Early returns on the Beach Bug, a new electric shuttle providing easy access around Pacific Beach, have shown it to be a resounding success. As of Sept. 11, the Beach Bug had served 10,990 passengers since its July 12 debut this year.

Councilmember Joe LaCava, whose District 1 now includes PB, said the bug has fulfilled expectations. “Serving more than 11,000 riders since its launch this summer, the Beach Bug is an unqualified success,” he said. “Locals and visitors quickly realized its value in getting around PB without a car or looking for a parking space. These are the mobility choices that enhance our daily lives while preserving the environment.”

Added LaCava: “As we leave the summer season, the Beach Bug will no doubt continue its popularity as folks get around town and commuters and visitors use it to cover that ‘last mile’ between PB and the Balboa Avenue Transit Center. If folks haven’t tried it yet, download the app and see why it is a great choice to get around town.”

Charlie Nieto, Pacific Beach Town Council president, said the Beach Bug is providing an important link between the new trolley stop and the beach community. “When the Balboa Avenue Transit Center was constructed, it was supposed to connect PB with the rest of the City, but it sadly fell short of this goal due to the isolation and distance of its location,” he said. “The Beach Bug sought to solve this issue, and the PBTC couldn’t be more happy with the results.”

Nieto noted the Beach Bug also provides an essential transportation connection for local students to area schools. “This has not just been some public policy implemented in the community; it’s an absolute game changer,” he said. “As a student, I am now able to get from my front door in PB all the way to the SDSU campus using only public transit. This is also true for the large population of students that reside in PB attending SDSU, UCSD, and even USD.”
Added Nieto: The Beach Bug also provides a cleaner, safer, and friendlier experience than most other forms of transportation. It is so much more affordable than an Uber, it’s cleaner and safer than the City bus, and the drivers have perhaps the best customer service I’ve seen in years. As PBTC eyes the future of our beach town, perhaps the solution to ongoing problems like traffic, parking, and pollution can already be found with these shuttles.”

Krystal Ayala, curb space and parking program manager for the City Department of Sustainability and Mobility, noted early results indicate the shuttle has succeeded in reducing demand for parking while making it more convenient to take public transit to the beach.

“The PB community and the PB Community Parking District have long advocated for a convenient shuttle option in the area, and this pilot has been well received by residents, businesses, and visitors,” she said, adding the City has closely monitored rider feedback on the Beach Bug app after patrons complete their rides.

“The average driver rating is 4.92 stars (out of 5) and many indicate that the service is fun, convenient, and easy to use,” Ayala said adding, “Rider surveys reveal the Beach Bug has led to less driving and is being used for many trips (social/recreational, grocery stores, medical appointments, etc). Overall, feedback on the service has been overwhelmingly positive with many expressing interest in more vehicles to address the growing demand and residents nearby wanting the service to expand to their neighborhoods in Clairemont and Mission Beach.”

Concerning problems with the new shuttle, Ayala said: “There have been a few glitches that we have worked closely with Circuit, the service provider, to correct in a timely fashion. Demand has been increasing week over week since the launch of the pilot and we’re working with Circuit to optimize pickups and drop-offs to reduce wait times.”

Ayala noted data shows the pick-up and drop-off locations of highest demand for the shuttle have been the Balboa Avenue Transit Station, Crystal Pier, beaches, and shopping areas along Garnet Avenue near Vons and Trader Joe’s.

The two-year shuttle pilot will be in operation until June 2025. “In late 2024, early 2025, the City will develop a comprehensive evaluation of the pilot, which will include recommendations and an operating plan for the future of the service,” Ayala said. “Recommendations from the evaluation plan will be shared with the community and stakeholders for public input. We’d love to see the Beach Bug continue and expand to other nearby communities.”

Nieto noted that PBTC is concerned about the lack of equitable access to its beaches from other communities. “We want other neighborhoods to know that we welcome them with fully open arms to enjoy all that PB has to offer, and now that our beaches are directly linked to the rest of the City thanks to the Beach Bug, we can match that sentiment with real tangible actions and not just empty words,” he said.

“The Beach Bug is yet another example of how the City is exploring innovative pilots to help expand mobility options within the City that support our Climate Action Plan goals,” Ayala said.