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Comic-Con International => SDCC Housing, Parking, and Transportation => Topic started by: alyssa on March 12, 2012, 08:41:00 AM

Title: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on March 12, 2012, 08:41:00 AM
This is the first place i start; http://www.sdmts.com/Tripplanner.asp  but you'll need a start point (you hotels address), the end point has a entry in the drop down box, San Diego Convention Center.

Here is the trolley map; http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/trolley.asp

here is a map of some of the hotels; http://i44.tinypic.com/2iu2nbc.png  Many thanks to Zero for crating & posting this!

Post more links and tips or ask questions...
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on March 12, 2012, 10:49:37 PM
These are available on the MTS Trolley website, but I'm posting them here as direct links (to avoid having to click so many pages to get to the info you want, ha ha).

MTS Trolley timetables/schedules: https://www.sdmts.com/schedules-real-time-maps-and-routes/trolley
MTS Trolley fares: https://www.sdmts.com/fares-passes#trolley
MTS Trolley station information: https://www.sdmts.com/rider-info/transit-station-parking
*Note that some trolley stations have free parking, while others have paid parking.

MTS regional maps and routes: https://www.sdmts.com/schedules-real-time/maps-and-routes

Some info and policies about carrying some kinds of large cargo on the trolleys/buses:
https://www.sdmts.com/rider-info-how-ride/rules-riding#cargoInfo


EDIT: (Adding this information from another post I made in a different thread, as a reference.)

From the MTS web page about Comic-Con trolley info:
"There is free parking at Qualcomm Stadium. The Special Event Red Line will take you directly from Qualcomm Stadium to the Convention Center. At Hazard Center, free parking is available on the lower level (in the evening on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday)."

MTS Service for Comic-Con: http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp

Hope that helps! If I find any more helpful links, I'll add them here. ^_^d

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: tashpalo on March 23, 2012, 01:35:59 PM
I've never been to San Diego and will be arriving by myself to meet up with others later. Is it relatively easy to get from the airport to the hotels by the convention center?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Trev on March 23, 2012, 01:59:34 PM
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I've never been to San Diego and will be arriving by myself to meet up with others later. Is it relatively easy to get from the airport to the hotels by the convention center?

super easy. hop in a cab and be there in under 10 min.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on March 25, 2012, 06:49:18 PM
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I've never been to San Diego and will be arriving by myself to meet up with others later. Is it relatively easy to get from the airport to the hotels by the convention center?
Instead of a cab, you can also use Super Shuttle.  I did a sample route using the Marriott Marquis and Marina Hotel (the one next to the San Diego Convention Center), just to try it out.  For a one-way with one adult (from the airport) trip, the "Shared Ride Van Service" price is $8.00.

Here's the website:
http://www.supershuttle.com/

The settings I used for the example were the following--
Select One-way or Round-Trip: One-way (From Airport)
Select Airport: San Diego Airport (SAN)
Select Address Type: Hotel / Popular Landmark
No. of Adult: 1
No. of Child: (left alone)

Enter Group / Discount Code: (left alone, but I'm sure you can find some online)

Click "Next."

The next page will take you the "Hotel / Landmark Search."  You can either enter the hotel name and they'll provide you with a list to choose from, or check the box that says "I will enter the address manually." 
(For this, I just typed in "Marriott Marquis" as a reference point.)

Then, click "Next" (or follow the steps it asks of you for manually entering an address), and it will show you the rates for different kinds of ride services FROM the airport, as of today, Sunday, March 25, 2012:
(None of these include tip...)

*The TO the airport ride service seems to be cheaper for the ExecuCar Sedan ($25.00 USD) and SUV Service ($45.00 USD) Meet and Greet.

You can also call them for rate quotes, as they may or may not change throughout the year.


I hope that helps!  If I find any other ride services to and from the airport, I'll post them here. ^_^d
EDIT: Found another ride service to price compare.
http://www.primetimeshuttle.com/locations/airportshuttle_SAN.html
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: stonecutterjeff on April 02, 2012, 07:13:23 AM
Hey sorry I am bothering you all with newb questions. Didn't get any downtown hotels but got the Marriott in mission valley. And just wondering about the shuttle. Does each hotel have their own or is it just a company that keeps stopping at the hotels? Trying to figure out how comic con will go. Been to San Diego and loved mission valley. I keep trying to figure out why these hotels were the last to fill up. I guess I figure it all out once I get there.  Thanks again
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on April 02, 2012, 07:38:48 AM
Jeff, Comic Con provides a shuttle to people staying in their hotels. The MIssion Valley Marriott should be on the shuttle route. Check out this pdf:

http://www.comic-con.org/cci/forms/cci12_hotels.pdf (http://www.comic-con.org/cci/forms/cci12_hotels.pdf)

(Go down to pages 5 and 6.)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: stonecutterjeff on April 02, 2012, 07:45:34 AM
Thank you very much. Sorry for all the newb questions I will be asking.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on April 02, 2012, 07:52:08 AM
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Thank you very much. Sorry for all the newb questions I will be asking.
do not worry abt n00b questions!  we all like to be helpful otherwise i wouldn't have started this forum!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on April 02, 2012, 08:41:21 AM
We were all noobs once! I would have loved to have had a resource like this when I first went to Comic Con!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: vegasndn on April 03, 2012, 02:27:35 PM
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We were all boobs once! I would have loved to have had a resource like this when I first went to Comic Con!
I agree Ive learned so much from this forum
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: nerdftw on April 08, 2012, 02:11:16 AM
Does anyone know what the schedule for the trolley is like?  I tried the above link, but it doesn't have the hours posted yet.  I was trying to get an idea of whether it runs in the wee hours of the morning (like if i wanted to get there at say 4-5AM) or if I would be better off trying to fight for a parking pass when they go on sale. 

Thanks for any help :)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: stonecutterjeff on April 08, 2012, 10:49:06 AM
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Does anyone know what the schedule for the trolley is like?  I tried the above link, but it doesn't have the hours posted yet.  I was trying to get an idea of whether it runs in the wee hours of the morning (like if i wanted to get there at say 4-5AM) or if I would be better off trying to fight for a parking pass when they go on sale. 

Thanks for any help :)

are you staying at a hotel with a shuttle service? the shuttle is 24/7 of the days of con. could be easier to go that way
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: nerdftw on April 08, 2012, 01:00:45 PM
We only have Thurs/Sun badges, so the first part of the trip we're at a shuttle hotel, but then we moved to our favorite beachside hotel so we can spend all day Fri and Sat on the beach.  It's about 8 miles from the convention center.  Historically, do Sundays have stuff worth getting there 4-5am-ish?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on April 08, 2012, 02:14:05 PM
nerdftw, i get there at abt 6am each day-  it's really subjective abt what is 'worth getting there early for' are 2013 passes worth it? is getting in to the Doctor who panel?  I thought so, you may not tho.

looking at this time table( http://www.sdmts.com/Trolley/documents/TrolleyTimetable.pdf ), i see that in general it seems as tho most scheduled trolley's run between 4am ish to 1am ish.  There seems to be a plus/minus half hour so i'd really look at the schedule but figure there's gonna be a bit more trolley's due to sdcc.



Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on April 09, 2012, 02:15:34 AM
Plus, there will be the "special event" trolley (in addition to the usual ones that operate daily) for Comic-Con, so it'll be more frequent in terms of stops as well.

One quick note for those new to San Diego's trolley system:
Although the trolley map specifies different colors for a specific route, the trolleys are actually all red.  This means that the "Blue Line" cars aren't blue, "Orange Line" isn't orange, etc., so pay attention to the labels on the trolley.

You'll have to read the marquee signs on the trolley cars, which tells you which route it is.  (Basically, it would say something like "Blue Line - San Ysidro" or "Orange Line - Convention Ctr.")   There will be signs designating which direction the trolleys are going at the stations as well, so use that to guide you on your way.

Hope that helps! ^_^/
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: nerdftw on April 09, 2012, 07:52:06 AM
Thanks guys for the advice/help!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: garbagepailz on April 10, 2012, 07:02:27 PM
If I get to Amtrak on sat early am like 5 is there a trolly going there where can I check?is it free or do I pre pay?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on April 10, 2012, 07:06:57 PM
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If I get to Amtrak on sat early am like 5 is there a trolly going there where can I check?is it free or do I pre pay?
i'm really confused
but this might help you... http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage

or this, http://maps.google.com/maps?um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=san+diego+amtrak+station&fb=1&gl=us&hq=amtrak+station&hnear=0x80d9530fad921e4b:0xd3a21fdfd15df79,San+Diego,+CA&cid=0,0,13520159620837640218&ei=gOeET-6TJObd0QHmh8S-Bw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&ved=0CCcQ_BI
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: garbagepailz on April 10, 2012, 07:20:41 PM
Thank u sorry for confusion
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on April 10, 2012, 07:26:58 PM
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If I get to Amtrak on sat early am like 5 is there a trolly going there where can I check?is it free or do I pre pay?
Yes, if you take the Amtrak to the Santa Fe Depot Amtrak station, you can either take the trolley or a local bus to the convention center.

Check out the Trolley time table for more details: http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/documents/TrolleyTimetable.pdf
You can use the Trip Planner to help you with SDMTS public transportation: http://www.sdmts.com/Tripplanner.asp
(Type in the street addresses or the landmark drop-down menu to plan your route.)

And, yes, you have to pay to use the trolley.
Here's the list of fares (check the top line for the trolley info): http://sdmts.com/fares.asp#trolley

You have the option of paying for a one-way pass, buying a day pass (good until midnight), or getting special 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, or 4-day passes that SDMTS sells specifically for Comic-Con. 

Check out this web page for more details on the Comic-Con trolley passes: http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp

Hope that helps!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: garbagepailz on April 10, 2012, 08:10:07 PM
Hecka helpful blog thanks Alyssa if I want to buy next year badges and line up do I first have to get an if for my wife and older kid or will they let me do it. They missed out this year because I only had an I'd. And were do u line up for next year badge
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on April 10, 2012, 08:44:02 PM
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Hecka helpful blog thanks Alyssa if I want to buy next year badges and line up do I first have to get an if for my wife and older kid or will they let me do it. They missed out this year because I only had an I'd. And were do u line up for next year badge
Try checking out this thread for more information on SDCCI 2013 badges: http://www.friendsofcci.com/forum/index.php?topic=127.0

Hope that helps!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on April 11, 2012, 08:47:17 AM
There has been no announcement yet as to what CCI will be doing with regards to next year's badge sales. Hopefully we'll find out soon!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Andrew Costa Mesa on April 11, 2012, 10:00:54 AM
Does anybody know how big the shuttles are?  Are they like the vans that fit 12-15 people like the SuperShuttle that takes people to airports or are they buses like the public transportation buses?  Also do they fill up fast meaning would there be a long line for the shuttle in which I may have to wait for a few to pass if they're filled to capacity?  I'm just trying to figure out how easy/difficult it is to board a shuttle from the hotel.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Rainer on April 11, 2012, 10:08:06 AM
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Does anybody know how big the shuttles are?  Are they like the vans that fit 12-15 people like the SuperShuttle that takes people to airports or are they buses like the public transportation buses?  Also do they fill up fast meaning would there be a long line for the shuttle in which I may have to wait for a few to pass if they're filled to capacity?  I'm just trying to figure out how easy/difficult it is to board a shuttle from the hotel.

They use full sized motor coaches; however, even those can fill up at prime transportation times, especially if your location is near the end of a particular route.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on April 11, 2012, 11:21:39 AM
It's like a tour bus... fits a lot of people! But if you want to leave the COn at the same time as everyone else, the lines to get on are massive!  :-\
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: MegaDoug on April 11, 2012, 11:24:43 AM
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It's like a tour bus... fits a lot of people! But if you want to leave the COn at the same time as everyone else, the lines to get on are massive!  :-\
Very true, lines for the buses are pretty lengthy at 7pm when the exhibit hall closes
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on April 11, 2012, 11:28:33 AM
lines to do anything are horrendously long at 7pm
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Andrew Costa Mesa on April 11, 2012, 11:31:28 AM
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They use full sized motor coaches; however, even those can fill up at prime transportation times, especially if your location is near the end of a particular route.

Something tells me I should have picked a Mission Valley hotel.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on April 11, 2012, 11:36:59 AM
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lines to do anything are horrendously long at 7pm

It once took us 20 minutes just to cross the street (using the traffic lights, to get into the Gaslamp) at 7 pm!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on April 11, 2012, 12:17:57 PM
My son and I do any thing to avoid leaving at that time, even as a back up, sitting down and sorting swag.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on April 11, 2012, 12:40:09 PM
This is one time we are glad to have a hotel next to the convention center!

Alyssa, you can always go to one of the hotels (Marriott or Hilton) and sit in the lobby. No one would question it. Also, there is a nice sports bar (good menu, reasonable prices) at the Hilton Bayfront which can be easily reached, if you want to have dinner before you leave the area.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on April 11, 2012, 03:01:31 PM
^_^ Anyways, getting back on-topic:

Here are a few more links to different types of public transportation in San Diego.

North County Transit District (NCTD): http://www.gonctd.com/
If you're coming from further away in San Diego county--such as Oceanside, Escondido, etc.--that's a good website to check out first.

Here is a list of tips on how to use the Trip Planner on the SDMTS website: http://www.sdcommute.com/TripPlanner/Help.aspx
For reference, here is the trip planner: http://sdmts.com/Tripplanner.asp

Some more information about riding the MTS buses or trolleys: http://sdmts.com/MTS/RidersGuideEnglish.asp


For those coming from the airport and using public transportation, here's a good web page: http://www.san.org/sdia/transportation/public.aspx
This gives you a few details about which bus routes to take to get to the convention center area, if you have a hotel in Downtown.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Sprzout on April 23, 2012, 09:58:04 AM
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If I get to Amtrak on sat early am like 5 is there a trolly going there where can I check?is it free or do I pre pay?

If you take the Amtrak to the Santa Fe Depot, there is a trolley stop AT the Santa Fe Depot. You simply cross the trolley tracks when you get off the train and pick up the trolley from there to the Convention Center.

In previous years, you would have to take a trolley from Santa Fe Depot to the American Plaza Station and switch to the Orange Line that would then go down to the Convention Center. You MIGHT still have that issue, because I don't know if they'll have a "Special Event" trolley running from Old Town to the Convention Center at the time you might arrive. If they don't, here's what you do:

1) Debark the train and walk through the Santa Fe Depot.

2) Cross Kettner Blvd.

3) Walk into the American Plaza transit station and purchase your trolley ticket to the Convention Center (Orange Line).

Seriously, it's like, 50 ft., if that? :) And that way, you get one one trolley and don't have to worry, "Geez, did I get on an Orange Line or a Blue Line trolley that's not going by the convention center?" Right there at that area, it's a cluster@$#@ of bad design and confusion for mass transit.

Just want to help everyone, my dad and I have suffered through this for several years now when we've gone down to pick up badges.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: jesslarsen21 on May 02, 2012, 08:40:59 PM
I was wondering if there are any stops along the free shuttle service that have free parking? My group is staying with some family, and we're either going to have to drive to catch the trolley, or drive to catch the shuttle, and the shuttle is free. So if there is a place to park that'd be awesome! And if there is, will it basically be impossible to find a parking place? It's our first time, and we're pretty excited (and a hell of a lot more nervous). :)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Khaaaaaaanh!!! on May 02, 2012, 10:16:02 PM
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I was wondering if there are any stops along the free shuttle service that have free parking? My group is staying with some family, and we're either going to have to drive to catch the trolley, or drive to catch the shuttle, and the shuttle is free. So if there is a place to park that'd be awesome! And if there is, will it basically be impossible to find a parking place? It's our first time, and we're pretty excited (and a hell of a lot more nervous). :)

I don't think there's such a thing as free parking in the area. I believe alot of folks park at Qualcomm and then take the trolley in. That's your easiest option.

They do sell pre-paid parking and there are still some lots w/ space left.  Go here:

https://www.thepermitstore.com/comic-con/gp/

You can also ask more specific parking questions here:

http://www.friendsofcci.com/forum/index.php?topic=134.0
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on May 03, 2012, 05:07:28 AM
just to echo what khanh said, free parking at qualcom is the simplest.  however, the trolley does cost $15 for the weekend.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: MegaDoug on May 03, 2012, 09:00:08 AM
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  we're either going to have to drive to catch the trolley, or drive to catch the shuttle, and the shuttle is free. 
For baseball games (and sometimes preview nite) I have parked at the 8th ave trolley station and taken the trolley north to the ballpark/convention area. Trolley parking is free, not sure how quickly that little lot fills up though but never had a problem during ballgames.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=8th+St+Trolley+Station,+National+City,+CA&aq=3&sll=32.674227,-117.112843&sspn=0.007785,0.01237&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=8th+St+Trolley+Station&z=17
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: phil pinson on May 03, 2012, 09:10:36 AM
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For baseball games (and sometimes preview nite) I have parked at the 8th ave trolley station and taken the trolley north to the ballpark/convention area. Trolley parking is free, not sure how quickly that little lot fills up though but never had a problem during ballgames.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=8th+St+Trolley+Station,+National+City,+CA&aq=3&sll=32.674227,-117.112843&sspn=0.007785,0.01237&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=8th+St+Trolley+Station&z=17
thankfully there are no games this year during con.  woot woot
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Khaaaaaaanh!!! on May 03, 2012, 09:53:57 AM
i dont think there have been any games during comic con for a few years now.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: MegaDoug on May 03, 2012, 12:40:08 PM
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i dont think there have been any games during comic con for a few years now.
Very true Khan, I think they learned that lesson quickly, the first year the ballpark opened! But not too many ppl go see the Friars loose, anyways  :'(
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 03, 2012, 05:01:07 PM
Yeah I think they've realized that holding a game during Con will just result in a lot of traffic and fewer people in the seats.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on May 06, 2012, 10:26:22 PM
Just a quick heads-up for anyone taking public transportation to and from the convention center during con.

There will be no "Special Event" Red Line trolley this year for Comic-Con, instead the San Diego MTS website has indicated the following:

"This year, the Green Line will take you directly from Qualcomm Stadium to the Convention Center! This special express Green Line service will run non-stop between Washington Street Trolley Station and Convention Center Trolley Station, getting you to the Convention Center faster than ever. "

The updated map is also available here: http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp
(Schedules for the trolleys during con haven't been released yet, but I'll post a note here when they are up.)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 07, 2012, 09:31:49 AM
Wow, that's great to know! Thanks for passing that on!
Title: Amtrak Ditches Hole Puncher for iPhone, New Service Tool Scans Tickets
Post by: BustAGroove on May 07, 2012, 05:46:45 PM
The New York Times reported that train conductors have been training to use the tech during select routes since November. The addition allows passengers to load a specific bar code on their smartphone screens that the conductor can scan for tracking purposes.  Of course, passengers can still print their tickets per usual for Amtrak’s iPhones to scan.

http://9to5mac.com/2012/05/07/amtrak-ditches-hole-puncher-for-iphone-new-service-tool-scans-tickets/

Bonus:  Amtrak (Pacific Surfliner) has free WiFi - http://pinterest.com/pin/197595502370868888/

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on May 12, 2012, 07:13:54 AM
Here's a taxi cost calculator from the con to the destination you enter;

http://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.php?city=SD&from=San+Diego+Convention+Center
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 12, 2012, 09:00:29 AM
Nice! That farefinder will come in handy. Thanks, Alyssa!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: MegaDoug on May 24, 2012, 05:08:14 PM
http://visitsandiego.com/pressroom/details.cfm/newsid/212
Hmmm this is a new option, sure to be pretty crowded though when the exhibit hall closes
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Angology on May 24, 2012, 05:22:35 PM
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http://visitsandiego.com/pressroom/details.cfm/newsid/212
Hmmm this is a new option, sure to be pretty crowded though when the exhibit hall closes
I saw that on Facebook, but I didn't see a schedule or a link to a schedule. Did I miss something?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Real Canadian superDAVE on May 24, 2012, 05:31:29 PM
All I could find so far was this article with a map of the proposed route. Probably more details will be coming soon. (One would hope.)

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/12/bayfront-shuttle-to-start-in-time-for-summer/
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 24, 2012, 05:39:44 PM
A shuttle that only olds 12-15 people seems far too small for Comic Con!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: joyful_314 on May 24, 2012, 06:29:55 PM
I tried to enter my information for the KOA campsite i'm stayinng at in Chula Vista, but it didnt' recognize it at all. Would like to see how the trolleys run from Chula Vista to the Con before I just go straight for the paid parking near the convention center, but it's all very confusing..
ANyone have any idea on if there is a trolley that goes from Chula Vista to the con?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on May 24, 2012, 06:32:42 PM
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I tried to enter my information for the KOA campsite i'm stayinng at in Chula Vista, but it didnt' recognize it at all. Would like to see how the trolleys run from Chula Vista to the Con before I just go straight for the paid parking near the convention center, but it's all very confusing..
ANyone have any idea on if there is a trolley that goes from Chula Vista to the con?

