Case Study: City of Carlsbad improves first-last-mile train connections with RideCo

Train Connector Service in Carlsbad, California

The City of Carlsbad worked with RideCo to address a first-mile-last-mile gap for commuters at the local train station. Fixed-route transit in North San Diego County wasn’t meeting rider needs, with long walks to bus stops, poorly aligned bus and rail schedules, infrequent service, and limited parking in Carlsbad Village.

RideCo implemented a turnkey microtransit service, the Carlsbad Connector, providing on-demand first-last-mile trips with four ADA-accessible, bike-rack-equipped 12-seat shuttles and 100 virtual stops, alongside fleet oversight from WeDriveU. Four months after launch, RideCo had helped deliver 80 passengers per weekday, 94% train connections, 98% on-time performance, a 12-minute average wait, 95% shared rides, and a 4.9 average trip rating.

City of Carlsbad

Christie Marcella

Economic Development Manager