p.m. and 5:40 p.m., with a westbound trip leaving Ramona at 4:50 p.m.

FLEX route 371 will be a streamlined version of Breeze route 386, eliminating stops at San Diego Zoo Safari Park and stopping at San Pasqual Academy by reservation only, which needs to be made at least 30 minutes in advance. Route 371 will be serviced by 13-passenger vans operated by American Logistics Company, marked with signs and placards. 

The fare for route 371 will be $5 one way for adults, $2.50 for disabled, seniors and Medicare riders. Coaster passes and $14 regional plus day passes will be accepted.

FLEX route 372 will offer mid-day service between Ramona and Escondido by reservation only. The route will make stops between the Escondido Transit Center and Ash Street, after which riders can request to be dropped off anywhere within three-quarters of a mile, safety concerns considering. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park and San Pasqual Academy are available stops on route 372.

Reservations for route 372 must be made at least 30 minutes in advance by calling 855-844-1454. Riders can reserve a spot several days in advance or schedule a subscription ride for regular trips. The one-way fare for adults will be $10; senior, disabled and Medicare fare will $5 one way. Monthly and day passes will not be accepted on route 372.

Depending on the number of reservations, route 372 will be serviced by a taxi, minivan or 10-passenger van. FLEX vehicles operating on route 372 will be marked with a sign or placard.

On Tuesdays only, FLEX route 370 will take passengers between any two points in the Ramona FLEX Local Zone, roughly bordered by Third Street to the east, Etcheverry and Sawday streets to the west, Hanson Street to the south and Olive Street to the north (see attached PDF).

Riders on route 370 will have to call the reservation number, 855-844-1454, to arrange a trip. One-way adult fare will be $5; $2.50 for seniors, disabled and Medicaid. Coaster and regional plus day passes will be accepted.

Ramona FLEX service will not be available on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

The new service will be a different experience for most bus riders in Ramona.

“The biggest difference for Ramona residents will a bit more frequency and availability based on their travel needs, at a higher cost,” said Wiggins, NCTD spokesman. “... It’s a much better service, certainly, than what we were providing before, but at a higher cost.”

Wiggins said a monthly Coaster pass will probably be the best option for regular riders.