On the Trip Planner website, did you just include the street address only in the text box labeled for "Starting Location?" (You don't have to type the whole thing out with the city, state, and zip code.)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: joyful_314 on May 24, 2012, 06:41:40 PM
ya that's whats so weird, i did that and it gave me a list of possible places it could be, and it wasn't even on there :(
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: joyful_314 on May 24, 2012, 06:44:17 PM
and i dont know the area enough to even think of a landmark instead
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on May 24, 2012, 06:48:23 PM
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ya that's whats so weird, i did that and it gave me a list of possible places it could be, and it wasn't even on there :(

If you are comfortable with PMing the address location and name of the place to me, I can help you out with more specific details.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: joyful_314 on May 24, 2012, 06:52:32 PM
You got it thanks!!!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on May 24, 2012, 07:08:30 PM
^_^d You're welcome.  The Route 929 bus and Orange Line trolley would be the ones to take if you were going to use public transportation--for future reference and/or just in case.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Chris Hagish on June 12, 2012, 11:08:33 AM
one other note that should be made about the trolley system.  Many of the platforms are currently being redone, so there is a lot of blocked off areas.  Even the main downtown convention center was half blocked off as of a week ago.  So watch for extra safety guidelines and make sure you are in a safe area when walking or waiting.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Rainer on June 13, 2012, 11:05:23 AM
While looking at the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System site this morning, I noticed a page with new guidelines concerning their Cargo Rules:

"Effective March 1, 2012, there will be new rules and procedures for carts, strollers and carry-on items taken aboard MTS buses and Trolleys. These new rules will create a safer environment and improve boarding and travel times for all riders."

http://www.sdmts.com/cartpolicy.asp

Rules Applicable to All Transit Vehicles (Buses and Trolley)

Drivers and/or MTS Security personnel will have the discretionary authority to determine if a personal utility cart (cart) or stroller is too big to be transported and if freight is too big or dangerous to be transported. Riders are limited to two small carry-on bags/items that can be reasonably carried on their laps when seated and/or stowed safely under, or in front of, their seats. Large bags of recycled cans are not allowed on transit vehicles any time. Carts, strollers, or other utility devices will not be allowed if they:

a. Exceed 30" tall, 18" wide, and 18" deep (not including handle and/or wheels)
b. Cannot easily/quickly negotiate vehicle door entrances and turns for any reason
c. Contain loads that exceed the height and designated capacity of the carrying device
d. Include items that are wet, leaking, or considered hazardous for any reason

Riders are also limited only to items that can be boarded in a single trip onto the vehicle without assistance from another person. Multiple trips to load bags, carts, strollers, or cargo are not allowed. Loads that require multiple people to maneuver bags, carts, strollers, or cargo on/off the vehicle are also not allowed.

Passengers must stay with their carts, strollers, or cargo during the entire trip and hold onto their belongings firmly. Items will only be allowed to be placed on the front wheel well of a bus if the passenger sits adjacent to the item and has a firm grasp on it for the duration of the trip. Multiple items will not be allowed to be stacked in these areas.

The interior area near any door shall always be free of carts, strollers, cargo, or other items, as this area is considered a main emergency exit. Loading items through the rear door of a bus, due to the front being full, is not permitted. Bus drivers and/or MTS Security personnel shall ask riders in the front to move further back to make room for these riders to board through the front door only.

While operating a walker, cart, or other device, bags and other items must remain in control of the rider at all times. The amount of cargo carried or attached to these devices is limited to what the rider can place securely on his/her lap when seated and must not create a scenario where the device exceeds the maximum cart dimensions above. Packages must be removed and placed on the riders lap if blocking the aisles and/or if requested by the driver. Items or devices allowed on the vehicle should be of such a size and nature that moving them to another area of the vehicle would continue compliance with this policy.

Rules Applicable to Buses Only

No more than three (3) different riders with carts, strollers, or other cargo will be allowed on the buses at one time. Riders with carts, strollers, and cargo trying to board when the bus is already at capacity will be required to wait for the next scheduled bus.

Riders with carts, strollers, or other cargo should sit in designated "cart/stroller" seating areas when available on vehicles and when space is available. Bus drivers and/or MTS Security personnel shall request that these riders move to the designated cart/stroller areas, if they are seated in the senior/disabled (SID) section of the vehicles, in order to make room for wheelchair and other SID riders.

Passengers with strollers must remove the child and collapse the stroller once on board the vehicle. Strollers and empty carts should be properly folded and stored as to not impede the free movement of passengers or the driver in the aisle, doors, or emergency exits and must not present a potential hazard to or danger to riders. If a cart with packages cannot be folded, it must also be stored in a way that meets the same requirements above. It is recommended that parents or guardians of children removed from strollers stay seated with the child in their laps as it may not be safe to be standing.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Chris Hagish on June 14, 2012, 11:57:06 AM
Do keep in mind that during a special event they are normally willing to look the other way.  will get offical answer tho
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Chris Hagish on June 20, 2012, 10:04:50 PM
It is up to the discretion of the driver. If the bus is not packed and you can keep your items out of the way you maybe able to bring them on board.

MTS Customer Relations Department



This comes Directly from MTS.  Loads of help that is. its a non answer which means dont plan on using public transit if you're going to be buying a lot of having large costumes
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: sajcfan on June 21, 2012, 11:45:41 AM
Hola! SDCC newbie here. Although my boyfriend and I have been coming to San Diego annually for a relaxing vacation, this will be our first time ever to go to Comic Con. This forum has been incredibly informative but I'm aware at how potentially stressful this weekend will be for us. I would like to know how the shuttle service is like. Are the lines pretty long in the morning before departing the hotel? We got the early bird special and will be staying at the Crowne Plaza.

I apologize in advance for asking more noob questions  :P
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Chris Hagish on June 21, 2012, 11:51:14 AM
I have second hand stories but nothing personal to report on this.  The stories are that its not too bad do expect lines at peek times.  If normal public transit is anything to take ques from going one or two pick ups early can make a huge difference in the lines.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: saraisaboringname on June 28, 2012, 12:13:02 PM
Sorry if this has been answered, I didn't see it anywhere else.

Is there a dedicated shuttle between the convention center and the Hilton Bayfront? I realize it's only a mile or so away, but I have terrible feet and need to avoid a lot of walking when possible (I do know I'll be on my feet for most of the four days!).
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: MegaDoug on June 28, 2012, 04:41:19 PM
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Sorry if this has been answered, I didn't see it anywhere else.

Is there a dedicated shuttle between the convention center and the Hilton Bayfront? I realize it's only a mile or so away, but I have terrible feet and need to avoid a lot of walking when possible (I do know I'll be on my feet for most of the four days!).
are you at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront? That's so close, I'll carry you there  ;)
if you are at the Harbor Island Hilton, the shuttle does go there
http://comic-con.org/cci/forms/cci12_shuttle_final.pdf
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on June 28, 2012, 04:45:20 PM
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Sorry if this has been answered, I didn't see it anywhere else.

Is there a dedicated shuttle between the convention center and the Hilton Bayfront? I realize it's only a mile or so away, but I have terrible feet and need to avoid a lot of walking when possible (I do know I'll be on my feet for most of the four days!).

I've stayed at the Hilton Bayfront for the past 3 years. There is no shuttle. This is because it's not a mile away, it's NEXT DOOR! Here, look at this:

(https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi129.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp206%2Ftransmutejun%2Fmap.jpg&hash=6c17e97b48e272e21b4d9fd8befdaa65df82bf61)

You can see the tower of the Hilton Bayfront where the guest rooms are. Just cross the road and that building across the street is the Convention Center. The big grassy area (the part with the 'stripes') you see is where the Hall H people line up. There is nothing cooler than waking up in the morning and looking out the window to see the status of the Hall H line. A perfect Con view!

You'll love the Hilton Bayfront! I would have been there this year again if they'd gotten their act together on time and offered rooms earlier. Trust me, the walk to and from the hotel will be MINIMAL compared to all the walking you'll do inside the convention center.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: saraisaboringname on June 28, 2012, 06:27:34 PM
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I've stayed at the Hilton Bayfront for the past 3 years. There is no shuttle. This is because it's not a mile away, it's NEXT DOOR! Here, look at this:

(https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi129.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp206%2Ftransmutejun%2Fmap.jpg&hash=6c17e97b48e272e21b4d9fd8befdaa65df82bf61)

You can see the tower of the Hilton Bayfront where the guest rooms are. Just cross the road and that building across the street is the Convention Center. The big grassy area (the part with the 'stripes') you see is where the Hall H people line up. There is nothing cooler than waking up in the morning and looking out the window to see the status of the Hall H line. A perfect Con view!



Google maps directions were kind of deceptive, I must have typed in the wrong place because it said they were a mile apart. Thanks for the info!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Briarbun on July 01, 2012, 08:03:06 PM
Okay, I will be needing to get my way back to the train station on the monday after SDCC. I will have two carry-ons plus my backpack. Will I be able to take the trolley or will I have to call a cab?

I can carry both pieces of luggage in my arms to load them into the trolley but it may be a struggle to keep them both on my lap along with my backpack. I could keep one of the carry-ons at my feet, if permitted.

I would prefer to take the trolley, if possible, to save money. I want to figure this out as soon as possible so I don't have a bad surprise and end up late for my train.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: MegaDoug on July 01, 2012, 08:30:49 PM
just take the trolley, by Monday all the extra "security" on the trolley stops will be home sleeping
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Beowulf on July 03, 2012, 10:41:28 PM
24hr Shuttle - sorry if already posted

http://comic-con.org/cci/cci_shuttle.php
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Dreyesbo on July 04, 2012, 06:46:08 PM
EDIT: It was a dumb post, nothing to see here :)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mdgeist316 on July 08, 2012, 10:07:23 AM
Sorry if this has already been asked. I didn't see it in the thread. What is the better travel option getting to the convention center from the airport: cab or shuttle service?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: MegaDoug on July 08, 2012, 05:08:52 PM
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Sorry if this has already been asked. I didn't see it in the thread. What is the better travel option getting to the convention center from the airport: cab or shuttle service?
cab is definitely easier, check with your hotel to see if they run a shuttle regularly. I was sitting on a shuttle on a return trip as they waited for some other ppl to get on, took longer than I wanted it to  ???
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mdgeist316 on July 08, 2012, 07:49:02 PM
Great! Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here (July 17-21, 2013)
Post by: BustAGroove on August 24, 2012, 04:33:25 PM
I just booked my Amtrak (first time e-Ticket) for 'Con 2013. 

Now, I don't have to worry about keeping up with that paper version of ticket :)

http://www.amtrak.com/eticketing-your-ride-is-just-a-barcode-away
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: KingOfPain on November 28, 2012, 07:02:09 PM
A DISASTER!!!

Hello, let me tell you a little bit about my predicament. I finally got the money to book a hotel for Comic Con (I already got my four day tickets earlier this year) so I went to Priceline and looked at hotels in the Hotel Circle area. It found me a hotel called Rodeway Inn near Qualcomm Stadium and completed my purchase. So stupid me decides to investigate more and actually study the hotels listed in the shuttle service for Comic Con and sure enough, my hotel is not listed. In fact, it's a little beyond the last hotel on the Hotel Circle route (Marriott in Mission Valley).

So after spinning around and trying to reason with the Priceline reps about canceling the reservation and trying to find something that is actually listed in the shuttle stop hotel list, they weren't having it and so I'm stuck with my reservation.

Okay fine, but how the hell do I manage my CC commute schedule now? I'm not within minutes walk of the closest hotel on the list, and apparently I'm not near the train line either. Do I rent a car and drive to the closest hotel every morning and just park in their parking lot? Yeah it's an extra expense that's upsetting to me... but I guess i have to do what I have to do. Has anyone had any experience staying at the Rodeway Inn and what possible suggestions do you have?

Thank you
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on November 29, 2012, 05:30:09 AM
hey, saw your post on the fb cci site too. glad you included your hotel here.  Is it the roadway inn near qualcom?

If so, the way I see it, without exploring the public transportation options, you've got two options;

Rent a car, I just picked up a 8 day car rental (Budget) for the cci time frame, at $240.  You can park at qualcom for free an take the trolley in.  the trolley cost abt $15 for the weekend.  I did this in 2010 and it is painless.  You can also try for pre-parking at the con but that requires a commitment to get up early to beat traffic and it cost more $$.

Second option, see if you can transfer the hotel reservation into someone else's name.  You'd need to find someone who's willing to take the reservation over of course but i gather it's for a good price so in theory you shouldn't have a major problem doing this.  your target person is a person who's driving to the con.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: mcl923 on November 29, 2012, 10:14:15 AM
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Okay fine, but how the hell do I manage my CC commute schedule now? I'm not within minutes walk of the closest hotel on the list, and apparently I'm not near the train line either. Do I rent a car and drive to the closest hotel every morning and just park in their parking lot? Yeah it's an extra expense that's upsetting to me... but I guess i have to do what I have to do. Has anyone had any experience staying at the Rodeway Inn and what possible suggestions do you have?

Thank you

The Rodeway inn is .9 miles from the Trolley Station at Grantville. http://goo.gl/maps/tQKjp
You could walk to the Trolley and take the trolley down to the Convention Center. Now with the redesigned Trolley Routes, the Green Line goes directly Downtown without having to transfer. Like Alyssa said the trolley will cost about $15 for the weekend each person.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Chris on November 29, 2012, 10:24:38 AM
Last year, the trolley sold Comic Con Special Event trolley passes for the number of days that you were going to the show.  Here is their webpage with prices (scroll down a bit):

http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp

Be sure to find the person that is at the trolley station selling them and not use the automated machines.  I do not think that the machines dispense the Special Event passes.

Otherwise, the trolley has historically been $5 per person unlimited use for one day.

They also make the multi day pass so that it fits in your badge holder for your Comic Con badge to make it harder to lose.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on November 29, 2012, 10:33:11 AM
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The Rodeway inn is .9 miles from the Trolley Station at Grantville. http://goo.gl/maps/tQKjp
You could walk to the Trolley and take the trolley down to the Convention Center.
Good catch on the closer trolley station!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: KingOfPain on November 30, 2012, 05:57:20 PM
Thanks guys... this might be the option I'll take. I don't mind walking in a mile... lol, it's peanuts compared to waiting three hours in line at 5am in the morning for one of the halls at CC. My question I guess is do the trolleys run conveniently at that time of the morning during CC (specifically from that station)? When you used the trolley service, did you find that they beefed up the schedule during CC or does the trolley schedule remain static (ie. possibly one train per hour at that time of the morning). The reason I ask is because I would get up at 5am to catch the shuttle from the hotel so I could start lining up... According to the schedule the first train leaves at 5:30am, arriving at the convention center at 6:08am.... I don't even recall if this was earlier enough to join the lines... sometimes I got there just before 6am. Is that a reasonable time to arrive to get into the exhibit halls? What time do you guys start lining up at?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Car_Low on December 04, 2012, 10:15:04 AM
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The reason I ask is because I would get up at 5am to catch the shuttle from the hotel so I could start lining up... According to the schedule the first train leaves at 5:30am, arriving at the convention center at 6:08am.... I don't even recall if this was earlier enough to join the lines... sometimes I got there just before 6am. Is that a reasonable time to arrive to get into the exhibit halls? What time do you guys start lining up at?

Besides the panels you have to absolutely camp out for it should be fine IMO.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on December 04, 2012, 10:30:41 AM
I concur
hall h & ballroom 20 on busy days are the obvious exceptions but for the floor or the other panel rooms, 6 am ish seems fine.  iirc, that's when i usually get there (ish) depends on how long the starbux line is of course.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Jeff on December 04, 2012, 01:59:09 PM
Yeh I think we actually lined up around 7:15 for Hall H on Friday this year(Paranorman, Big Bang Theory, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones) and we made it in the last quarter of the hall.  Although I did hear that if you didn't make it in before Paranorman was over you probably weren't going to make it in until after GoT, so like another 5 hours later.  So in our case if we would have lined up at say 8am, we might not have made it into Hall H until like 3pm!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: merathanel on February 17, 2013, 12:04:26 AM
I've been looking for the last hour and can't really find an answer to a question I have. Does anyone know how close to a trolley stop either of these hotels are? And how long it would take to get to the con from there?

Hilton San Diego Mission Valley
Hampton Inn San Diego-Sea World/Airport Area
Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island
Hampton Inn San Diego-Kearny Mesa


Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on February 17, 2013, 09:48:07 AM
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I've been looking for the last hour and can't really find an answer to a question I have. Does anyone know how close to a trolley stop either of these hotels are? And how long it would take to get to the con from there?

Hilton San Diego Mission Valley
Hampton Inn San Diego-Sea World/Airport Area
Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island
Hampton Inn San Diego-Kearny Mesa

did you check to see if they are on the free comic con shuttle ?  (https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foi44.tinypic.com%2F2iu2nbc.jpg&hash=c111c9748b8bc356c968144ee8bf00459f730f51)

if not I enter the street address into the public transportation utility here;  http://www.sdmts.com/Tripplanner.asp That should tell you abt each of the hotel proximity to public transportation.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on February 17, 2013, 12:37:51 PM
That's the map I was looking for before! Thanks for posting it, Alyssa!

It looks like those 2 Hiltons mentioned are 24 and 25 on the shuttle map.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: merathanel on February 17, 2013, 01:29:28 PM
Thank you very much, both of you! That map is very helpful.

EDIT: Sorry, another question. It's been years since I've been to this con so I am a noob (again I guess), but what do the colors on the map mean? Like 24 is yellow and 25 is purple. And is the shuttle reliable and quick (subject to traffic of course)?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: ceddyced on February 17, 2013, 02:27:04 PM
Each route has it's oun unique color. Example the purple route or the yellow route.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on February 17, 2013, 04:04:08 PM
If there are any updates to the shuttle route, I will make a new map for it. ^-^d
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: karl clement on February 17, 2013, 06:45:15 PM
i have an odd question
when i arrive on wed, can i just hope a shuttle to a close hotel , go to the event pick up badges and then go to my hotel
thanks
karl
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: ceddyced on February 17, 2013, 08:46:21 PM
Last year the shuttles started on Wednesday and ran 24 hours a day until Sunday.  If this year is the same you should be able to take shuttle.  I believe the shuttle started running at 3:00pm Wednesday.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Khaaaaaaanh!!! on February 17, 2013, 09:44:09 PM
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i have an odd question
when i arrive on wed, can i just hope a shuttle to a close hotel , go to the event pick up badges and then go to my hotel
thanks
karl

Yup as blakpipe said, the shuttles run 24 hours after things start on Wednesday.

Maybe to answer your question a bit more specifically, you can jump on any shuttle to any hotel, not just the one you have a reservation for. There aren't any CCI shuttles from the airport so you might have to find another arrangement to the nearest hotel on the shuttle route beforehand but otherwise, they don't check what hotel you're at before letting you on board.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Ginger McKenna on March 05, 2013, 03:08:08 PM
Sorry if this has already been stated but you can jump on a shuttle even if you're not staying at a shuttle sanctioned hotel?

Thanks
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Khaaaaaaanh!!! on March 05, 2013, 03:32:21 PM
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Sorry if this has already been stated but you can jump on a shuttle even if you're not staying at a shuttle sanctioned hotel?

Thanks

Yup. They don't really check. If it's super busy, they don't have time to check. If it's super slow, they don't mind the company.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Ginger McKenna on March 05, 2013, 03:43:05 PM
Thanks! Just found good deal near (but not on) shuttle route
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: NauticsONE on March 06, 2013, 01:40:03 AM
I haven't read the whole thread, but here is my tip.
Last year certain bus routes didn't run on Friday night through Sunday.
Also pay attention to cab prices cause they vary, especially for the first x of a mile.
Last year I shared a cab w/ some random dude cause he was going up the same street I was. We dropped him off at a gas station ( he was trying to get beer I think). The jerk walked out, and didn't even throw me cash for the cab. I wasn't upset cause it was a short inexpensive trip overall, but I thought it was a kinda dick move.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: ice9 on March 06, 2013, 01:15:18 PM
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Yup as blakpipe said, the shuttles run 24 hours after things start on Wednesday.

Maybe to answer your question a bit more specifically, you can jump on any shuttle to any hotel, not just the one you have a reservation for. There aren't any CCI shuttles from the airport so you might have to find another arrangement to the nearest hotel on the shuttle route beforehand but otherwise, they don't check what hotel you're at before letting you on board.

Just an FYI the shuttle does not start running 24 hours on WED it does stop at 10pm

Comic-Con shuttle service is available on Wednesday, July 18, from 3:00 PM until 10:00 PM. 24-hour shuttle service begins Thursday, July 19, at 7:00 AM and runs through Sunday, July 21 until 7:00 PM to help fans enjoy every hour of Comic-Con daytime and nighttime fun.

I pulled this off the early bird hotel page
http://www.comic-con.org/cci/2013/early-bird-hotel-sale-now-open
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Khaaaaaaanh!!! on March 06, 2013, 01:20:51 PM
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Just an FYI the shuttle does not start running 24 hours on WED it does stop at 10pm

Comic-Con shuttle service is available on Wednesday, July 18, from 3:00 PM until 10:00 PM. 24-hour shuttle service begins Thursday, July 19, at 7:00 AM and runs through Sunday, July 21 until 7:00 PM to help fans enjoy every hour of Comic-Con daytime and nighttime fun.

I pulled this off the early bird hotel page
http://www.comic-con.org/cci/2013/early-bird-hotel-sale-now-open

Thanks - jumped the gun a bit. ;)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AlehCemy on April 13, 2013, 05:14:26 PM
Not sure if my question is already answered. I'll be 15 days in San Diego so I'm looking to buy the regional 14 days pass, but I don't know the differences between the premium and the normal version of this pass (besides the price :P). Someone knows?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on April 13, 2013, 05:33:22 PM
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Not sure if my question is already answered. I'll be 15 days in San Diego so I'm looking to buy the regional 14 days pass, but I don't know the differences between the premium and the normal version of this pass (besides the price :P). Someone knows?

The "normal" version or "Regional 14-day" pass is basically a 14-day version of the "regional 1-day" pass, which includes access to the following: unlimited use on MTS Trolley Lines, most MTS bus routes, NCTD BREEZE, and SPRINTER routes.

The "Premium Regional 14-day" pass includes all of the above but has access to four more bus routes and types (Express, Premium Express, Local, and Urban).  This particular pass includes the following: unlimited rides on MTS Shuttle, Local, Urban, Express, and Premium Express buses, all Trolley lines, NCTD BREEZE and SPRINTER.

Hope that helps. ^-^d
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AlehCemy on April 13, 2013, 05:36:35 PM
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The "normal" version or "Regional 14-day" pass is basically a 14-day version of the "regional 1-day" pass, which includes access to the following: unlimited use on MTS Trolley Lines, most MTS bus routes, NCTD BREEZE, and SPRINTER routes.

The "Premium Regional 14-day" pass includes all of the above but has access to the Premium Express and Express buses: unlimited rides on MTS Shuttle, Local, Urban, Express, and Premium Express buses, all Trolley lines, NCTD BREEZE and SPRINTER.

Hope that helps. ^-^d

Thank you! It helped a lot! I couldn't find this information in SDMTS site.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on April 13, 2013, 05:44:26 PM
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Thank you! It helped a lot! I couldn't find this information in SDMTS site.

You're welcome!  Ha ha, it's there, but it's a bit convoluted and hidden away on the "Fares" page.  Glad it helped. ^-^d
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: karl clement on April 14, 2013, 07:12:43 PM
One of the cool things I have been trying is trip planner. What I have been doung is choosing a day like Thursday and tine I would travel say 7 am and then get trip plan. What it gives me is a realistic travel plan. Its gives me a srarting point.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AlehCemy on April 20, 2013, 04:39:37 PM
Okay guys, I was looking into the possibility of using multi-rides of Amtrak, and I'm not sure if I can use the Pacific Surfliner train as a way to getting to and from LA for a few days. I don't want to purchase a ticket every time I want to go to LA (because it'll be expensive for me).
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: karl clement on April 20, 2013, 05:56:15 PM
It may be easier to stay in oceansude where the hotels are cheaper and you can take the coaster in
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on April 20, 2013, 06:10:50 PM
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Okay guys, I was looking into the possibility of using multi-rides of Amtrak, and I'm not sure if I can use the Pacific Surfliner train as a way to getting to and from LA for a few days. I don't want to purchase a ticket every time I want to go to LA (because it'll be expensive for me).

Actually, you can use the Pacific Surfliner and purchase a multi-ride ticket (for 10 days) for the Amtrak train.

You could potentially take the Amtrak from L.A.'s Union Station (LAX) to San Diego (SAN). 
The Downtown San Diego Amtrak station is located at the following address:
1050 Kettner Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
(This is also known as the "Santa Fe Depot" trolley stop as well.)

It's actually not too far away from the actual convention center either, so you can take a trolley (and buy one of the cool limited edition Comic-Con MTS passes (http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp)) to drop you right off in front of the convention center.

If you look at the Comic-Con trolley service map (http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/images/ComicCon2012-Trolley-LARGE.png), you can take either the "green" line or the special Comic-Con "red" line to get to the convention center.

Note: The MTS Comic-Con web page isn't yet updated for Comic-Con 2013, but I suspect most of the information will be the same or similar for this year.


From Los Angeles (Union Station) to San Diego ("SAN" Downtown station), it will take approximately two to two and a half hours or so.


The Pacific Surfliner goes to the following stations:
San Luis Obispo, CA (SLO)
Grover Beach, CA (GVB)
Guadalupe, CA - Santa Maria (GUA)
Surf, CA (LPS)
Goleta, CA (GTA)
Santa Barbara, CA (SBA)
Carpinteria, CA (CPN)
Ventura, CA (VEC)
Oxnard, CA (OXN)
Camarillo, CA (CML)
Moorpark, CA (MPK)
Simi Valley, CA (SIM)
Chatsworth, CA (CWT)
Van Nuys, CA (VNC)
Burbank, CA - Airport (BUR)
Glendale, CA (GDL)
Los Angeles, CA - Union Station (LAX)
Fullerton, CA (FUL)
Anaheim, CA (ANA)
Santa Ana, CA (SNA)
Irvine, CA (IRV)
San Juan Capistrano, CA (SNC)
San Clemente, CA - Pier (SNP)
Oceanside, CA (OSD)
Solana Beach, CA (SOL)
San Diego, CA - Old Town (OLT)
San Diego, CA (SAN)

Hope that helps!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AlehCemy on April 20, 2013, 06:22:39 PM
Wow! It helped a lot, Zero! And the Amtrak station is near where I'm staying, so I can easily get there. ( I'm starting to love the US public transport).

@karl clement, the problem is with my reservation in SD (I already booked the hotel for 14 days, and it might be hard to manage 1+ hotel reservation when my budget is tight).
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on April 20, 2013, 06:28:10 PM
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Wow! It helped a lot, Zero! And the Amtrak station is near where I'm staying, so I can easily get there. ( I'm starting to love the US public transport).

I'm glad it helped.  If you have any additional questions about public transportation, please don't hesitate to ask! ^-^d

I don't know which hotel you're staying in, but if it's one of the Comic-Con hotels serviced by the shuttle (http://www.comic-con.org/sites/default/files/forms/cci2013_currenthotellist_v4.pdf) (the hotel will be marked "Yes" or "No" if it has shuttle service or not), you can use that to get to the convention center too.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Khaaaaaaanh!!! on April 20, 2013, 08:26:20 PM
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Wow! It helped a lot, Zero! And the Amtrak station is near where I'm staying, so I can easily get there. ( I'm starting to love the US public transport).

@karl clement, the problem is with my reservation in SD (I already booked the hotel for 14 days, and it might be hard to manage 1+ hotel reservation when my budget is tight).

If you're doing Disney, you can take Amtrak to Anaheim and then take the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) and it'll take you to all the main spots in Anaheim.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Hollowplague on July 14, 2013, 03:16:32 AM
Hey guys! I have a question on the best place to park for preview night as well as for Thursday?
I was planning on being at the con at 2pm weds any good place to park downtown? Also I am staying at a hotel 15 minutes away and I want to get in line for exhibit hall at 4am any places to park downtown at the time? Or should I take a cab. Do they run at 4am!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Khaaaaaaanh!!! on July 14, 2013, 09:38:41 AM
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Hey guys! I have a question on the best place to park for preview night as well as for Thursday?
I was planning on being at the con at 2pm weds any good place to park downtown? Also I am staying at a hotel 15 minutes away and I want to get in line for exhibit hall at 4am any places to park downtown at the time? Or should I take a cab. Do they run at 4am!

Is your hotel on or near the shuttle route? Taxis can get expensive.

I believe Petco and Horton Plaza both still had parking available for the prepaid parking but they've closed online sales now so that would be the 2 places I'd check first.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Maki on July 14, 2013, 09:26:27 PM
I'm looking for a way to get from South Pasadena to Comic-Con.
I know it's far, but I since I don't have a car and have yet to find someone who does, public transportation is still an option I guess. Leaving on Friday and returning on Friday.
I'm from Europe and I have no experience with public transport here. I've been searching the internet, but I can't really find a good connection. Is there anyone who could perhaps help me out?
I would really appreciate it  ^-^
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on July 14, 2013, 09:46:48 PM
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I'm looking for a way to get from South Pasadena to Comic-Con.
I know it's far, but I since I don't have a car and have yet to find someone who does, public transportation is still an option I guess. Leaving on Friday and returning on Friday.
I'm from Europe and I have no experience with public transport here. I've been searching the internet, but I can't really find a good connection. Is there anyone who could perhaps help me out?
I would really appreciate it  ^-^

More specifically, where will you be located in South Pasadena?  Can you perhaps provide a landmark?  It is to help me find a better travel itinerary for you via public transportation.

Just from the top of my head, you can use the L.A. Metro Gold Line to get from where you are in South Pasadena to Union Station in Downtown L.A.

http://www.metro.net/riding/maps/gold-line/

From Union Station, you would take an Amtrak train (http://www.amtrak.com/home) from L.A.'s Union Station (LAX) to San Diego (SAN).

The Downtown San Diego Amtrak station is located at the following address:
1050 Kettner Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
(This is also known as the "Santa Fe Depot" trolley stop as well.)

When you reserve tickets for the Amtrak train, select "Round trip," so you can get tickets for going to San Diego and then going back to L.A.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: krod on July 14, 2013, 11:19:37 PM
Taking amtrak from irvine to old town san diego wednesday I've never been on a train, how early should I show up before departure?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Alvetica on July 14, 2013, 11:52:50 PM
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When you reserve tickets for the Amtrak train, select "Round trip," so you can get tickets for going to San Diego and then going back to L.A.
Also, buy online in advance.  Amtrak may not be taking same day rides due to a very high expectation for rider volume.

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Taking amtrak from irvine to old town san diego wednesday I've never been on a train, how early should I show up before departure?
15 minutes should be enough.  You can't check baggage at Irvine.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: krod on July 15, 2013, 12:03:10 AM
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Also, buy online in advance.  Amtrak may not be taking same day rides due to a very high expectation for rider volume.
15 minutes should be enough.  You can't check baggage at Irvine.
Thank you, only taking a carry on
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Maki on July 15, 2013, 09:31:45 AM
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More specifically, where will you be located in South Pasadena?  Can you perhaps provide a landmark?  It is to help me find a better travel itinerary for you via public transportation.

Just from the top of my head, you can use the L.A. Metro Gold Line to get from where you are in South Pasadena to Union Station in Downtown L.A.

http://www.metro.net/riding/maps/gold-line/

From Union Station, you would take an Amtrak train (http://www.amtrak.com/home) from L.A.'s Union Station (LAX) to San Diego (SAN).

The Downtown San Diego Amtrak station is located at the following address:
1050 Kettner Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
(This is also known as the "Santa Fe Depot" trolley stop as well.)

When you reserve tickets for the Amtrak train, select "Round trip," so you can get tickets for going to San Diego and then going back to L.A.

I live close to Mission station, in South Pas.
Thank you so much for helping me out!
I also found out about the Greyhound busses. Is this a good option as well? I find the trains very expensive.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: itsmarty on July 15, 2013, 05:44:35 PM
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I live close to Mission station, in South Pas.
Thank you so much for helping me out!
I also found out about the Greyhound busses. Is this a good option as well? I find the trains very expensive.

It's not a good option for time, because it takes much longer, but it's a good option for cost. It really depends on what is more important for you for this trip.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: zep on April 02, 2014, 03:02:55 PM
This isn't exactly a public transit question but is about getting around SD so I thought it might be ok to ask. How is SD for cycling? Pretty easy to navigate through the downtown and surroundings? Bike friendly?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: retired on April 02, 2014, 03:54:42 PM
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This isn't exactly a public transit question but is about getting around SD so I thought it might be ok to ask. How is SD for cycling? Pretty easy to navigate through the downtown and surroundings? Bike friendly?

uhh. Id rather be cycling than driving in gaslamp area. But not sure how safe your bike will be at the convention center, or left in front of restaurants or whatever.

Im not a cyclist though.. being anti-spandex and all.

I wouldnt want to be walking or cycling near the freeways, or further out. seams more industrial and dangerous.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on April 02, 2014, 03:59:59 PM
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This isn't exactly a public transit question but is about getting around SD so I thought it might be ok to ask. How is SD for cycling? Pretty easy to navigate through the downtown and surroundings? Bike friendly?

You can try looking at this website: http://www.icommutesd.com/bike/bikemap.aspx

This page is specifically for bicyclist commuters in San Diego.  It might help with researching paths and so forth.

Hope that helps! ^__^d
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on April 02, 2014, 04:47:22 PM
i haven't seen any place to lock a bike up. i didn't look but would have noticed if i had seen a spot. 

if i was planing on taking a bike, i'd lock it up a couple of blocks away from the con or maybe behind the con? I'd also only take a beater bike.

jopari, not everyone wears lycra..there's folks who ride in the wood with baggie shorts.  yeah, i work for pearl izumi...

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on April 02, 2014, 04:59:20 PM
I honestly recommending just getting a MTS trolley pass and using it to get around San Diego during Comic-Con instead.  MTS hasn't updated their Comic-Con trolley info page yet, but here it is for reference: http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp

They'll likely update it in a few months.

Although if you really would like to try biking to the convention center as an option... (San Diego is rather nice outside in July, even if it's a bit warm during the day at times.)

As for storing your bike, there are some bicycle lockers located at the Gaslamp Transit Center.  You can take a look at the location on the map on the web page I provided in the other post (here's a link for convenience: http://www.icommutesd.com/bike/bikemap.aspx).  If you zoom in to E. Harbor Drive, where the convention center is located, you can see a diamond with a bike logo on it--that's a transit center.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: zep on April 03, 2014, 03:59:58 AM
Thanks to everyone for the information. I'm not actually planning to cycle much once I'm in San Diego (I'll be leaving my bike at the hotel) but as I am cycling the west coast this summer I will be arriving and departing from SD by bike. I'm use to cycling in large cities so I'm not too worried about traffic and such but its always good to get any information about how bike friendly a city is and areas to absolutely avoid.
Thanks again for all the responses.

As for spandex, when I started cycling/running many moons ago I resisted the spandex but eventually caved and now I wouldn't give up its exercise comfort for anything. Don't fight the spandex. Embrace it.
Pearl Izumi rocks.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on April 03, 2014, 06:02:46 AM
i have had countless convo's abt lycra....and that's my basic comment,
"eventually you will be so uncomfortable you won't care abt the stigma of wearing Lycra. it's just a fact."

Sounds like a fabulous summer trip!

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on April 03, 2014, 06:28:57 AM
Can I wear spanx underneath the lycra? ;)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: evanarose on April 25, 2014, 05:46:43 PM
So I'm going solo. Just wondering how safe is it in LA to go in a cab solo from the airport early morning? Because there is a BIG difference in price going via flight to san diego or the train. The thing is I looked up google and its probably about 30 mins from the airport to the train station (union station.).

I would think I should be alright with the cab lol although last time I went in one the cab driver was trying to pick me up so I'm abit cautious about going in them lol. Is there a particular taxi company you'd recommend. Or which way would be safest solo to get to San Diego?

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: oneroomdisco on April 25, 2014, 06:16:21 PM
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So I'm going solo. Just wondering how safe is it in LA to go in a cab solo from the airport early morning? Because there is a BIG difference in price going via flight to san diego or the train. The thing is I looked up google and its probably about 30 mins from the airport to the train station (union station.).

I would think I should be alright with the cab lol although last time I went in one the cab driver was trying to pick me up so I'm abit cautious about going in them lol. Is there a particular taxi company you'd recommend. Or which way would be safest solo to get to San Diego?
I don't have any cab recommendations, but unless you have a LOT of stuff, I'd recommend using the Flyaway bus (http://www.lawa.org/welcome_LAX.aspx?id=292). A one way ticket is $8 and they have stops at every terminal. The bus goes directly to Union Station and the trip usually takes less than 45 minutes once you leave LAX. (I've usually gotten there in 30 minutes or less).
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on April 25, 2014, 06:38:17 PM
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So I'm going solo. Just wondering how safe is it in LA to go in a cab solo from the airport early morning? Because there is a BIG difference in price going via flight to san diego or the train. The thing is I looked up google and its probably about 30 mins from the airport to the train station (union station.).

I would think I should be alright with the cab lol although last time I went in one the cab driver was trying to pick me up so I'm abit cautious about going in them lol. Is there a particular taxi company you'd recommend. Or which way would be safest solo to get to San Diego?

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I don't have any cab recommendations, but unless you have a LOT of stuff, I'd recommend using the Flyaway bus (http://www.lawa.org/welcome_LAX.aspx?id=292). A one way ticket is $8 and they have stops at every terminal. The bus goes directly to Union Station and the trip usually takes less than 45 minutes once you leave LAX. (I've usually gotten there in 30 minutes or less).

Using the Flyaway shuttle from LAX to get to Union Station in Downtown L.A. is definitely a good idea.  Then, from Union Station, take the Amtrak train to the San Diego Downtown station (it's close to the Santa Fe Depot, and it's designated as "SAN" on the Amtrak website when you book the ticket).  Depending on where is your hotel, evanarose, you can take a taxi (or trolley) to get there.

It also would be much cheaper than using a taxi to get to and from the airport.

I like taking the Flyaway--many people use it too.  It's very cheap and convenient, and you don't have to worry about driving directions or getting lost if you're not familiar with the L.A. freeways and streets.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Ghost6 on May 06, 2014, 12:15:22 AM
Don't forget that reservations will most likely be required the week of sdcc if you plan on taking the train into sd.  I cannot recommend taking the train more highly...not driving in heavy traffic, enjoying the coastline and arriving fully rested is a complete blessing.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: evanarose on May 07, 2014, 03:04:56 PM
I know it doesn't sound like the smartest idea....but given my time in LA is limited. I was thinking on the day off comic con to head to Disneyland. I heard there are a few day tour companies that do a  daytrip? Although i can't seem to find the place online. Is there a shuttle? Or which way is best? I know people say its better to spend 2 days but not much time for me, i only got 2 days in LA after comic con.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on May 07, 2014, 03:14:06 PM
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I know it doesn't sound like the smartest idea....but given my time in LA is limited. I was thinking on the day off comic con to head to Disneyland. I heard there are a few day tour companies that do a  daytrip? Although i can't seem to find the place online. Is there a shuttle? Or which way is best? I know people say its better to spend 2 days but not much time for me, i only got 2 days in LA after comic con.

Truthfully, it's easier to take the Amtrak train from San Diego to Angel Stadium (in Anaheim, where Disneyland is).

Let me look up my old posts... I wrote a blurb about the easiest way to go to Disneyland from San Diego a while back, since someone asked a similar question. ^__^;


Here's the post I made about using the Amtrak to get to Disneyland:
http://friendsofcci.com/forum/index.php?topic=2995.msg64732#msg64732

Hope that helps! ^__^
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: beffyjo on May 13, 2014, 01:13:13 PM
We're staying in San Diego from the 22nd to the 29th so I was looking at getting a Compass Pass for the week. Are the only places to get the actual card the Transit Store or Albertsons? And would it be best to buy a 4 day pass, then buy another 4 day pass? Or can you buy two 4-day passes at once to cover the whole week? Any insight is appreciated.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on May 13, 2014, 01:53:46 PM
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We're staying in San Diego from the 22nd to the 29th so I was looking at getting a Compass Pass for the week. Are the only places to get the actual card the Transit Store or Albertsons? And would it be best to buy a 4 day pass, then buy another 4 day pass? Or can you buy two 4-day passes at once to cover the whole week? Any insight is appreciated.

You can also purchase a Compass Card online: http://compass.511sd.com/index.aspx
Then click "Online."

You probably won't be able to purchase and thus overlap two 4-day regional passes on the Compass Card.  You would have to wait until the first 4-day pass has expired (the last day for the pass to be over).

Note that there's a $2.00 fee for the Compass Card, in addition to the fare that you would have to pay to charge the card.

Otherwise, if you want to keep the Compass Card for future years (the actual card itself is useable for five years), get the Compass Card and then reload it after the first 4-day regional pass expires.

Hope that helps! ^__^/
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: beffyjo on May 13, 2014, 02:12:46 PM
Oh! I thought you had to buy the card to do the passes - I read something about paying $2 on the bus each time, but maybe that was just single day passes. I can just get the 4-day regional pass at any trolley ticket thing, correct?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: blankpage on May 13, 2014, 02:17:00 PM
Zero - what great info! so can i buy that in advance? do i enter the dates i want a pass for, or does it start the moment i use it? how does that work - do you know? thanks!!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on May 13, 2014, 02:33:32 PM
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Oh! I thought you had to buy the card to do the passes - I read something about paying $2 on the bus each time, but maybe that was just single day passes. I can just get the 4-day regional pass at any trolley ticket thing, correct?

Ah, yes, that is correct.  (I will edit that in my previous post.  Sorry about the confusion!)  You would need a Compass Card for regional passes, including the 4-day pass.  This means that you would have to pay the $2.00 fee plus the fare of the 4-day regional pass, but yes, you can buy it at one of the machines.

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Zero - what great info! so can i buy that in advance? do i enter the dates i want a pass for, or does it start the moment i use it? how does that work - do you know? thanks!!

Click the link I provided above: http://compass.511sd.com/index.aspx
Click "Purchase a new card."
Click "Online" under "Adult Pass."

The website will show you the options you can select.


Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: beffyjo on May 13, 2014, 02:39:55 PM
It does help, thank you for clarifying! We're flying in from Kansas City where there is a severe lack of public transportation options - the entire process is new to me! :)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on May 13, 2014, 02:42:31 PM
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It does help, thank you for clarifying! We're flying in from Kansas City where there is a severe lack of public transportation options - the entire process is new to me! :)


You're welcome.  Glad that I could help!  Let us know in this thread if you have any more questions.  ^__~
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: jagina on May 13, 2014, 03:05:41 PM
I saw that last year their was a specific time and date.to get Comic-Con trolley passes does anyone know how that process works

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: karl clement on May 13, 2014, 03:09:39 PM
has anyone tried to reload there compass card they used the year before and how easy is it
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on May 13, 2014, 03:18:27 PM
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has anyone tried to reload there compass card they used the year before and how easy is it

As long as you bought the Compass Card within five years, you should just be able to go up to one of the purchase/reload card machines and pay for the required fare.

You can also check on this website to make sure your card is still valid: http://compass.511sd.com/LookUp.aspx

From the S.D. MTS website: http://compass.511sd.com/GettingStarted.aspx
"How long do Compass Cards last?

With proper care, Compass Cards are designed to last up to five years. You can protect your card and the value of the pass loaded on it against theft, loss, or damage by registering your card."

Hope that helps!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on May 13, 2014, 03:25:32 PM
Sorry about the double post, everyone, but I figured it would be easier to separate it on this occasion, since it's a long reply.  ^__^;

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I saw that last year their was a specific time and date.to get Comic-Con trolley passes does anyone know how that process works

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

They have a limited amount of special edition Comic-Con MTS trolley passes.

This page hasn't been updated yet for Comic-Con 2014, but here is the Comic-Con limited edition trolley pass information:
http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp


WARNING: THIS INFORMATION IS FROM COMIC-CON 2013 FOR REFERENCE ONLY!  (Provided for you for an example of how things might work for this year.)
Buy Your Trolley Day Pass

A one-way Trolley fare is $2.50, but if you are returning on the Trolley, remember to purchase your $5 Day Pass before boarding. This will help you avoid lines at the ticket booth and Ticket Vending Machines on your return trip. A day pass allows unlimited travel on MTS all day. For those attending more than one day, MTS Day Passes are available in denominations from 1 to 5 days. A multi-day pass is your most economical way to travel to Comic-Con!


Please note that all passes must be loaded onto a plastic Compass Card, which costs $2 to purchase if you do not already have one. Once you buy your Compass Card, hang on to it-your Compass Card can be reloaded and used for years.

This year, MTS is selling special commemorative Comic-Con day passes. These commemorative Comic-Con day passes do not require a Compass Card and can be purchased at select Trolley stations with ticket booth sales (see dates and times below). If you'd like to purchase a commemorative pass before July 17, you may do so at The Transit Store. You may also purchase regular 1—4 day passes from Ticket Vending Machines at Trolley stations. Ticket Vending Machines accept cash and credit/debit cards.

Commemorative day passes will be sold at select Trolley stations at the dates and times listed below. Sales will begin at the times listed and continue through late afternoon:


Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Old Town — 3 pm
Fashion Valley — 3:15 pm
Qualcomm — 3:30 pm
Gaslamp — 6 pm
Convention Center — 6 pm

Thursday, July 18, 2013
Old Town — 6:30 am
Fashion Valley — 7 am
Hazard Center — 7:15 am
Qualcomm — 6:30 am
Gaslamp — 2 pm
Convention Center — 2 pm

Friday, July 19, 2013
Old Town — 6:30 am
Fashion Valley — 7 am
Hazard Center — 7:15 am
Qualcomm — 6:30 am
Gaslamp — 2 pm
Convention Center — 2 pm

Saturday, July 20, 2013
Old Town — 6:30 am
Fashion Valley — 7 am
Hazard Center — 7 am
Qualcomm — 6:30 am
Gaslamp — 2 pm
Convention Center — 2 pm

Sunday, July 21, 2013
Old Town — 6:30 am
Fashion Valley — 7 am
Qualcomm — 6:30 am
Gaslamp — 12 pm
Convention Center — 12 pm

AGAIN, THIS INFORMATION WAS FROM 2013.  (Provided to give you a basic idea on how it works.)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: evanarose on May 30, 2014, 06:04:28 PM
Just a message for those planning to leave san diego on the 27th for LA on the train, I'll book it now if you haven't already...
I just booked for my trip back and the best time was already sold out :( Well it's still available if you go for the unreserved seat option but for me that's difficult as I got alot of luggage. I'm guessing that it's probably likely the train will be full. But yeah, I heard you carry your luggage on the train right? If you have luggage to check in?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on May 30, 2014, 06:22:27 PM
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Just a message for those planning to leave san diego on the 27th for LA on the train, I'll book it now if you haven't already...
I just booked for my trip back and the best time was already sold out :( Well it's still available if you go for the unreserved seat option but for me that's difficult as I got alot of luggage. I'm guessing that it's probably likely the train will be full. But yeah, I heard you carry your luggage on the train right? If you have luggage to check in?

Here's the information on Amtrak's baggage policy: http://www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy

Carry-On Baggage
Each passenger can have a total of 2 carry-on bags, each not to exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg), 28 x 22 x 14 inches (700 x 550 x 350 millimeters).

More details about carry-on baggage: http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1251621565003

Checked Baggage
Each passenger can check up to 4 bags - 2 free of charge and 2 for $20 per bag, each not to exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg), 75 linear inches (length + width + height).

More details about checked baggage: http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1251621565010

Prohibited Items: http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1251621565025


Hope that helps! ^__^
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: evanarose on May 30, 2014, 06:38:02 PM
Thank you! Yeah, I think my luggage will be borderline...not in weight but in size (maybe just a few cm more.) but then I read they are strict on it, so probably should check it in. Though after they check it, do they put it somewhere for storage or you hold it still? Couldn't find that information on the site. Anyway, I read they do luggage storage at San Diego Amtrak Station, but then I saw the ? and it says they do the 'left luggage' system like in europe. But what is that exactly? Is there a person minding them or its like lockers that you just put it in..
 
Because I was thinking if its a really secure system then maybe it works better to go to the station, comic con then back to the station. Although how far is the station from the convention centre? I'm guessing closer than my hotel which is seaworld area.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on May 30, 2014, 06:56:48 PM
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Thank you! Yeah, I think my luggage will be borderline...not in weight but in size (maybe just a few cm more.) but then I read they are strict on it, so probably should check it in. Though after they check it, do they put it somewhere for storage or you hold it still? Couldn't find that information on the site. Anyway, I read they do luggage storage at San Diego Amtrak Station, but then I saw the ? and it says they do the 'left luggage' system like in europe. But what is that exactly? Is there a person minding them or its like lockers that you just put it in..
 
Because I was thinking if its a really secure system then maybe it works better to go to the station, comic con then back to the station. Although how far is the station from the convention centre? I'm guessing closer than my hotel which is seaworld area.

The convention center is about five city blocks from the Amtrak station closest to it (the San Diego Amtrak station, or the three-letter code label as "SAN").  You can basically hop on a trolley--either the Green Line or the Special Red Line they usually do for Comic-Con--and get to the convention center that way.  It's not that far away.

Here's a map of it: click here (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Amtrak-San,+1050+Kettner+Blvd+%231,+San+Diego,+CA+92101/San+Diego+Convention+Center,+111+W+Harbor+Dr,+San+Diego,+CA+92101/@32.7122321,-117.1733097,15z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x80d9535a8260dfad:0x8b1140e189cc0e54!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x80deab355386aaab:0x98e321e1679bd391!2m2!1d-117.169537!2d32.716563!1m5!1m1!1s0x80d953574be55d8b:0x568846370a748ca5!2m2!1d-117.162376!2d32.706936!3e3)!


The San Diego Amtrak Station doesn't have a baggage assistance service, but this is what they mean by "left luggage" storage:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-left-luggage.htm

It can either be a storage locker or someone watching everything in a certain area (like what hotel baggage claim does).


If you can, I also recommend calling the San Diego Amtrak train station to ask about details about their baggage policies:
(800) 872-7245


Hope that helps! ^__^
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: evanarose on June 02, 2014, 02:11:42 AM
How busy is the public transport on the 23rd arriving into San Diego? I'm just wondering I'll be going by train to the San Diego Amtrak Station, but is it recommended to book a cab/shuttle in advance to the hotel? Is it the same for the 27th? If so, how much in advance.
I know there's also the public transport option, but I'm wondering is it that busy that you have to wait awhile to get onto the bus/trolley or it may be difficult to get in while having the luggage?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: lauranna on June 02, 2014, 05:12:52 AM
It's cheaper for me to fly into LA and then take alternative transportation to San Diego. My question is Amtrak or Greyhound? Which would you recommend?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: karl clement on June 02, 2014, 06:35:28 AM
I would do Amtrak because the station is right downtown, close to public transport, , if your hotel is downtown it will really easy, your also right near the con
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: evanarose on June 12, 2014, 12:44:11 AM
What cab companies are there in the us/san Diego area? Is there any you recommend in particular? How much does it cost approximately? Does it count by the km/mile?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: mattnathaniel on June 12, 2014, 01:05:30 AM

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What cab companies are there in the us/san Diego area? Is there any you recommend in particular? How much does it cost approximately? Does it count by the km/mile?

I don't know any in particular, but if you google San Diego taxis/cabs I'm sure something will pop up. The prices very, and they charge by mile and minute.

There's also Uber and Lyft that are available.


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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: iramcon on June 12, 2014, 05:53:30 AM
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What cab companies are there in the us/san Diego area? Is there any you recommend in particular? How much does it cost approximately? Does it count by the km/mile?

Try    http://www.taxifarefinder.com/
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: CptMyCpt24 on June 12, 2014, 10:53:10 AM
What is the best way to get to the beach?  We usually do not rent a car but might for a few days this year.  With that what beach would you recommend?

Thanks
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Chris on June 12, 2014, 11:07:10 AM
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What is the best way to get to the beach?  We usually do not rent a car but might for a few days this year.  With that what beach would you recommend?

Thanks

Pacific Beach is more people in their 20's and 30's.  Lots of great food.  Lots of drinking.  Lots of place to shop and poke around.  Be careful to not drink & drive or of drunk drivers on the road.  Parking can be unholy hell in July, particularly on the weekends.  If it's in your budget, a cab is probably the easiest.

Ocean Beach has more of an age range and has the reputation, fair or not and to put it bluntly, as more of a stoner crowd.  It has a smaller main drag, but it is not quite the madhouse that PB is in the summer.  It also has more of an artsy kind of feel to it.  Again, cab is probably easiest.

They are relatively close to one another, so if you don't like one, you can try the other.  Unfortunately, there are no trolley stops at the either.

There are other beaches, but those are the 2 that I am familiar with.


Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: thecherbear on June 12, 2014, 11:26:45 AM
Mission beach has Belmont Park, a little amusement park. It's got a roller coaster, bumper cars, a couple of rides, an arcade. www.belmontpark.com. always cab or bus, parking and driving down there is a nightmare.

Also across the street is Mission Bay if you prefer calmer water.

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Chris on June 12, 2014, 12:05:53 PM
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Mission beach has Belmont Park, a little amusement park. It's got a roller coaster, bumper cars, a couple of rides, an arcade. www.belmontpark.com. always cab or bus, parking and driving down there is a nightmare.

Also across the street is Mission Bay if you prefer calmer water.

Forgot Mission.  So north to south:  Pacific, Mission, and Ocean beach are all right in a row with some bridges in between.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: jimy on June 12, 2014, 12:35:40 PM
If you're interested in a wide, calmer beach check out the beaches at Coronado (consistently voted one of America’s finest beaches by The Travel Channel), North of the Hotel Del Coronado, just across the Bay from the Convention Center.

http://www.sandiego.org/what-to-do/beaches/coronado.aspx

Enjoy

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: CptMyCpt24 on June 12, 2014, 12:36:13 PM
Thanks for the info everyone!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Jim Watari on June 12, 2014, 01:29:45 PM
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Pacific Beach is more people in their 20's and 30's.  Lots of great food.  Lots of drinking.  Lots of place to shop and poke around.  Be careful to not drink & drive or of drunk drivers on the road.  Parking can be unholy hell in July, particularly on the weekends.  If it's in your budget, a cab is probably the easiest.

Ocean Beach has more of an age range and has the reputation, fair or not and to put it bluntly, as more of a stoner crowd.  It has a smaller main drag, but it is not quite the madhouse that PB is in the summer.  It also has more of an artsy kind of feel to it.  Again, cab is probably easiest.

They are relatively close to one another, so if you don't like one, you can try the other.  Unfortunately, there are no trolley stops at the either.

There are other beaches, but those are the 2 that I am familiar with.

At Ocean Beach you can go to Hodads

http://hodadies.com/menu/
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Chris on June 12, 2014, 01:36:09 PM
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At Ocean Beach you can go to Hodads

http://hodadies.com/menu/

This is a San Diego rivalry:  which is better?   Hodad's or Rocky's (which is in PB)?  http://www.rockyburgers.com/

I don't have a vote as I've never been to Hodad's   For Rocky's, don't ask for a menu, they don't have one.

It's a chalkboard saying:
--Half pound or third pound?
--Cheese or not?
--Fries or no?
--And the locals know that you can get onions grilled if you want them.

They put a WHOLE SLICE of an onion on the burger so be careful and always get the half pound.  Every person ever who has gotten 1/3 pound because they "weren't that hungry" has always regretted it. 

Seating there is a nightmare.  You can call in to go orders.

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: mohavewolfpup on June 12, 2014, 02:01:56 PM
Does anyone know much about staying on Coronado Island? My brother got a reservation for a motel on it (not the famous hotel del coronado, some other hotel/motel) And i'm not finding much about getting on and off the island. Seems there is a ferry/taxi, but that seems limiting. How is it driving off the island? He'll have a car or truck (driving from las vegas to san diego) so that part is taken care of. Is there traffic jams on the bridge off the island?
Title: Questions About the Free Shuttles
Post by: Zombie310 on June 18, 2014, 12:55:28 PM
Noob here, first time staying in SD for SDCC. I've asked this question to different ppl but mixed answers. Can anyone who has experienced using the Free Shuttles help me plz? I'm going to SDCC Fri & Sat but will be staying in San Diego on Thurs. I want to do offsite events starting Thurs. Is a badge required to ride the shuttles or are they open to the public? Since I won't have a badge til Friday, can I still use the free shuttle to get the convention center & back to my hotel? Some ppl said the drivers don't ask to see a badge, others say they do. Plz help and any tips about transportation and/or shuttles will be helpful. Thank You!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: karl clement on June 18, 2014, 01:56:16 PM
I sed the shuttle last year, no one ased or looked at the badge, but I did have one
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zombie310 on June 18, 2014, 10:35:21 PM
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I sed the shuttle last year, no one ased or looked at the badge, but I did have one

Thanks very much! I appreciate you answering!

I messaged CCI too & got this response:
"Hello,
The shuttles are available to all attendees even if they have not picked up their badges yet.
Thank you
http://www.comic-con.org/contact"
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: alyssa on June 19, 2014, 06:25:04 AM
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Does anyone know much about staying on Coronado Island? My brother got a reservation for a motel on it (not the famous hotel del coronado, some other hotel/motel) And i'm not finding much about getting on and off the island. Seems there is a ferry/taxi, but that seems limiting. How is it driving off the island? He'll have a car or truck (driving from las vegas to san diego) so that part is taken care of. Is there traffic jams on the bridge off the island?

the island is tricky.  i've never stayed there but somewhere there's some info on the communter ferry which (i think) drop you off by the con.   

From Twitter: @DelCoronado has #hotel rooms available for @Comic_Con #SDCC! Getting to downtown is a ferry ride away. Call 800-468-3533.

http://www.sdhe.com/coronado-ferry

 http://www.sdhe.com/san-diego-bay-ferry.html
oh this one looks good;
http://www.flagshipsd.com/images/documents/schedules/2014_comiconferryschedule.pdf
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: evanarose on June 28, 2014, 02:26:12 PM
If you went for the cab option to comic con would you expect a long wait or should you really book awhile in advance? If so how much approximately? Guess it depends on the time but I'm wondering if cabs book out quickly during comic con coz of crowd?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: TardarSauce on July 01, 2014, 04:29:04 PM
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If you went for the cab option to comic con would you expect a long wait or should you really book awhile in advance? If so how much approximately? Guess it depends on the time but I'm wondering if cabs book out quickly during comic con coz of crowd?

I haven't had any problems with getting a cab. They can get backed up due to pedestrian traffic. I've taken a cab early Wednesday and Sunday afternoon--not exactly peak hours--without any trouble. I've only had to wait 5 minutes max for them to come around. The cabs were really good at weaving through all the traffic and I think they have a lot in the area due to the high demand.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: karl clement on July 01, 2014, 05:21:35 PM
has any one used one of the airport shuttle services compared too a cab, I did cab last year from airport to hotel circle and it was like $30-35, I am arriving on the 22 nd so I don't think I will have an issue
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: beffyjo on July 02, 2014, 12:18:21 PM
We're staying in Sherman Heights - is there any easy way to get to the zoo using public transit? I see that you can get there by bus, but you have to take a bus downtown, then another bus back up to the zoo.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on July 02, 2014, 12:51:15 PM
San Diego MTS website has everything you need to know about public transit. Enter your departure and destination locations in the trip planner and it will give you every conceivable option and how long each takes.

http://www.sdmts.com/tripplanner.asp
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: beffyjo on July 02, 2014, 02:39:44 PM
That's how I found out about the bus. Just thought someone might have a better idea :)
Title: Taking Amtrak Home After Comic Con
Post by: twasadark on July 03, 2014, 10:00:09 AM
Hi there,

I've taken Amtrak to Comic Con from the Los Angeles area a couple of times, but I've never taken it home. Someone told me that she was stranded on Sunday after the con because there was no room for her on the train back to LA. That has me a little concerned. I'm booked on the 6:45 pm train home, but it's an unreserved coach seat. Does anyone have any advice about taking the train back to LA? Do I need to get there super early? Not sure what to expect or who to ask about it. All replies appreciated!

Best,
Xina
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on July 03, 2014, 10:32:00 AM
Someone previously recommended that if you are taking a later train (as you are) that you book a business class ticket to guarantee yourself the seat.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: YouThinkMeMad on July 03, 2014, 10:34:27 AM
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has any one used one of the airport shuttle services compared too a cab, I did cab last year from airport to hotel circle and it was like $30-35, I am arriving on the 22 nd so I don't think I will have an issue

I always use Super Shuttle. I think SDCC Blog has a discount code for them.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: beffyjo on July 09, 2014, 08:04:13 AM
MTS has an app so you can purchase trolley tickets now and not deal with the machines.

Although it doesn't appear to include the buses so I guess I still need to find a Compass Card. I CAN get one of those at the Park & Market trolley station, right?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on July 09, 2014, 08:57:32 AM
You can get one at any trolley stop. The machines dispense them.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Yzrfan on July 22, 2014, 08:28:19 AM
Saw this and think it might help. http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp


For over a thousand generations, the Comic Con Nerds were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times... before the Twilhearts
Title: Re: Taking Amtrak Home After Comic Con
Post by: StarBell84 on March 12, 2015, 05:47:57 AM
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Hi there,

I've taken Amtrak to Comic Con from the Los Angeles area a couple of times, but I've never taken it home. Someone told me that she was stranded on Sunday after the con because there was no room for her on the train back to LA. That has me a little concerned. I'm booked on the 6:45 pm train home, but it's an unreserved coach seat. Does anyone have any advice about taking the train back to LA? Do I need to get there super early? Not sure what to expect or who to ask about it. All replies appreciated!

Best,
Xina

I took Amtrak to and from the Con last year from Los Angeles and I'm doing it again this year. I agree the best way to go is to see if you can upgrade to a business class seat if you can put up the extra cash. It at least guarantees you a seat. If upgrading to business class isn't an option then I would suggest getting there early but even then I personally would worry because once the train arrives whose to say people won't bunch together and cut to get themselves and luggage on board.

Safe Bet - Business Class

Take a Chance - Arrive early and make sure you are at the door when it opens.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: nvj29 on March 12, 2015, 07:50:28 AM
Does/have anyone used a comp shuttle for the airport that was provided by the hotels? A few will take you to the airport, but I don't see any that will take you to the hotel from the airport.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on March 12, 2015, 09:53:42 AM
Call your hotel and ask if the pickup at airport
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Jim Watari on March 12, 2015, 01:28:56 PM
From what I remember there are very few free hotel shuttles to/from the airport , Holiday Inn has one .
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: nvj29 on March 12, 2015, 01:38:05 PM
I checked a few of the hotels on my list for the sale and some have shuttles to the airport, just not to/from.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on March 12, 2015, 02:06:54 PM
If your hotel is downton, it's gonna be a very short and cheap cab ride. There's always an ample taxi line waiting at the airport to give rides
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Emerald_Mom on March 25, 2015, 04:21:20 PM
Ok, I have a question about trolleys/buses... how much is it to ride and can you get a pass ahead of time?  This is my 1st time and since they had the massive screw-up with TP I'm not holding my breath on getting a downtown hotel.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: brand4d2 on March 25, 2015, 04:29:49 PM
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Ok, I have a question about trolleys/buses... how much is it to ride and can you get a pass ahead of time?  This is my 1st time and since they had the massive screw-up with TP I'm not holding my breath on getting a downtown hotel.

Yes, you can buy trolley passes ahead of time - usually they have a special that includes all days of SDCC.  Each day is around $5 or so which means we're looking at approximately $25 for the pass.   Passes can be bought at the stations or even on the San Diego transit app, MTS is what I think their transit system is called. 
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on March 25, 2015, 05:22:16 PM
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Ok, I have a question about trolleys/buses... how much is it to ride and can you get a pass ahead of time?  This is my 1st time and since they had the massive screw-up with TP I'm not holding my breath on getting a downtown hotel.

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Yes, you can buy trolley passes ahead of time - usually they have a special that includes all days of SDCC.  Each day is around $5 or so which means we're looking at approximately $25 for the pass.   Passes can be bought at the stations or even on the San Diego transit app, MTS is what I think their transit system is called. 

That's correct.  MTS, or Metropolitan Transit System, is San Diego's public transportation system. 

You can purchase trolley passes (it will be a plastic "Compass" card) in advance, either at a transit kiosk (located at the trolley station) or electronically through the MTS app that you can download on your phone.

They also have special commemorative Comic-Con-themed passes that are available at certain times of the day as well.  Same pricing for the most part, but these have different designs on them, versus the generic plastic ("Compass" card).  Personally, I'd go for the plastic "Compass" card because you can reload it as many times as you want, and the actual card can be kept for several years.

Here's the summary of this information on the MTS website:
Quote
Paper Tickets & Passes on Compass Card

The easiest way to buy your Comic-Con Trolley pass is with the new mTicket app, but you still have the option of buying a physical ticket or pass, too. Regular 1—4 day passes can be purchased from ticket vending machines at Trolley stations. These ticket machines accept cash and credit/debit cards.

Passes must be loaded onto a plastic Compass Card, which costs $2 if you do not already have one. But once you buy your Compass Card, hang on to it-your Compass Card can be reloaded and used for years!

MTS will also be selling special commemorative paper Comic-Con day passes, which do not require a Compass Card and can be purchased at select Trolley stations with ticket booth sales.


To get an idea of the pricing and the trolley routes, take a look at the Comic-Con 2014 MTS trolley page:
http://www.sdmts.com/Trolley/ComicCon.asp

Later on in the year, as it gets closer to Comic-Con, the website will be updated with Comic-Con 2015 information.

Hope that helps! ^__^
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Emerald_Mom on March 25, 2015, 05:50:27 PM
Thanks Zero! Now to wait and see what hotel we get if any?!?! ::)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on March 25, 2015, 06:19:31 PM
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Thanks Zero! Now to wait and see what hotel we get if any?!?! ::)

Just remember, there *will* be a room for you. The worst that will happen is that you will be out in Mission Valley or Hotel Circle. These hotels are always available after the lottery results are out, and even in June you can still get a room at these hotels. Not ideal, but they are rooms and they are on the shuttle line. So don't worry - there is a room for you out there!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Emerald_Mom on March 25, 2015, 06:22:13 PM
Thanks TJ, makes me feel better.  This is my first time and it has been a bit overwhelming!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: brand4d2 on March 25, 2015, 08:12:25 PM
EmeraldMom, I just want to reassure you that both the shuttle system and the trolley system are pretty convenient.  I'm sure right now it may look intimidating and complex but rest assured that if you have to rely on either, you'll see tons of other con goers doing the same and if you're ever unsure about directions or what lines to take, there's always people you can ask.   
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on March 25, 2015, 08:16:17 PM
I like to get the commemorative Comic-Con passes for trolley. You can't get them until PN though. But they can be purchased at Qualcomm, Fashion Valley and Convention Center stops.....and some others too, but not at all stations, most trolley stations aren't manned with a person selling tickets and only have self-serve kiosks. Those kiosks will not distribute the cool commemorative passes.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Emerald_Mom on March 26, 2015, 08:11:47 AM
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EmeraldMom, I just want to reassure you that both the shuttle system and the trolley system are pretty convenient.  I'm sure right now it may look intimidating and complex but rest assured that if you have to rely on either, you'll see tons of other con goers doing the same and if you're ever unsure about directions or what lines to take, there's always people you can ask.
brand4d2, thank you so much for the info and kind words.... never dreamed I would get badges and now dealing with this hotel mess..... :o
Everyone on this forum have been incredibly kind and generous with their knowledge and I for one am VERY thankful!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Nancy on March 30, 2015, 05:24:17 PM
Thank you all for the info regarding the trolley!

This year we'll be in early enough to actually get to Town and Country to pick our badges up (we usually just collect them from the convention centre on Thursday) and the trolley looks like a better option than the shuttle.

The app makes everything SUPER easy, though I do like the sound of these commemorative paper tickets  :D
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: evanarose on April 06, 2015, 02:26:03 AM
Just wondering the free shuttle service from Mission Valley area. Is there normally a long line to wait to take the shuttle? I mean, would you expect likely not the 1st shuttle you would catch but possibly the one after? How often abouts do the shuttles come?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: frostywontons on April 06, 2015, 08:18:00 AM
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Just wondering the free shuttle service from Mission Valley area. Is there normally a long line to wait to take the shuttle? I mean, would you expect likely not the 1st shuttle you would catch but possibly the one after? How often abouts do the shuttles come?

It depends on the hotel in which you are staying and the overall traffic. Although it can be difficult to determine inwhich direction the shuttle runs, do check the 2014 shuttle map and find your hotel's position to give yourself a general idea. Moreover, the shuttle is very reliable and the wait time is never too problematic, even during peak days (e.g. Saturday). Each shuttle has a dedicated route and they are suppose to run every 15min (per traffic) so frequency is not an issue. In my experience, the shuttle is worst on the return trip because then you have to deal with the general SD traffic, and if you happen to get a driver who does not fully know his route/navigating SD (CCI contracts drivers so this happens more often than not).
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: itsmarty on April 06, 2015, 09:39:21 AM
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Just wondering the free shuttle service from Mission Valley area. Is there normally a long line to wait to take the shuttle? I mean, would you expect likely not the 1st shuttle you would catch but possibly the one after? How often abouts do the shuttles come?

I've only stayed in Mission Valley once, but there were definitely occasions that year where the shuttles were too full to pick up everyone. I thought overall the shuttle system worked out well and Mission Valley is not a bad place to stay, but I strongly recommend planning to take the shuttle before the one you think you need.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: brand4d2 on April 06, 2015, 11:00:40 AM
I highly recommend Transit App for iOS and android for everyone that will be using the trolley.  Route maps, station stops, schedules, next arrivals - it's all there for you.   

About the Mission Valley shuttles, I only have experience with the route that goes to the Hilton and Doubletree and I don't recall ever having to wait for another shuttle on account of it being full.  Mind you, I started very early in the morning - usually 5 am-ish.  Even on the return trips to the hotel, there might be a fair amount of people but I don't recall having such long lines that I'd have to wait for another one. 
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: 22soulatker on June 18, 2015, 12:18:32 PM
My hotel is about 10Miles from the Center. Would it be possible to take a cab to the convention so i can get there before 5AM??
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on June 18, 2015, 02:44:02 PM
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My hotel is about 10Miles from the Center. Would it be possible to take a cab to the convention so i can get there before 5AM??

It is possible, but it might end up to be really expensive (due to the ticking meter) and you'll have to call a cab directly to your hotel.

I would also call your hotel and ask if they have any shuttle or transportation services (or discounts) to the Downtown San Diego area.  They may or may not have any information, but contacting them is a good way to see if they know about anything that can help you.

Use this time to look for different transportation options online.  ^__^d
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: MegaDoug on June 18, 2015, 06:38:10 PM
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My hotel is about 10Miles from the Center. Would it be possible to take a cab to the convention so i can get there before 5AM??

LYFT and UBER are great options, but UBER seems to get better kudos based on recent yelp reviews.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: karl clement on June 19, 2015, 03:46:07 PM
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It is possible, but it might end up to be really expensive (due to the ticking meter) and you'll have to call a cab directly to your hotel.

I would also call your hotel and ask if they have any shuttle or transportation services (or discounts) to the Downtown San Diego area.  They may or may not have any information, but contacting them is a good way to see if they know about anything that can help you.

Use this time to look for different transportation options online.  ^__^d
Smts is very cost effective, I used aa cab my first year not worth it, check the public transit  some routes start as early as 4:30-5am
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: mark on June 19, 2015, 06:34:55 PM
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I like to get the commemorative Comic-Con passes for trolley. You can't get them until PN though. But they can be purchased at Qualcomm, Fashion Valley and Convention Center stops.....and some others too, but not at all stations, most trolley stations aren't manned with a person selling tickets and only have self-serve kiosks. Those kiosks will not distribute the cool commemorative passes.

I like those too, just checked http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp (http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp) and they are saying that the commemorative passes are for sale now at the downtown transit store, would love to know if that's true since we'll be in town a bit early this year. For people interested, you have to find the manned kiosks and pay cash. Also good to note that the trolley passes also work on the buses, the MTS app won't.

Just out of curiosity, has anyone ever had to show their pass on the trolley?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: MegaDoug on June 19, 2015, 08:01:03 PM
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Just out of curiosity, has anyone ever had to show their pass on the trolley?
Never, not once. And only a few times on the Metrolink train that runs from upper parts of southern California down to the top of San Diego county. I've been checked more often on the San Diego north county "Sprinter" train than the rest combined.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on June 19, 2015, 10:26:07 PM
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I like those too, just checked http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp (http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp) and they are saying that the commemorative passes are for sale now at the downtown transit store, would love to know if that's true since we'll be in town a bit early this year. For people interested, you have to find the manned kiosks and pay cash. Also good to note that the trolley passes also work on the buses, the MTS app won't.

Just out of curiosity, has anyone ever had to show their pass on the trolley?
I've been checked often, but never during SDCC.....they are always on checking them when there's a Padres game though
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: friedminded on June 20, 2015, 01:09:36 AM
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I like those too, just checked http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp (http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp) and they are saying that the commemorative passes are for sale now at the downtown transit store
That's awesome, I didn't know that they made these.

It's worth noting that day passes can be used on buses too, even though they only mention trolleys on that page.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: rk23 on June 20, 2015, 01:25:34 PM
I've had my transit pass checked now and then on the trolley, but never during SDCC.  It's always been too mobbed for an enforcement officer to even work their way through the trolley car.  But it could always happen. 

If you stick your paper pass in your badge holder, BTW, you may want to seal the top of the holder somehow (I make my clip go through both layers of the holder).  Back when I was less careful, my (four day!) pass fell out on the exhibit hall floor.  That was painful. 

That said, paper may be the best option -- I'd certainly recommend against the mticket app, because you never know when you might end up wanting to take a bus, and it's not as though you get a discount for going trolley-only.  Also, a paper ticket may be slightly more convenient than having your ticket on a Compass card -- you have to tap the Compass card on a machine at the trolley stop each time before you board, and with crowds, it can get hard to find or access the machines.  I don't have a choice, since I have a monthly pass on a Compass card, but the paper pass (once you obtain it) seems like the easiest option if you're going to ride a lot.

(Also, FYI, a single day pass can be purchased on a bus ($5 if you have a Compass card to load it on, $7 if they have to print you a paper pass) but multi-day passes cannot be purchased on buses.)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: SamTurtledove on June 20, 2015, 01:25:48 PM
6/20

http://www.comic-con.org/cci/transportation

"MTS has updated their website with information about Comic-Con 2015; click here to visit their website. You can also use their online Trip Planner tool to plan your trip to Comic-Con at the San Diego Convention Center. Once again, MTS is offering special rates on day and multi-day passes for travel to and from Comic-Con. Check their website for details."

http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/comiccon.asp

(Note: mTickets are valid only on MTS Trolley services. mTickets are not valid as MTS bus fare.)

"MTS will also be selling special commemorative paper Comic-Con day passes, which do not require a Compass Card and can be purchased at select Trolley stations with ticket booth sales"

(July 8-12) "Commemorative Comic-Con day passes will be sold at select Trolley stations at the dates and times listed below. Sales will begin and end at the times listed below: (see link)"

"Commemorative Comic-Con day passes are also currently on sale at The Transit Store downtown."

http://www.sdmts.com/Marketing/transitstore.asp

"The Transit Store is open weekdays between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is closed on weekends and holidays. The Transit Store is located at 102 Broadway (corner of First Avenue), in Downtown San Diego. Phone number is (619) 234-1060."

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Car_Low on June 20, 2015, 01:49:22 PM
FYI I got checked last year for having a valid trolley pass though rare it does happen. Don't risk getting a $200 ticket for saving $5 a day at most.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on June 20, 2015, 03:32:06 PM
The passes on the page are last year's passes. I hope the art is different this year. It's been different the past three years that I've gotten them and last year's art was my least favorite. Hoping for something new since I put these in my memory box for each year of SDCC and keep them forever.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: mystical althea on June 24, 2015, 05:16:10 AM
Has anyone seen the SuperShuttle discount offered this year?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on June 24, 2015, 05:27:47 AM
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Has anyone seen the SuperShuttle discount offered this year?

Not yet, as far as I'm aware, but this article on the SuperShuttle website has some general information about discounts:
http://www.supershuttle.com/blog/Blog/tabid/947/Article/193/how-do-i-get-a-supershuttle-discount.aspx

There's also the facebook (https://www.facebook.com/supershuttleusa) or twitter page (https://twitter.com/supershuttle) to stay updated on news about potential discounts.

If it helps, in 2013 and 2014, the code was "XOMIC" (without the quotations)...  not sure if it will be the same as last time though.  ^__^;
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: LesJ on July 03, 2015, 01:13:36 PM
Third year in a row coming to the Con, but first time staying downtown and not having a rental car (we've stayed in Temecula the last 2 years!).

With three of us flying in together Wednesday morning, would it be cheaper and/or more efficient to use the SuperShuttle (looks like $24 for us) or to grab a cab? We're staying at the Embassy Suites Bayfront.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: SteveD on July 03, 2015, 02:08:30 PM
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Third year in a row coming to the Con, but first time staying downtown and not having a rental car (we've stayed in Temecula the last 2 years!).

With three of us flying in together Wednesday morning, would it be cheaper and/or more efficient to use the SuperShuttle (looks like $24 for us) or to grab a cab? We're staying at the Embassy Suites Bayfront.

Thanks!
Definitely take a cab, SuperShuttle charges per person, taxi per ride (~$15).  Also look into UberX ($9-$13).
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: karl clement on July 03, 2015, 04:40:54 PM
does anyone know if there is a daypass/campass vending machine at airpost?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Car_Low on July 03, 2015, 04:45:27 PM
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does anyone know if there is a daypass/campass vending machine at airpost?

The airport? I don't think so since the trolley doesn't go there only buses and they have printed tickets not the compass pass.  You can use the MTS app to purchase day passes.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: darkron9 on August 02, 2015, 08:46:09 AM
I'd like to mention that I bought one of the mTicket passes with my smartphone this year and it was very nice.

I don't know if this is the usual way that the mTicket passes work, but mine was good for 24 hrs.  Instead of finding a kiosk to activate it, I only had to touch an activation button to get mine going.  I used the green line trolley to go to T&C to pick up my 4 day badge on Wednesday and continued to use it until the next day.  (I can't remember for sure, but I believe there was a timer on my app to remind me when the pass would expire.)

When the trolley arrives at a stop, you push a button to open the door to climb aboard.  Once you reach your destination, you push a button again to open the door to disembark.
 
In regards to the experience, riding the trolley is like riding buses in LA and the OC and subways in NYC.  You meet some of the strangest people during the ride.  I met a grizzled old timer in the senior seating area who was happily eating a small bag of chips and after finishing, started singing during the ride.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: TardisMom on August 04, 2015, 01:53:28 PM
Thanks, Ron, good info to have!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AzT on February 25, 2016, 07:24:48 AM
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/feb/24/downtown-shuttle/

(emphasis mine)

Free downtown shuttle OKd for May startup

Civic San Diego approved a five-year, $2 million contract Wednesday to expand free shuttle service currently offered by San Diego Free Ride, starting by the end of May. Workers, residents and visitors will be able to summon or hail one of the distinctive, electric-powered, open-air vehicles as early as 7 a.m. and as late as midnight to take them to eat, shop, work and play anywhere within the downtown area - generally within the Interstate 5 “S-curve” and south of Laurel Street, west of 17th Street and north of the 10th Avenue Marine Terminal. “The thing about living in an innovative, creative city that we want to be is we need to try new things that are new and different and adaptive to change,” said CivicSD Chairman Jeff Gattas. “The old ways don’t work.” San Diego Free Ride says by Memorial Day it hopes to increase its operations from five vehicles to 20 and expand hours. Service currently starts at noon.

Joyce Summer, representing the Cortez Hill Active Residents Group and a downtowner for 23 years, called the service “sorely needed,” and not just for consumers. “One reason business gives for not moving downtown is the difficulty in parking,” she said. Now, users will be able to sign up for a ride via an app on their smartphone and a driver will respond within eight minutes. If they don’t have a phone, riders will be able to hail one of the vehicles from a street corner and at key pickups in the downtown area. San Diego Free Ride, a subsidiary of Tag-A-Long San Diego, plans to hire up to 40 drivers and administrative staff, comply with the city’s “living wage” ordinance by paying $14.50 per hour, up from the current $10 per hour. It also will offer benefits to full-time workers.

Founder James Mirras said he will advertise on Craig’s List, college job boards and other locations for drivers. However, Sarah Saez, representing the United Taxi Workers of San Diego, expressed concern that the free service will rob taxi drivers - many of whom are struggling immigrants from East Africa - of a projected 18,000 in trip charges per week. “That will significantly affect the population I advocate for - those living in poverty and refugees,” she said.

Director Murtaza Baxamusa, who voted against the contract, lodged numerous objections, calling it at one point a “fraud” because it’s not a public-transit type service but one with “random people picking up random people.” “This entire program is being morphed from what it was supposed to be, transit-centric,” Baxamusa said. Director Phil Rath called some of Baxamusa’s objections “preposterous.” “‘If it’s not in a taxi cab, it’s bad’ is not a legitimate public policy perspective,” he said. “I don’t understand how we can do better than this.”

The concept of a circulator shuttle arose several years ago when downtown planners and business leaders said the system of buses, trolleys and taxis was not robust enough for the burgeoning population of 36,000 residents and 75,000 workers. They could get to downtown, but not move within downtown very efficiently. Using their cars to traverse a few blocks just added to daily congestion and traffic problems. But the original solution of a fixed-route service was determined to be too costly to be underwritten by the Downtown Community Parking District, which is funded from parking meter revenues.

Under the contract, San Diego Free Ride will get $500,000 to buy additional vehicles and another $500,000 in the first year to cover higher wages and operating costs. An additional $1 million would be available over the first five years to cover expansion. However, the company expects to cover most of its costs through on-vehicle advertising
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Angology on February 25, 2016, 11:16:38 AM
The shuttle seems like it could be very helpful for us this year, as we may not be staying "on campus", but will be downtown. I will have to keep an eye on the developments! Thanks for posting [member=2163]AzT[/member] !

Here is the coverage map. Are they expanding just the hours of operation & number of vehicles, or the area also? They mention the coverage area, but I am not sure if it encompasses more than before.

(https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthefreeride.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F08%2FSDFR_Route1.jpg&hash=4476daea79a7e7b465ae59e8ce160d3ffa0aaf0d)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on February 25, 2016, 12:20:56 PM
That sounds great, but I worry that they might be overloaded during Comic Con.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: NoOtherOptions! on February 25, 2016, 01:33:29 PM
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That sounds great, but I worry that they might be overloaded during Comic Con.

Might? They absolutely will be.  Getting an uber last year was a MASSIVE challenge. I tried getting one of those 'Colony" free ubers all week long and not once was I able to reserve one via uber.  It was crazy busy.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Stephanie on February 25, 2016, 06:06:05 PM
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Might? They absolutely will be.  Getting an uber last year was a MASSIVE challenge. I tried getting one of those 'Colony" free ubers all week long and not once was I able to reserve one via uber.  It was crazy busy.

This is one of my biggest fears of attending the con. I'm afraid that there will be a few obstacles to getting Uber or Lyft, or even trying to book a taxi during the convention.

Your story reminds me of what I had to go through while I was in LA a few years ago, where I had to find out the hard way that it was next to near impossible to get a taxi in Los Angeles on a Saturday night, and the ridesharing services I kept trying to summon (mainly Lyft) all cancelled on me.

As a result, I ended up 50 minutes late for a concert I had waited five years to see. The fact of which still haunts me to this very day :/. The only good thing about it is the taxi driver who did eventually pick me up was a nice guy, and he was thanked profusely by an incredibly grateful me. I even gave him a generous tip at the end of the ride, mainly because I was so grateful that someone actually picked me up. Oh, and I also learned that next time, I should try booking taxis in advance before things get really busy.

I am now prepared to go through the same thing in San Diego during the con. And on top of this I also have to worry about surge pricing as well, as I don't want to be charged $300 for a 12 minute ride.

Still, with due diligence and planning, I hope I can be prepared to wait it out, or even avoid these things. And if push comes to shove, I can always walk to the con, as the place I'm staying at will be six minutes away by car (and 20 minutes away by foot).
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Dubb on February 26, 2016, 07:46:07 AM
I had absolutely no trouble getting an Uber last year, and surge pricing was a non-issue.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: NoOtherOptions! on February 26, 2016, 08:11:58 AM
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I had absolutely no trouble getting an Uber last year, and surge pricing was a non-issue.

I should clarify my issues were mostly in gaslamp at night.  It might have been less annoying during other hours.  I didn't ever see surge pricing to be honest.  But finding where the uber was, I had a few cancel on me, etc.  I don't think it's a "50 minute late" situation as described above but it was absolutely busy.  I was staying at the windham bay front and dealt with ubers probably 5-10 times? That weekend.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Bako on March 28, 2016, 02:59:57 PM
Our son is in a wheelchair and our first SDCC we stayed at Marriott Mission Valley.  It was fine with the Trolley right in the back of the hotel.  The only issue was how long it took coming and going, as well as, the hassle of lugging loot.  Then we discovered Marriott Marquis and Hilton Bayfront, like night and day compared to the valley, at least for us from the accessibilty standpoint.  In case we don't get downtown this year, are any of the "Shuttles" wheelchair lift equipped, or are we limited to finding a hotel on the trolley line?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: dunkaroos on March 28, 2016, 03:39:59 PM
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Our son is in a wheelchair and our first SDCC we stayed at Marriott Mission Valley.  It was fine with the Trolley right in the back of the hotel.  The only issue was how long it took coming and going, as well as, the hassle of lugging loot.  Then we discovered Marriott Marquis and Hilton Bayfront, like night and day compared to the valley, at least for us from the accessibilty standpoint.  In case we don't get downtown this year, are any of the "Shuttles" wheelchair lift equipped, or are we limited to finding a hotel on the trolley line?

You have to call ahead (the number is on the shuttle schedule) or go to the Disability Services desk to schedule it in advance.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: karl clement on March 28, 2016, 05:06:56 PM
i would check with the public transit to see if that have  and ADA bus services, i know the regular city bus does, i saw it last year
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Poggledoo on April 05, 2016, 07:40:24 PM
What is the surge pricing for Uber during the con?
Title: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: CptMyCpt24 on April 05, 2016, 07:53:45 PM
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What is the surge pricing for Uber during the con?
I can't quote current prices but 2 years ago it was 1/2 or less cab fare.  We took a few rides before and during the con.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: foosbabaganoosh on April 07, 2016, 12:57:52 PM
What is the shuttle like? Is it crowded? If someone is wearing a costume that is a little unwieldy how does that work with the shuttle?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: fayeray99 on April 07, 2016, 01:26:42 PM
I have the same exact question!  Looks like I am stuck in mission valley for the first time and I'm not really familiar with shuttle life. 

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What is the shuttle like? Is it crowded? If someone is wearing a costume that is a little unwieldy how does that work with the shuttle?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: rushfanyyz on April 07, 2016, 01:29:54 PM
The shuttle is just a big fancy bus, no standing, but you get your own seat. I've packed in a few bags with goodies and stuff, you have space under your seat/seat in front of you, sometimes space above, plus whatever you can fit in your lap and on your feet.  The buses vary a little, but there is space.  Compared to a super crowded trolley, you actually get more space for your things. Nobody will be in your personal space either like can sometimes happen on a crowded trolley.  I've had no complaints and I've used them the past two years-red and purple lines.

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Tea_Angel on April 07, 2016, 10:32:44 PM
The shuttles are generally pretty well run, you just have to build extra time into your schedule to allow the transport time, and the possibility of not getting on a shuttle if it's full.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: MrFurious on April 07, 2016, 11:02:52 PM
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I have the same exact question!  Looks like I am stuck in mission valley for the first time and I'm not really familiar with shuttle life.

The shuttles are usually full size bus types. If you have extra stuff(not unlike my Hasbro haul), they will even open the under-carriage. There will be some busy or crowd issues if your hotel is the last on the route before SDCC because the people are loading up before you at the previous stops. Keep that in mind. You can shuttle route for times.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Musbcym on April 07, 2016, 11:10:54 PM
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Thank you very much. Sorry for all the newb questions I will be asking.
We were all new at some point.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: MrFurious on April 07, 2016, 11:23:30 PM
I still feel new and this is my 6th year.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on April 07, 2016, 11:24:20 PM
Let's get back on-topic with public transportation questions.  ^__~
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: highgiant on April 08, 2016, 11:16:48 AM
How long roughly does it take from the gaslamp to the airport? I've an international flight that leaves at 10:30am on that Monday so I imagine I'd be getting up early but just wondering how long it'd take to get out to the airport. I'm staying in a hotel in the gaslamp area so I'll prob just book a taxi from the hotel for that morning.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: dcuodust on April 08, 2016, 12:34:31 PM
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How long roughly does it take from the gaslamp to the airport? I've an international flight that leaves at 10:30am on that Monday so I imagine I'd be getting up early but just wondering how long it'd take to get out to the airport. I'm staying in a hotel in the gaslamp area so I'll prob just book a taxi from the hotel for that morning.
20 minutes is clear traffic. Being Monday morning, particularly, the Monday after Comic-Con it may be busier. Give yourself 30 minutes.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: TwiBetween on April 09, 2016, 08:14:38 AM
Has anyone had any experience with taking the SDCC shuttles in a wheelchair? Or the trolleys? My first year at SDCC in the chair and feeling a little lost.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: tacofan on April 09, 2016, 09:34:03 AM
Hi all,

It'll be my first time using the shuttle bus.  I'm going to guess that that I'll get a room out in Mission Valley when rooms open up.  How are the buses in the evenings back out to MV?  Are they super packed?  Or would it be a better idea to use the trolley?  How about the AM rides?  Thanks!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Iris on April 09, 2016, 01:11:16 PM
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Hi all,

It'll be my first time using the shuttle bus.  I'm going to guess that that I'll get a room out in Mission Valley when rooms open up.  How are the buses in the evenings back out to MV?  Are they super packed?  Or would it be a better idea to use the trolley?  How about the AM rides?  Thanks!

They tend to be pretty packed, but they also run so often (every 15 minutes or so) that it was never a long wait for one to go back when I stayed in Mission Valley. I also feel like the big rush dies down fairly quickly, so if you decide to stay in the Gaslamp for dinner/other things, later evening isn't too bad for the shuttles.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on April 09, 2016, 02:42:21 PM
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Has anyone had any experience with taking the SDCC shuttles in a wheelchair? Or the trolleys? My first year at SDCC in the chair and feeling a little lost.

[member=2776]TwiBetween[/member]: You might be interested in this thread for more information about ADA access and the official Comic-Con shuttles.

SDCC 2016 Shuttle Info and FAQs (http://friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?topic=6053.0)

Hope this helps!  ^___~
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: tacofan on April 10, 2016, 03:16:34 PM
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They tend to be pretty packed, but they also run so often (every 15 minutes or so) that it was never a long wait for one to go back when I stayed in Mission Valley. I also feel like the big rush dies down fairly quickly, so if you decide to stay in the Gaslamp for dinner/other things, later evening isn't too bad for the shuttles.

Thanks for sharing your experience!  I appreciate it.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: newwavejunkie on April 11, 2016, 10:53:02 AM
Anyone have any experience staying on Coronado Island during SDCC? I booked a B&B (though I'm still hoping and praying something in walking distance of the Con opens up) and am curious what the transportation is like. I know about the ferry and figured I have options to take ubers or the bus but I wanted to know if there was anyone who has stayed there who might enlighten me on what to expect.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on April 11, 2016, 11:45:51 AM
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Anyone have any experience staying on Coronado Island during SDCC? I booked a B&B (though I'm still hoping and praying something in walking distance of the Con opens up) and am curious what the transportation is like. I know about the ferry and figured I have options to take ubers or the bus but I wanted to know if there was anyone who has stayed there who might enlighten me on what to expect.

We actually have a whole thread about this topic, so I believe this is something you might be interested in:
http://friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?topic=6118.0

Hope that helps! ^__^/
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: jddocea on April 23, 2016, 05:43:52 AM
Hi everyone
This is going to be my first time at SDCC. I'm just wondering what would be a better option for transportation: the shuttles comic con provides or getting a 4 day trolley pass. I'm staying near the airport about a half mile walk from each stop.
Thanks :)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on April 23, 2016, 08:11:59 AM
Trolley doesn't go out that way, so I'd use the shuttle
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: lilredrubi74 on April 23, 2016, 08:02:42 PM
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Has anyone had any experience with taking the SDCC shuttles in a wheelchair? Or the trolleys? My first year at SDCC in the chair and feeling a little lost.
Hi it's my 1st year in a wheelchair too. If you look at the beginning few pages you will see where mostlylurker(sp) answered some questions I had. It looks like we have a disabled shuttle that can pick us up & drop us off. Can I ask are you in a manual or motorized? I called the SD trolley company & they said all stations are accessible some have ramps & some have elevators. There is a blue button on the outside of the trolley car you press it & a ramp will deploy. Have a great comic con  :)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AzT on June 07, 2016, 10:22:31 AM
From ->

http://comic-con.org/toucan/2016-shuttle-schedule-posted-transportation-page-updated

In addition, we’ve updated our Comic-Con Transportation page, which includes links to San Diego’s MTS Trolley Service (MTS has a dedicated Comic-Con 2016 page, but info has not been added to it as of yet), plus the Coaster rail service and Amtrak California.

http://comic-con.org/cci/transportation
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mdgeist316 on June 07, 2016, 12:41:24 PM
How stressful was taking the trolley into downtown? I'm waiting for my spot on the waitlist to see if I can get something closer, but I have a room in the Old Town area where the shuttles don't run.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: mark on June 07, 2016, 01:12:00 PM
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How stressful was taking the trolley into downtown? I'm waiting for my spot on the waitlist to see if I can get something closer, but I have a room in the Old Town area where the shuttles don't run.

It always worked fine for us in years where we had to catch it in Old Town. You are far enough away that you should be able to get on. If you try to catch it closer to downtown, say in Little Italy, some of the morning trolleys might be too packed. It'll be crowded of course.

Old Town also has one of those kiosks where they sell the special SDCC trolley/bus passes.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: SteveD on June 07, 2016, 01:57:28 PM
I noticed that the Comic-Con Trolly Passes are now listed in the MTS mTicket App.

Here are the details:

Individual days: 7/20, 7/21, 7/22, 7/23, 7/24 -> $5.50 each service day
2-day Pass: 7/23 thru 7/24 -> $10.00
3-day Pass: 7/22 thru 7/24 -> $13.00
4-day Pass: 7/21 thru 7/24 -> $16.00
5-day Pass: 7/20 thru 7/24 -> $20.00

More Information from SDMTS:
Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.


Additional information can be found at http://www.sdmts.com/fares-passes/mobile-ticketing (http://www.sdmts.com/fares-passes/mobile-ticketing)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mdgeist316 on June 07, 2016, 01:59:40 PM
Awesome. Thank you both.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: mark on June 07, 2016, 02:23:43 PM
One thing to be aware of with the commemorative passes versus the mTicket ones is that, unless they change it this year, the paper passes can also be used for the buses while the mTicket is for the trolley only. Also, you can only get the commemorative pass from the kiosk or the Trolley Store, kiosks are cash only. 
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Abby_Normal on June 13, 2016, 02:56:42 PM
My buddy and I both just got our five-day trolley passes (we're staying at Town and Country). One less thing to worry about! Woohoo!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on June 13, 2016, 09:06:33 PM
If you wait until Preview Night, in years past they sell cool collectible special trolley passes that are comic-con themed and they are discounted too.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: finerfeelings on June 15, 2016, 02:04:03 PM
I'm not sure if my questions work in this topic, but here it goes: My sister and I decided to skip using the ACE Parking thing and to get to the convention center using the trolley.

I read from one site that one good option to take the trolley was to park your car at the San Diego airport economy lot and get to the nearest trolley stop (or get a taxi or Uber) to the convention center. I was wondering if anyone here might know of any other options of places to park that's nearby a green line trolley station that would be a somewhat secure place to park our car. Or do any San Diego locals here might know if there are any green line trolley stops where the designated parking lot is in a parking structure?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on June 15, 2016, 04:35:16 PM
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I'm not sure if my questions work in this topic, but here it goes: My sister and I decided to skip using the ACE Parking thing and to get to the convention center using the trolley.

I read from one site that one good option to take the trolley was to park your car at the San Diego airport economy lot and get to the nearest trolley stop (or get a taxi or Uber) to the convention center. I was wondering if anyone here might know of any other options of places to park that's nearby a green line trolley station that would be a somewhat secure place to park our car. Or do any San Diego locals here might know if there are any green line trolley stops where the designated parking lot is in a parking structure?

Thanks!

Here's a list of the MTS stations that have parking spaces available for commuters:
http://www.sdmts.com/rider-info/transit-station-parking

(Click on "Green Line" to find information about parking at stations along that particular trolley line.)


Generally speaking, most of the designated MTS parking spaces for trolley commuters are not covered or in a parking structure. 

If you click on the address locations of the Green Line trolley stations on the page I linked to, some of them have images of the parking area on Google Maps where you can get a better idea of what to expect.

Hope that helps!  ^__^d
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mdgeist316 on June 16, 2016, 03:53:08 PM
One more thing. What's usually been the hours of operation for the trolleys during SDCC?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on June 16, 2016, 07:39:35 PM
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One more thing. What's usually been the hours of operation for the trolleys during SDCC?

If I recall from past years, it's usually somewhere between 5:30 AM-6:00 AM to 12:00 AM-1:00 AM for the Green Line.  MTS usually has extended hours for that particular trolley line, since it directly services the Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego Convention Center.

(Here's a recent article about it: http://www.sdmts.org/inside-mts/mts-express/summer-double-header.  Note the line: "For both All-Star Week and Comic-Con, Trolley service will operate on at least a 15 minute frequency (up to 7.5 minutes on select lines during peak event hours), and will run last train service after midnight, and as late as 1 a.m." 

*NOTE: Not all trolley lines will be running as late as 1:00 AM.


The Blue Line and Orange Line have operating hours roughly around the hours of 5:30-6:30 AM to 10:30-11:00 PM.


Disclaimer: That gives you a general idea of what the operating hours are, but please note that they may or may not change for this year's convention. 

Keep an eye out on the MTS Comic-Con page for more info in the upcoming weeks: http://www.sdmts.com/inside-mts/events/comic-con

Hope that helps! ^__^d
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mdgeist316 on June 17, 2016, 06:21:01 AM
Thanks again. I think we're ready now!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Zero on June 27, 2016, 06:59:01 PM
In case you're interested in sharing an Uber, Lyft, taxi, or a carpool with a fellow forum member, we have a ride sharing thread available to help people figure out times, locations, and destinations:

http://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?topic=6706.0
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AzT on July 09, 2016, 12:11:01 PM
From ->

MTS, Uber team up for All-Star Game, Comic-Con

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/jul/08/allstar-game-transit-uber/

Quote
More trolleys and trains will be available for Tuesday’s All-Star Game, and Uber has struck up a partnership to be part of the deal. The Metropolitan Transit System is teaming up with Uber to give greater access to trolleys and Rapid service buses to both the game and Comic-Con International at the downtown Convention Center July 21-24. The partnership will offer a one-time discount of $5 for uberPOOL riders who use its service to arrive or depart from selected MTS Transit Centers. The idea, of course, is for people to leave their cars at home. UberPOOL riders enter the code MTSUBER and the discount is applied if they are picked up or dropped off at one of the centers:

-Trolley Transit Centers: Iris Avenue, H Street, Eighth Street, Barrio Logan, Euclid, Lemon Grove, Santee, El Cajon, Grossmont Center, 70th Street, SDSU, Mission San Diego, Mission Valley Center, Fashion Valley and Old Town.

-Rapid Transit Stations: Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, Sabre Springs, Miramar College and City Heights Transit Plaza.

For more information on this program and other MTS services, go to sdmts.com.
Title: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: CptMyCpt24 on July 10, 2016, 04:46:42 PM
Any issues with uber to/from the airport?

Sorry if it's been asked already.

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Angology on July 10, 2016, 05:38:36 PM
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Any issues with uber to/from the airport?

Sorry if it's been asked already.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
This topic here discussed uber during Comic-Con previously

http://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?topic=6216.0
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: SteveD on July 10, 2016, 05:39:19 PM
According to this (https://newsroom.uber.com/us-california/san-your-uberx-is-arriving-now/) release that was posted last July it shouldn't be an issue.

Quote
Arriving at or departing from SAN? Your life just got a little easier. We are excited to announce that starting today, Uber is now authorized to offer even more options for rides to and from San Diego International Airport.

Travelers arriving in San Diego and jet-setting from the city will have access to the reliable, affordable and safe ride they’ve come to love and expect from uberX. SAN travelers will have the option to be picked up and dropped off not only with UberBLACK and SUV, but now with uberX, uberXL, ASSIST, ESPAÑOL, and PLUS!

Once you’ve deplaned and collected your bags, open the app, drop the pin within the airport terminal, and request your ride. There will be a $2.76 Airport fee for a pickup at SAN, and it will be reflected on your receipt.
For uberX, uberXL, ASSIST, ESPAÑOL, and PLUS, please refer to the instructions below to ensure a seamless pickup.

FOR TERMINAL 1 PICKUPS:

    Take escalator directly across from baggage claim carousel 3.
    Walk across the Sky Bridge towards Ground Transportation.
    Go down the escalator and head straight. Your driver will be waiting in the parking lot near a blue umbrella stand. There will be a sign that reads ‘APP-ENABLED RIDE SHARE SERVICES’. See below.

(https://2q72xc49mze8bkcog2f01nlh-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/sd/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2015/07/airport_sign.png)

FOR TERMINAL 2 PICKUPS:

    Exit the airport through the doors by baggage claims 4,5,6.
    Use the crosswalk to head across the street.
    Continue to walk under the overpasses and past  the shuttles, towards short term Terminal 2 parking.
    Follow signs towards ‘APP-ENABLED RIDE SHARE SERVICES’. Your driver will be waiting for you in a reserved spot near the blue umbrella between sections G1 and H1.

For UberBLACK and SUV, here’s how to ensure a seamless pickup:

    Once you’ve deplaned and collected your bags, open the app and drop the pin anywhere within the airport terminal.
    Call or text your driver to communicate your door number or zone letter.
    Your driver will arrive curbside at baggage claim.

AIRPORT PRO TIPS:

    All uberX, uberXL, ASSIST, ESPAÑOL, and PLUS rides from the airport are subject to the Airport pick-up fee of $2.76.
    Pickups for all uberX, uberXL, ASSIST, ESPAÑOL, and PLUS rides will be from the designated pickup lots, not curbside.
    UberBLACK and SUV rides will continue to operate as normal, via curbside pickup.
    Always confirm your driver’s name and photo, license plate, and make and model of the vehicle when they arrive to ensure you’ve got the right ride.

Uber driver-partners and riders, welcome to the San Diego International Airport.

Safe travels,

Team Uber San Diego
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on July 10, 2016, 05:43:48 PM
Thanks for posting that, Steve! It's very useful info!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: SteveD on July 10, 2016, 06:10:42 PM
More Uber at SAN information here (https://www.uber.com/airports/san/).

Also, here are some estimated fares...

Quote
Fare estimates and pricing for popular destinations

    SAN <--> La Jolla
        uberX -  $18-24
        uberXL -  $27-36

    SAN <--> San Diego Convention Center
        uberX - $10-12
        uberXL - $14-18

    SAN <--> Carlsbad
        uberX - $43-57
        uberXL - $67-88

    SAN <--> UCSD
        uberX - $20-26
        uberXL - $30-39

    SAN <--> Pacific Beach
        uberX - $13-17
        uberXL - $20-26

    SAN <--> Gaslamp Quarter
        uberX - $9-12
        uberXL - $14-17

    SAN <--> San Ysidro Border Crossing
        uberX - $28-37
        uberXL - $43-56

Per our agreement with San Diego International Airport, a $2.76 pickup surcharge is added to fares for uberPOOL, uberX, uberXL, uberESPAÑOL, uberASSIST, and UberSELECT.

Note that there is no dropoff surcharge for rides taken to SAN airport.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: CptMyCpt24 on July 10, 2016, 06:57:00 PM
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This topic here discussed uber during Comic-Con previously

http://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?topic=6216.0

Thanks


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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: pieistasty on July 10, 2016, 11:53:25 PM
Those special prices are higher than the normal everyday prices. You will need a compass card to get the everyday prices, but it's cheap at $2 and available pretty much everywhere.

1-day    $5    $12 RegionPlus    $12 RegionPlus
2-day**    $9    -    -
3-day**    $12    -    -
4-day**    $15    -    -

https://www.sdmts.com/fares-passes

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I noticed that the Comic-Con Trolly Passes are now listed in the MTS mTicket App.

Here are the details:

Individual days: 7/20, 7/21, 7/22, 7/23, 7/24 -> $5.50 each service day
2-day Pass: 7/23 thru 7/24 -> $10.00
3-day Pass: 7/22 thru 7/24 -> $13.00
4-day Pass: 7/21 thru 7/24 -> $16.00
5-day Pass: 7/20 thru 7/24 -> $20.00
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: pieistasty on July 10, 2016, 11:55:24 PM
The normal everyday day passes are good on trolleys and buses and a bit cheaper.

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One thing to be aware of with the commemorative passes versus the mTicket ones is that, unless they change it this year, the paper passes can also be used for the buses while the mTicket is for the trolley only. Also, you can only get the commemorative pass from the kiosk or the Trolley Store, kiosks are cash only.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: CptMyCpt24 on July 30, 2016, 07:27:35 PM
Used Uber and it worked out great. First driver taught me Pokemon Go on the way to our hotel.


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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AzT on April 04, 2017, 06:57:49 PM
(bold = mine)

Train, trolley and bus tickets go mobile in San Diego County

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sd-me-mobile-ticketing-20170329-story.html

Quote
Have you ever raced for the trolley only to wrestle with the ticket machine while your ride rolls away? Breathe deep. There’s some relief on the way. Starting on Thursday, transit users around San Diego County will be able to use their cellphones to pay for and board public transit, including trolleys, buses and commuter rail. “This is a big step forward,” said Rob Schupp, spokesman for the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. “Now people can buy and store fares on their phone and use them when they need to. They won’t have to worry about using a ticket vending machine or carry the right change.”

The mobile app is dubbed Compass Cloud and will be available for both Androids and iPhones. When searching for the mobile application, look for the logo used on the current MTS Compass Card. With the new system, you can buy multiple one-day or 30-day electronic passes for $5 and $72, respectively. These options will work for nearly all transit services offered by MTS and the North County Transit District. Meanwhile, regional one-day and monthly passes that also include the Rapid Express bus service - which carries people between downtown San Diego and Escondido, as well as downtown and Rancho Bernardo - will cost $12 and $100, respectively.

Mobile tickets for the Coaster train, which runs between Oceanside and downtown, are separate and vary in price based on location. The region’s only transportation service that offers both per-day and one-way ticketing via the new mobile app is the commuter rail. Transit advocates have long pushed regional transportation officials to provide one-way tickets that can be stored on the existing MTS Compass Card, believing that option would increase overall ridership. The mobile ticketing system was welcomed Wednesday but also drew the same criticism.

“Let’s be clear the mobile payment system is an improvement,” said Colin Parent, Policy Counsel at Circulate San Diego. “It just stands in stark contrast to the changes that they have promised and failed to make.” Officials with MTS said they’re still evaluating a system that would allow riders to store one-way fares on the compass card and through the new mobile app. MTS is the only major transit agency in the country with a payment card that doesn’t allow riders to store multiple one-ways tickets, according to Circulate San Diego.

No updates here yet:

http://comic-con.org/cci/transportation

Transportation

More information about Comic-Con International 2017 is coming soon...check back for details!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: SteveD on April 05, 2017, 03:59:08 AM
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(bold = mine)

Train, trolley and bus tickets go mobile in San Diego County

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/environment/sd-me-mobile-ticketing-20170329-story.html

No updates here yet:

http://comic-con.org/cci/transportation

Transportation

More information about Comic-Con International 2017 is coming soon...check back for details!
It's about time they got this up and running.  They've been allowing mobile tickets for special events like Comic-Con for the past few years, but it will be nice to have mobile ticketing at other times during the year, also.  I assume that they will post special fare offerings for Comic-Con again this year as we get closer to the event.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on April 05, 2017, 10:14:25 AM
They make great special commemorative paper MTS passes during SDCC. You'd miss out on those using the mobile app! Usually they offer a 5-day pass for $20, which is a savings of $5 since normal day passes are $5.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: mark on April 06, 2017, 03:06:34 PM
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They make great special commemorative paper MTS passes during SDCC. You'd miss out on those using the mobile app! Usually they offer a 5-day pass for $20, which is a savings of $5 since normal day passes are $5.

I love those. I just wish you could buy them online or more places instead of having to find one of the kiosks when they happen to be open and hope I remembered to bring cash. We've always had to buy a regular daily pass or 2 until we could manage to get the commemorative ones.

Glad to see the mobile passes now include the buses.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on April 06, 2017, 03:57:24 PM
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I love those. I just wish you could buy them online or more places instead of having to find one of the kiosks when they happen to be open and hope I remembered to bring cash. We've always had to buy a regular daily pass or 2 until we could manage to get the commemorative ones.

Glad to see the mobile passes now include the buses.
Across the Pedestrian Bridge by the Bayfront at the 12 & Imperial station there is a new MTS building now where you can get the passes and use a credit card. I went there an got mine last year on Tuesday then walked across the bridge for the Tuesday afternoon Bayfront meetup.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: mark on April 07, 2017, 07:40:54 AM
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Across the Pedestrian Bridge by the Bayfront at the 12 & Imperial station there is a new MTS building now where you can get the passes and use a credit card. I went there an got mine last year on Tuesday then walked across the bridge for the Tuesday afternoon Bayfront meetup.

Thanks! That'll help. It' a silly thing I know, but I get so irritated having to buy a pass so I can travel to go buy a different, longer pass.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on April 07, 2017, 08:25:45 AM
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Thanks! That'll help. It' a silly thing I know, but I get so irritated having to buy a pass so I can travel to go buy a different, longer pass.

Yeah, it sucks. Since I was already trolleying down for the meetup it was easy last year, just got off at 12th & Imperial, bought the pass (which started the next day) and had my fun. Normally, I would have to buy a day pass on Wednesday, to get to a location that sold the paper pass and yes, have some cash. It did blow, but it's solved for me now with the fancy new MTS building and Tuesday meetups!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: willtowne16 on April 21, 2017, 02:44:03 AM
I don't know if this has been answered so I might as well ask. Where is the best place to park a car for a couple days without having any problems with someone breaking into it? I'm planning on camping in the Hall H line starting Thursday night for the Saturday panels and I'm not going to get a room for Thursday thru Saturday so I won't have to waste money on a room I won't be in those days. I was thinking the Walmart near Qualcomm but I don't know how safe it is there. I'll be traveling back and forth to it to change clothes but I'm just nervous about it.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on April 21, 2017, 08:11:04 AM
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I don't know if this has been answered so I might as well ask. Where is the best place to park a car for a couple days without having any problems with someone breaking into it? I'm planning on camping in the Hall H line starting Thursday night for the Saturday panels and I'm not going to get a room for Thursday thru Saturday so I won't have to waste money on a room I won't be in those days. I was thinking the Walmart near Qualcomm but I don't know how safe it is there. I'll be traveling back and forth to it to change clothes but I'm just nervous about it.

It's not free, but I would suggest parking at an airport lot and then taking public transportation/Ubering to the convention center site.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: sirbob5 on May 01, 2017, 07:43:52 PM
Has anyone ever decided if the trolley or comic con bus is faster to our from the Mission Valley area? I usually stay at the Marriott Mission Valley. Trolley seems about the same as the bus going to the convention, but the trolley feels longer at night going back. However, it takes so much longer to get a bus back in my experience you almost could do either I suppose.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: mark on May 01, 2017, 09:18:36 PM
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Has anyone ever decided if the trolley or comic con bus is faster to our from the Mission Valley area? I usually stay at the Marriott Mission Valley. Trolley seems about the same as the bus going to the convention, but the trolley feels longer at night going back. However, it takes so much longer to get a bus back in my experience you almost could do either I suppose.

I think your experience pretty much matches mine, I guess it partly depends on when you leave. Sometimes the lines for the buses are really long. But I find the bus ride a lot more comfortable in the evening. Going in I tend to like the trolley since it's easier to talk with people.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: rushfanyyz on May 02, 2017, 08:33:48 AM
I have spent the past two years trying to figure that out as well. At least from Town and Country the going to the convention on the bus is faster than the trolley. T&C is the last stop so it goes directly to convention and you don't have to walk to trolley, wait for trolley, and usually in the mornings the buses come fast enough to mitigate the walk to trolley station at the very least.  Going back, I've only done trolley once and it didn't seem super long and might technically have been faster because the bus stops at other hotels first BUT the bus is way more comfortable plus I'm not "racing" to get anywhere on the way back anyways.  My plan is I'll do the trolley before the buses start running for the week and then just take the shuttle bus the rest of the days. Saving a small amount of money and at least in my experience the time savings range from none to little enough to not matter too much.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: tacofan on May 04, 2017, 04:09:47 PM
Has anyone taken the public bus to and from the airport to downtown? 
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: vegasndn on May 04, 2017, 05:42:36 PM
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Has anyone taken the public bus to and from the airport to downtown?
Family and I did this 2yrs ago and it is super easy, I think it was $2 per person that yr and we got off on Broadway, if your hotel is right near convention center it will be a walk from Broadway and with luggage in tow it'll be easier to take Uber or Lyft from airport.


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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Cory on May 06, 2017, 11:21:02 AM
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Has anyone taken the public bus to and from the airport to downtown?
Yes, I do it every year.  There are plenty of buses running to downtown... When you arrive at the airport, just head outside and ask someone who works there to point you toward where the buses stop.

Google maps will tell you which bus to get on, based on where you need to go.  Bring some cash and coins to pay.

Note that if you're traveling with 2 or 3 other people, it might be easier and cheaper to just take an Uber or taxi.

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: lliving on May 18, 2017, 09:19:34 AM
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I don't know if this has been answered so I might as well ask. Where is the best place to park a car for a couple days without having any problems with someone breaking into it? I'm planning on camping in the Hall H line starting Thursday night for the Saturday panels and I'm not going to get a room for Thursday thru Saturday so I won't have to waste money on a room I won't be in those days. I was thinking the Walmart near Qualcomm but I don't know how safe it is there. I'll be traveling back and forth to it to change clothes but I'm just nervous about it.
You could park for free at Courtyard Marriott Airport/Liberty Station and catch the free SDCC shuttle back and forth.  Not a sketchy area at all.  Parking lot shared with a strip mall with a couple of restaurants and opposite a park.  The shuttle ride can be a little long though


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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AzT on May 26, 2017, 07:30:08 PM
Waterfront Shuttle:

https://www.portofsandiego.org/recreation/park-ride-explore.html

https://youtu.be/yiN0wb3RKxU
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Voxygrl on May 30, 2017, 03:11:27 PM
We live in CA, and got an airbnb place for the week out near Qualcomm Stadium for SDCC. Here I thought I was being all smart, avoiding Hotelpocalypse and high costs of rooms, but am now realizing that it poses a problem when you're driving in from out of town. It will be my husband, my 4 year old, and my 18 month old, attending all days of the con. I was sort of counting on being able to get a spot in the Ace Parking lottery, but didn't. Nooo! I need to get us as close to the convention center as possible, to lessen the walking time, since the kiddos get tired quickly.

What would you all suggest? I know there is a trolley, and free shuttles from many areas. My concern is that we'll have a stroller (are those allowed on shuttles/trolleys?). If we're unable to get a parking spot in the public parking sale once that's open, what might be the best shuttle/trolley stops to consider that have free or lower cost parking nearby (we won't have a hotel parking permit, since we're not staying at any of them), and avoid a massive rush? I mean, I know there will be crowds, but is there a stop we should start at at the beginning of the shuttle run that will not already be full, to be able to get a stroller on and keep the kids from getting trampled? Uber and Lyft is also unfortunately out, since they would need a car seat legally.

...and yes, I know it's not ideal to bring little ones along. I'm coming on a Creative Professional badge, and they're very used to going to cons with me. They love getting dressed up and seeing everything. But I do want to minimize extra stress and crowds for them if at all possible! This will be our first time at Comic Con, so I'm really nervous about navigating the public transportation side of it with kiddos, not knowing what to expect.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on May 30, 2017, 05:06:20 PM
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We live in CA, and got an airbnb place for the week out near Qualcomm Stadium for SDCC. Here I thought I was being all smart, avoiding Hotelpocalypse and high costs of rooms, but am now realizing that it poses a problem when you're driving in from out of town. It will be my husband, my 4 year old, and my 18 month old, attending all days of the con. I was sort of counting on being able to get a spot in the Ace Parking lottery, but didn't. Nooo! I need to get us as close to the convention center as possible, to lessen the walking time, since the kiddos get tired quickly.

What would you all suggest? I know there is a trolley, and free shuttles from many areas. My concern is that we'll have a stroller (are those allowed on shuttles/trolleys?). If we're unable to get a parking spot in the public parking sale once that's open, what might be the best shuttle/trolley stops to consider that have free or lower cost parking nearby (we won't have a hotel parking permit, since we're not staying at any of them), and avoid a massive rush? I mean, I know there will be crowds, but is there a stop we should start at at the beginning of the shuttle run that will not already be full, to be able to get a stroller on and keep the kids from getting trampled? Uber and Lyft is also unfortunately out, since they would need a car seat legally.

...and yes, I know it's not ideal to bring little ones along. I'm coming on a Creative Professional badge, and they're very used to going to cons with me. They love getting dressed up and seeing everything. But I do want to minimize extra stress and crowds for them if at all possible! This will be our first time at Comic Con, so I'm really nervous about navigating the public transportation side of it with kiddos, not knowing what to expect.
Just park at Qualcomm Stadium and take the trolley from there. Easy breezy. Yes you can take a stroller on the trolley, I'd fold it for the ride though to make room for other riders

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: lliving on May 31, 2017, 04:20:39 AM
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We live in CA, and got an airbnb place for the week out near Qualcomm Stadium for SDCC. Here I thought I was being all smart, avoiding Hotelpocalypse and high costs of rooms, but am now realizing that it poses a problem when you're driving in from out of town. It will be my husband, my 4 year old, and my 18 month old, attending all days of the con. I was sort of counting on being able to get a spot in the Ace Parking lottery, but didn't. Nooo! I need to get us as close to the convention center as possible, to lessen the walking time, since the kiddos get tired quickly.

What would you all suggest? I know there is a trolley, and free shuttles from many areas. My concern is that we'll have a stroller (are those allowed on shuttles/trolleys?). If we're unable to get a parking spot in the public parking sale once that's open, what might be the best shuttle/trolley stops to consider that have free or lower cost parking nearby (we won't have a hotel parking permit, since we're not staying at any of them), and avoid a massive rush? I mean, I know there will be crowds, but is there a stop we should start at at the beginning of the shuttle run that will not already be full, to be able to get a stroller on and keep the kids from getting trampled? Uber and Lyft is also unfortunately out, since they would need a car seat legally.

...and yes, I know it's not ideal to bring little ones along. I'm coming on a Creative Professional badge, and they're very used to going to cons with me. They love getting dressed up and seeing everything. But I do want to minimize extra stress and crowds for them if at all possible! This will be our first time at Comic Con, so I'm really nervous about navigating the public transportation side of it with kiddos, not knowing what to expect.
Strollers are allowed on the free SDCC shuttles(they are buses with storage underneath for suitcases and the like).  Some hotels outside of the gaslamp/downtown area don't actually charge for parking.   Soon the shuttle routes will be released(I don't think routes have changed much in years, could just look at last year's shuttle route). Park at a hotel outside the downtown area that is the first stop on a route, that way you get on and know you have room for your entire family.  Obviously call the hotel to determine the parking situation.  As I've mentioned in the past, Courtyard Marriott Airport/Liberty Station is ideal.  Free parking, usually first stop on its route, in a safe area.


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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Loliiz on June 04, 2017, 01:36:56 PM
I'll stay near a SD trolley station this year (this is my first year) but my question is, does anyone know if the schedule is extended for the trolley during the convention days? My route will be on the red line of the trolley, does that line get schedule modification?

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on June 04, 2017, 06:38:58 PM
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I'll stay near a SD trolley station this year (this is my first year) but my question is, does anyone know if the schedule is extended for the trolley during the convention days? My route will be on the red line of the trolley, does that line get schedule modification?

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They do extend the trolley hours on weekends. I believe until 1am. However, there is not a Red Line. We have Orange, Blue and Green lines. The Convention Center is on the Green Line. Every line goes downtown though.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Loliiz on June 04, 2017, 06:41:38 PM
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They do extend the trolley hours on weekends. I believe until 1am. However, there is not a Red Line. We have Orange, Blue and Green lines. The Convention Center is on the Green Line. Every line goes downtown though.
Sorry, I meant the Orange line

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on June 04, 2017, 06:51:55 PM
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Sorry, I meant the Orange line

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Here were the trolley times last year during SDCC for Orange Line

Preview Night:
Orange Line
FROM EL CAJON TO COMIC-CON/DOWNTOWN
1st train departs 4:48am, then
Every 15 minutes until 10:48pm ,then
Every 30 minutes until 12:48am (last train)

FROM IMPERIAL/COMIC-CON TO EL CAJON
Every 15 minutes until 10:03pm, then
Every 30 minutes until 12:03am (last train)

Thursday & Friday:
Orange Line
FROM EL CAJON TO COMIC-CON/DOWNTOWN
1st train departs 4:48am, then
Every 15 minutes until 8:18pm , then
Every 30 minutes until 12:48am (last train)

FROM IMPERIAL/COMIC-CON TO EL CAJON
Every 15 minutes until 9:33pm, then
Every 30 minutes until 12:03am (last train)

Saturday:
Orange Line
FROM EL CAJON TO COMIC-CON/DOWNTOWN
1st train departs 5:18am, then
Every 30 minutes until 6:18am, then
Every 15 minutes until 7:18pm, then
Every 30 minutes until 12:48am (Sunday morning - last train)

FROM IMPERIAL/COMIC-CON TO EL CAJON
Every 15 minutes until 8:33pm, then
Every 30 minutes until 1:03am (last train)

Sunday:
Orange Line
FROM EL CAJON TO COMIC-CON/DOWNTOWN
1st train departs 5:18am, then
Every 30 minutes until 6:18am, then
Every 15 minutes until 7:18pm, then
Every 30 minutes until 11:18pm (last train)

FROM IMPERIAL/COMIC-CON TO EL CAJON
Every 15 minutes until 6:33pm, then
Every 30 minutes until 10:33pm (last train) 
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Angology on June 27, 2017, 02:17:55 PM
Comic-Con has updated their transportation pages for 2017

https://www.comic-con.org/cci/transportation

Here is the trolley info:

Quote
MTS Trolley Service

San Diego is home to a great trolley service and best of all, it stops right at the Convention Center, in two different spots: Across from Hall A (Convention Center Station at Harbor Drive and First Ave.), and near Hall D (Gaslamp Station at Harbor Drive and Fifth Ave.).

MTS has a special website page dedicated to Comic-Con 2017; click here to visit it.  You can also use their online Trip Planner tool to plan your trip to Comic-Con at the San Diego Convention Center.

Getting to Comic-Con is just a quick Trolley ride from Mission Valley, Old Town, Qualcomm Stadium, and park-and-ride facilities all over the map.

Link to MTS Comic-Con 2017 page mentioned above: https://www.sdmts.com/inside-mts/events/comic-con
Link to MTS online trip planner: http://www.sdmts.com/Planning/googleTP.asp

Here is a look at this year's commemorative passes:
(https://www.sdmts.com/sites/default/files/comicconpasses2017.jpg.jpeg)

Line map:

(https://www.sdmts.com/sites/default/files/comicconmap_2017-01-01.png)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on June 27, 2017, 02:40:13 PM
Yay!!! I love getting my special 5-Day pass!

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: lilredrubi74 on June 28, 2017, 07:01:12 AM
We are in San Diego for 8 days & my daughter wants to visit UC San Diego. Is there a way to get there by train or public transit that doesn't involve a bunch of transfers? I can't seem to find it on the trolley maps.
Also is there a beach along the coaster that you could recommend?


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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Jumping Jehosaphat on June 28, 2017, 11:56:48 AM
Does anyone know the best way to get from LAX to San Diego? My ride just split on me.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: oneroomdisco on June 28, 2017, 12:17:09 PM
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Does anyone know the best way to get from LAX to San Diego? My ride just split on me.
Probably your easiest option would be to take the Flyaway bus from LAX to Union Station (which should be $9.75) and then take the Amtrak down to San Diego. The final Amtrak stop is on the edge of the Gaslamp and you can easily get on the trolley or grab a taxi from the station.

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Loliiz on June 28, 2017, 12:28:56 PM
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We are in San Diego for 8 days & my daughter wants to visit UC San Diego. Is there a way to get there by train or public transit that doesn't involve a bunch of transfers? I can't seem to find it on the trolley maps.
Also is there a beach along the coaster that you could recommend?


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When I was studying in Tijuana, my friends and I went to UCSD several times and we get there using the trip planner in the MTS website. From the gaslamp/downtown There are like 2 or 3 transfers depending on the day of the week.

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Cut That Meat on June 28, 2017, 11:43:09 PM
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We are in San Diego for 8 days & my daughter wants to visit UC San Diego. Is there a way to get there by train or public transit that doesn't involve a bunch of transfers? I can't seem to find it on the trolley maps.
Also is there a beach along the coaster that you could recommend?


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If you were planning to go via the Coaster, the university runs a shuttle to and from the Sorrento Valley station. You can find more info here (https://transportation.ucsd.edu/shuttles/coaster.html) to get started. Otherwise, the trolley lines don't make it that far north, so if you want to get to the campus by public transit that's not the train, the final mode of transportation is going to have to be a bus (more here (https://transportation.ucsd.edu/alternatives/transit/)).

As for your other question, Fletcher Cove Beach Park is a short walk from the Solana Beach Amtrak station. There isn't exactly a boardwalk for you to explore like with Pacific/Ocean/Mission Beach, but in terms of easy proximity to sand and water from a station, that might be your best bet. If you want a more immersive beachfront experience, you'll have to find your way to a bus or Uber/Lyft in order to check out one of the aforementioned beaches.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: DJMighty on June 29, 2017, 02:34:42 PM
If anybody needs a ride from or back to LA, Anaheim, OC, etc. you can get one for like $39. Check out tesloop.com. Use the discount code "Myles30" and it'll be even cheaper. Also, the ride is in a Tesla with free wifi, snacks, drinks, etc! No need for expensive Ubers or Amtrak rides. Pass on the word. Nobody should not be able to make it because of transportation issues. :)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Jumping Jehosaphat on June 30, 2017, 12:25:57 AM
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Probably your easiest option would be to take the Flyaway bus from LAX to Union Station (which should be $9.75) and then take the Amtrak down to San Diego. The final Amtrak stop is on the edge of the Gaslamp and you can easily get on the trolley or grab a taxi from the station.

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I am taking the Amtrak back up. I really want to see the beautiful coastline view. But going down, would add 5 hours to my trip D:. I decided to use Tesloop since it picks up right across the street from LAX at the Carl's Jr. No real LA traffic to worry about :)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Jumping Jehosaphat on June 30, 2017, 12:39:04 AM
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If anybody needs a ride from or back to LA, Anaheim, OC, etc. you can get one for like $39. Check out tesloop.com. Use the discount code "Myles30" and it'll be even cheaper. Also, the ride is in a Tesla with free wifi, snacks, drinks, etc! No need for expensive Ubers or Amtrak rides. Pass on the word. Nobody should not be able to make it because of transportation issues. :)

I decided this was the least stressful option. I'll have to take an Uber to my hotel, but the less stress the better :).  There is one more seat on my loop at about 12:30pm. If anyone here wants to take it, but needs luggage space, I bought an extra seat just for my suitcase and we can got halvies on it.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: hikanteki on June 30, 2017, 04:54:06 PM
We're staying downtown, but I may have to get one of these passes anyway...
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: MrOttawa on July 01, 2017, 11:32:38 AM
As a first-time international attendee, I was looking at the shuttle page info and it states you have to show your badge before you get on-"Pick which shuttle route is best for you, and show your Comic-Con badge when you get on ... it's that simple!". Since I have to pick up my badge at Sails Pavillion, I guess I'll have to use the trolley to get down from Mission Valley.
Is this new this year? I thought I saw a post on here saying you could get on the shuttle without a badge?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on July 01, 2017, 11:47:32 AM
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As a first-time international attendee, I was looking at the shuttle page info and it states you have to show your badge before you get on-"Pick which shuttle route is best for you, and show your Comic-Con badge when you get on ... it's that simple!". Since I have to pick up my badge at Sails Pavillion, I guess I'll have to use the trolley to get down from Mission Valley.
Is this new this year? I thought I saw a post on here saying you could get on the shuttle without a badge?

Just tell them you are international and have to go pick up your badge. Maybe print out your email confirmation/barcoode to show them. I think you will have it with you anyway.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: susanml10881 on July 01, 2017, 10:38:35 PM
I work right by there. There's no train or trolley. They're still building the trolley stop. You can take the public transit buses. There will be transfers depending on where you're coming from. If it's from downtown, probably a few? I don't think there's a direct bus. They usually stop in old town or nearby first. But the buses run frequently.

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We are in San Diego for 8 days & my daughter wants to visit UC San Diego. Is there a way to get there by train or public transit that doesn't involve a bunch of transfers? I can't seem to find it on the trolley maps.
Also is there a beach along the coaster that you could recommend?


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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: hikanteki on July 03, 2017, 12:28:36 PM
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Comic-Con has updated their transportation pages for 2017

https://www.comic-con.org/cci/transportation

Here is the trolley info:

Link to MTS Comic-Con 2017 page mentioned above: https://www.sdmts.com/inside-mts/events/comic-con
Link to MTS online trip planner: http://www.sdmts.com/Planning/googleTP.asp

Here is a look at this year's commemorative passes:
(https://www.sdmts.com/sites/default/files/comicconpasses2017.jpg.jpeg)

Line map:

(https://www.sdmts.com/sites/default/files/comicconmap_2017-01-01.png)

Does anyone know if these passes also work for buses, or if they only work on the trolley?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on July 03, 2017, 11:39:06 PM
They work for everything MTS, so yes, buses too

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Title: Best way to get from La Jolla to convention center
Post by: Mike223 on July 04, 2017, 05:41:08 PM
I will be staying at the Sheraton in La Jolla and will be dropped off. What is the best way to get to the convention center during the Con. Should I drive to a trolley stop and then to the convention center or just get dropped off in downtown? Thanks!
Title: Re: Best way to get from La Jolla to convention center
Post by: Jonathan on July 04, 2017, 05:57:51 PM
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I will be staying at the Sheraton in La Jolla and will be dropped off. What is the best way to get to the convention center during the Con. Should I drive to a trolley stop and then to the convention center or just get dropped off in downtown? Thanks!

Two years ago, I had an emergency and had to drive home Preview Night, and drive back Thursday morning. I spent an hour alone, in downtown SD. I'd say beware of driving in downtown anywhere near the convention center. I was staying at the Omni that year, and like I said, it took me over an hour to get to the Omni. The trolley is a much smarter idea.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: SamTurtledove on July 06, 2017, 02:09:40 PM
MTS SDCC 2017: Join the League  video

https://youtu.be/2kxgA0JJZbk
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: cabler30 on July 15, 2017, 01:51:25 PM
Since i dont ride bus alot i just get a day pass ea day, way of giving back for them allowing to use it on bus and trolley but gotta pay lil more to use on coaster i think.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Loliiz on July 15, 2017, 08:02:21 PM
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Since i dont ride bus alot i just get a day pass ea day, way of giving back for them allowing to use it on bus and trolley but gotta pay lil more to use on coaster i think.
You can buy multiple day passes and save a little money

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: cabler30 on July 16, 2017, 10:50:45 AM
Do u get them at a transit station or gotta buy from a machine ? i can try get from a station but not sure how ea day gonna go so i try by asking and thinking as much as possible.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Loliiz on July 17, 2017, 12:23:13 AM
Is it weird if someone (me) takes the shuttle with the whole luggage from one hotel to another? Or should take the trolley instead?
 I'm taking a ride to SD, some friends are staying in mission valley and I'll stay in downtown. The traffic to downtown is insane in those days so I won't let them even try to drop me off in downtown

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: cabler30 on July 17, 2017, 12:16:28 PM
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Is it weird if someone (me) takes the shuttle with the whole luggage from one hotel to another? Or should take the trolley instead?
 I'm taking a ride to SD, some friends are staying in mission valley and I'll stay in downtown. The traffic to downtown is insane in those days so I won't let them even try to drop me off in downtown

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If the shuttle is like a charter or greyhound type bus and can put under bus then u can ask they do cause not be much room in bus. trolley may be easier cause u can put luggage besides in other seat or have to hold on to on lap or floor.
Title: Re: Best way to get from La Jolla to convention center
Post by: rk23 on July 17, 2017, 05:11:46 PM
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I will be staying at the Sheraton in La Jolla and will be dropped off. What is the best way to get to the convention center during the Con. Should I drive to a trolley stop and then to the convention center or just get dropped off in downtown? Thanks!

I live close to there, and we usually park at Hazard Center or Qualcomm Stadium and take the trolley in.  You could not pay us enough to drive downtown, even for a dropoff.  Available seats dwindle quickly; if you're being dropped off, you might not have to go all the way out to Qualcomm (we go there mainly because the parking's easy), but do try to get on before Fashion Valley, because you'll certainly be standing by then and it's a pain to be sardined in.  We don't always get seats when we get on at Hazard Center, but we've never been crowded off the trolley entirely.   

If you do take the trolley, when you're going back in the evening, use the Gaslamp station -- the trolley WILL fill up there, and sometimes they can't squeeze anyone else on at the Convention Center station. 
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: cabler30 on July 17, 2017, 05:52:29 PM
From what i read, it best to take a trolley early to the depot for a bus home or be ready to walk to depot cause of traffic and all. im trying to hang around con for job and check out what i can while i am downtown so day not wasted any. but bus home i gotta leave around 5 or 6 at nite so time to rest on ride home and recharge for teh next day lol.
Title: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: TravT77 on July 17, 2017, 06:13:26 PM
Has anyone tried the UberX or UberXL? Trying to decide if I need to look into using that when traveling from airport to Gaslamp. Will have 2 large luggage, 2 carry-on. 2 people. Any suggestions?


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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: JC on July 17, 2017, 11:21:36 PM
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Has anyone tried the UberX or UberXL? Trying to decide if I need to look into using that when traveling from airport to Gaslamp. Will have 2 large luggage, 2 carry-on. 2 people. Any suggestions?


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Uber/Lyft will be pretty slammed during the con, but not too hard to find. Those are still generally the best option to get around. Depending on when you get in, expect to hit a wall when you get a few blocks from gaslamp. Fortunately Uber doesn't charge on time; a taxi bill could really ring up there.

The setup might be a bit tight on the UberX with that amount of luggage. The XL will definitely be enough if you do get it. Depending on how large the large luggages are you might be able to squeeze it on an X.
Title: best trolley stop coming from La Jolla
Post by: Mike223 on July 18, 2017, 07:40:16 AM
Staying in La jolla and plan to be dropped off at a trolley stop. What is the wisest stop to start my trip to the convention center and avoid traffic? Thanks.
Title: Re: best trolley stop coming from La Jolla
Post by: chocolateshake on July 18, 2017, 09:24:58 AM
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Staying in La jolla and plan to be dropped off at a trolley stop. What is the wisest stop to start my trip to the convention center and avoid traffic? Thanks.

I would say Morena or Gaslamp. You can also take a bus from La Jolla to Gaslamp.

Blue line is being extended up to UCSD. Hopefully by the time that's done, SDCC will still be in San Diego.
Title: Re: Best way to get from La Jolla to convention center
Post by: chocolateshake on July 18, 2017, 09:28:16 AM
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If you do take the trolley, when you're going back in the evening, use the Gaslamp station -- the trolley WILL fill up there, and sometimes they can't squeeze anyone else on at the Convention Center station.

Since you are taking green line, I would take a five minute stroll to the next stop before Gaslamp where the Green Line starts. Most people don't. It's completely empty when you get on there and you have your choice of seats. Then you can watch comfortably while people scramble for seats at Gaslamp.
Title: Re: Best way to get from La Jolla to convention center
Post by: rk23 on July 18, 2017, 09:54:18 AM
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Since you are taking green line, I would take a five minute stroll to the next stop before Gaslamp where the Green Line starts. Most people don't. It's completely empty when you get on there and you have your choice of seats. Then you can watch comfortably while people scramble for seats at Gaslamp.

I've always been a little nervous about walking to 12th/Imperial at night, but I guess there are enough con-goers around that it's not creepy?
Title: Re: Best way to get from La Jolla to convention center
Post by: chocolateshake on July 18, 2017, 09:57:55 AM
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I've always been a little nervous about walking to 12th/Imperial at night, but I guess there are enough con-goers around that it's not creepy?

Creepy yes. Dangerous no. At least there's a sign there now saying "green line". Before it felt like you were walking into the train yard. It also depends how late you go, it's right next to the parking lot where they have all that outdoor truck food miscellaneous stuff. It's where Adult Swim used to be. As long as that area is open, there are plenty of people about.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on July 18, 2017, 05:06:11 PM
By the way, the "special" Comic-Con passes cost more than the every day regular passes. A dollar more for each pass. To get the regular prices, you do need a compass card which costs $2. If you have one from last year or you are a local resident with one, it doesn't make sense to get the Comic-Con passes unless you get the commemorative physical one. Using the phone app, there's just no point unless you need all 5 days. A regular 4 days pass + 1 extra day is the same cost as the 5 day comic-con pass.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on July 18, 2017, 10:24:29 PM
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By the way, the "special" Comic-Con passes cost more than the every day regular passes. A dollar more for each pass. To get the regular prices, you do need a compass card which costs $2. If you have one from last year or you are a local resident with one, it doesn't make sense to get the Comic-Con passes unless you get the commemorative physical one. Using the phone app, there's just no point unless you need all 5 days. A regular 4 days pass + 1 extra day is the same cost as the 5 day comic-con pass.
You are absolutely wrong. The passes are discounted. A 5-Day pass is $20. That is a $5 savings. 4-Day pass is $16, which is a $4 savings. 3-day pass is $13 so a $2 savings. 2-day is $10, which is the same price as 2 $5 day passes, but there is no surcharge for a Compass card on these passes either.

You really should make sure your information is correct before posting it as a fact. It's not helpful passing around bad info.

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on July 18, 2017, 11:02:05 PM
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You are absolutely wrong. The passes are discounted. A 5-Day pass is $20. That is a $5 savings. 4-Day pass is $16, which is a $4 savings. 3-day pass is $13 so a $2 savings. 2-day is $10, which is the same price as 2 $5 day passes, but there is no surcharge for a Compass card on these passes either.

You really should make sure your information is correct before posting it as a fact. It's not helpful passing around bad info.

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You are absolutely wrong. The passes aren't discounted. They cost more. The regular 4 day pass is $15. The regular 3 day pass is $12. The regular 2 day pass is $9. As I said in the post you quoted, the "special" comic-con passes are a dollar more. I already discussed the cost of the compass card. That's why I said if you already have a compass card from last year or are local with one, there is no reason pay more for the "special" comic-con passes.

You really should make sure your information is correct before posting it as a fact. It's not helpful passing around bad info.

https://www.sdmts.com/fares-passes
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on July 19, 2017, 05:19:45 AM
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You are absolutely wrong. The passes aren't discounted. They cost more. The regular 4 day pass is $15. The regular 3 day pass is $12. The regular 2 day pass is $9. As I said in the post you quoted, the "special" comic-con passes are a dollar more. I already discussed the cost of the compass card. That's why I said if you already have a compass card from last year or are local with one, there is no reason pay more for the "special" comic-con passes.

You really should make sure your information is correct before posting it as a fact. It's not helpful passing around bad info.

https://www.sdmts.com/fares-passes

It is cheaper than buying day passes, which is what most people would do. Day passes are $5 per day. People like the commemorative pass as a souvenir and most people would need to purchase the compass card which costs $2, and puts the passes as more than the cool commemorative pass. Rarely is anyone here a local or person who already has a compass card. Which is why they are asking locals for help.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on July 19, 2017, 05:22:30 AM
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It is cheaper than buying day passes, which is what most people would do. Day passes are $5 per day. People like the commemorative pass as a souvenir and most people would need to purchase the compass card which costs $2, and puts the passes at $1 more than the cool commemorative pass. Rarely is anyone here a local or person who already has a compass card, which is why they are asking locals for help.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on July 19, 2017, 09:01:01 AM
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It is cheaper than buying day passes, which is what most people would do. Day passes are $5 per day. People like the commemorative pass as a souvenir and most people would need to purchase the compass card which costs $2, and puts the passes as more than the cool commemorative pass. Rarely is anyone here a local or person who already has a compass card. Which is why they are asking locals for help.

Day passes can be good for more days than just one day. Day passes good for multiple days are cheaper than 1 day passes period. Whether they be the cheaper regular multiple day passes or the more expensive "special" comic con passes. A comparable regular multiple day pass is cheaper than the "special" comic-con one.

As for the cost of the compass card or the "cool commemorative pass". I discussed all these things in my original post that you so emphatically said was wrong. It was right. Next time you might want to take your own advice.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: FBS on August 18, 2017, 11:22:14 PM
Has anyone taken the Amtrak out of SD late afternoon on the Monday after SDCC?
Just wondering how busy it is at 3/4pm.

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: cabler30 on August 19, 2017, 01:07:55 PM
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Has anyone taken the Amtrak out of SD late afternoon on the Monday after SDCC?
Just wondering how busy it is at 3/4pm.

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I know i saw line at the depot like saturday or sunday after the con cause i had to head home around 3 or 4 but cause all the craziness didnt live san diego on bus till like 5 or 6pm. i dont check time much but just guessing many tried to leave later after noon sunday then monday i guessing to avoid mon traffic for those who had to head back home before monday cause job and all.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: pyxidis on March 29, 2018, 11:34:30 AM
Does anyone know if parking at Qualcomm Stadium will still be free this year? Also, is it okay/safe to park there for 24 hours or for the length of con?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: rk23 on March 29, 2018, 11:54:38 AM
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Does anyone know if parking at Qualcomm Stadium will still be free this year? Also, is it okay/safe to park there for 24 hours or for the length of con?

They haven't announced anything, but I'd be very surprised if they didn't have Qualcomm parking again.  It's a reasonably safe lot, but it's not like there are attendants or anything. 

I could have sworn I saw a sign at Qualcomm saying the lot was closed during some wee hours of the night, but I can't find more information and it may not have applied during the con anyway.  The MTS site in general says cars may be ticketed/towed if they remain at a transit lot for over 24 hours. 
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: cabler30 on March 29, 2018, 12:02:01 PM
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They haven't announced anything, but I'd be very surprised if they didn't have Qualcomm parking again.  It's a reasonably safe lot, but it's not like there are attendants or anything. 

I could have sworn I saw a sign at Qualcomm saying the lot was closed during some wee hours of the night, but I can't find more information and it may not have applied during the con anyway.  The MTS site in general says cars may be ticketed/towed if they remain at a transit lot for over 24 hours.

Yea, i can see if u just wanted to park for the day but not over nite it be ok, but do check back for any updates. since not sure they have any secuirty for incase anyone does see traffic and no lot patrols any that anyone might try do something and those who own the lots and stadium which im guessing the city, that they not wann ab be responsibile for any damage to cars any. so check back later for updates and again i dont see why not for just the day before over nite incase u try party kinda all nite then they may have patrols check out at certain time ea day.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on March 30, 2018, 10:13:38 PM
You can't park overnight there. Parking will be free though during the hours that the trolley runs

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: cabler30 on March 31, 2018, 01:50:46 PM
Yea, i can see how they limit so that whatever happens at the lot they have some kinda patrol make sure no baddies ruin they fun of able to use the space for the day and hope no leaves any trash or bs behind before they leave the lot to go back home or place they stay any. not sure how many use to go to con but guessing alot and if any left trash for any reason i can see it may affect if able to use next year if at all.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Sublime on April 03, 2018, 06:20:38 PM
I have a question regarding the hotel shuttle buses. This is the first time that we were not able to get 4-day badges, but only Thursday and Sunday. We are planning on checking out the offsite stuff on Friday and Saturday.

My question is, if we don't have a badge for Friday and Saturday, can we still use the hotel shuttle to get around on those days? Do the shuttles check the day on your badge?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: OMBGREGREY on April 03, 2018, 07:36:52 PM
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I have a question regarding the hotel shuttle buses. This is the first time that we were not able to get 4-day badges, but only Thursday and Sunday. We are planning on checking out the offsite stuff on Friday and Saturday.

My question is, if we don't have a badge for Friday and Saturday, can we still use the hotel shuttle to get around on those days? Do the shuttles check the day on your badge?
I haven't seen anyone check people's badges before boarding the bus so I think you shouldn't have any issues . I also only got Thursday and Sunday badges this year.. (bummer)

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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: tsnyder on April 04, 2018, 12:20:29 AM
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I haven't seen anyone check people's badges before boarding the bus so I think you shouldn't have any issues . I also only got Thursday and Sunday badges this year.. (bummer)

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Concur.  I've taken the shuttle several times each of the last 4 years and have never had anyone ask for a badge. 
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: cabler30 on April 04, 2018, 11:06:58 AM
I remember one year i had gone to con long time ago and just by chance got on a charter bus or shuttle and no badge check and just rode it to a stop close to the trolley depot to catch a coaster home cause not wanna take bus at time i guess just for fun of it lol. at time by chance met up with somebody i think i knew so was cool at time. so just be sure u know stop u want to get off at so not miss it any lol.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: cciveg on April 10, 2018, 05:28:51 PM
As an aside, during comic con there were a lot of craiglist ads of people offering rides to and from the convention center. I have no clue to reliability but might be of use to those staying off the beaten path like Ocean Beach.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: cabler30 on April 11, 2018, 02:28:08 PM
If anything i take city bus to trolley depot and trolley to center. do alot walking, and take breaks at random times.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: vegasndn on April 13, 2018, 04:29:29 PM
Good afternoon everyone, I’m thinking of taking family on Pacific Surfliner up to Anaheim on Monday after convention. What’s it like on Monday mid morning? Is it busy? Should I get reserved seating? And is reserved seating worth it? Some questions but any additional information would be appreciated. Thank you


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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: cabler30 on April 15, 2018, 11:04:22 AM
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Good afternoon everyone, I’m thinking of taking family on Pacific Surfliner up to Anaheim on Monday after convention. What’s it like on Monday mid morning? Is it busy? Should I get reserved seating? And is reserved seating worth it? Some questions but any additional information would be appreciated. Thank you


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Im guessing taking the pac surfliner is kinda like amtrak, i have not taken it before just only coaster once by chance and just had pay lil more but was cool sceneic route along the coast to see how and the ocean along the way. try this link - and hope it helps more. http://www.pacificsurfliner.com/
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Iris on April 15, 2018, 08:26:25 PM
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Good afternoon everyone, I’m thinking of taking family on Pacific Surfliner up to Anaheim on Monday after convention. What’s it like on Monday mid morning? Is it busy? Should I get reserved seating? And is reserved seating worth it? Some questions but any additional information would be appreciated. Thank you


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I took the Surfliner a decent amount of times during uni and even very early morning. Now, I can't say exactly how it is in at the Depot downtown, but it's usually early morning that's the problem. Now, I imagine there will be people taking it to north stops maybe for work, but I imagine it'd clear out closer to North County SD.

As for whether you should get reserved seats, it does depend. I'd expect it to be busier on a Monday morning, just after the weekend, some regular drivers won't want to, etc. However, I've only had trouble finding seats a handful of times, even seats together. Those times are usually Thanksgiving, Easter, etc. and the stops near the universities, which you won't be hitting any of those times. So, personally I wouldn't go for reserved seats.

As for other information, I'm not sure exactly what you'd like. Regarding food options, I'd bring your own food if you want breakfast, the food on the trains/surfliners are maybe a bit of a step-up from convention food, but not great. The train is right by the coast until you get out of SD and then I think I remember that it goes a bit inland to hit the Santa Ana airport then Anaheim etc. It is a smooth and pretty ride, of course one side will have a better view each way, but even if you're not in the "prime" seats, you can see out the windows very well, as there's more room between seats etc.

If you do it, I recommend sitting near a stairwell, generally upstairs, I don't think downstairs have seats by them. You will have more movement around you, which depending on your family you might not want, but the stairwells generally have LARGE unimpeded windows along them. So it's easy to look outside even if you're not on the side you may want.

I hope that helped? Sorry that I can't give you a mid-morning perspective on the crowding. I only ever traveled from SD or arrived in SD at like 8PM-2AM or at 6AM.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: vegasndn on April 15, 2018, 09:14:59 PM
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I took the Surfliner a decent amount of times during uni and even very early morning. Now, I can't say exactly how it is in at the Depot downtown, but it's usually early morning that's the problem. Now, I imagine there will be people taking it to north stops maybe for work, but I imagine it'd clear out closer to North County SD.

As for whether you should get reserved seats, it does depend. I'd expect it to be busier on a Monday morning, just after the weekend, some regular drivers won't want to, etc. However, I've only had trouble finding seats a handful of times, even seats together. Those times are usually Thanksgiving, Easter, etc. and the stops near the universities, which you won't be hitting any of those times. So, personally I wouldn't go for reserved seats.

As for other information, I'm not sure exactly what you'd like. Regarding food options, I'd bring your own food if you want breakfast, the food on the trains/surfliners are maybe a bit of a step-up from convention food, but not great. The train is right by the coast until you get out of SD and then I think I remember that it goes a bit inland to hit the Santa Ana airport then Anaheim etc. It is a smooth and pretty ride, of course one side will have a better view each way, but even if you're not in the "prime" seats, you can see out the windows very well, as there's more room between seats etc.

If you do it, I recommend sitting near a stairwell, generally upstairs, I don't think downstairs have seats by them. You will have more movement around you, which depending on your family you might not want, but the stairwells generally have LARGE unimpeded windows along them. So it's easy to look outside even if you're not on the side you may want.

I hope that helped? Sorry that I can't give you a mid-morning perspective on the crowding. I only ever traveled from SD or arrived in SD at like 8PM-2AM or at 6AM.
Awesome thank you for information this helps out a bunch. Now I’m thinking I don’t need reserve seating so just get on and enjoy the ride.


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Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Sublime on April 23, 2018, 12:14:09 PM
Does anyone know if taxis line up at the convention center?
We will be located at a hotel that is not on the shuttle route and I'm just wondering if taxis are readily available for the ride back to the hotel. Thanks for any info!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: mark on April 23, 2018, 01:18:27 PM
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Does anyone know if taxis line up at the convention center?
We will be located at a hotel that is not on the shuttle route and I'm just wondering if taxis are readily available for the ride back to the hotel. Thanks for any info!

I don't recall seeing them at the convention center but you can probably find some by walking to a nearby hotel. Which hotel are you at? If it's off of the shuttle route I've probably stayed there before.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: semigeekgirl on April 23, 2018, 01:21:30 PM
[member=6941]Sublime[/member] I think they reserve the front of the Convention Center for shuttle buses and media. But you can definitely get a taxi at the Marriott Marquis, which is literally attached to the convention center.

Or you could cross Harbor and get a taxi in the Gaslamp and probably save yourself ~10 minutes of going nowhere b/c of massive pedestrian crowds.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Dpercy on April 23, 2018, 06:53:30 PM
Hi everyone!
This is my first post here so forgive me if I am posting in the wrong thread.
I booked the Four Points by Sheraton from the SDCC wait-list fiasco this morning, would anyone be able to tell me what the parking is like for that hotel? I saw that parking is $37 /day (valet is all they offer). Although, when I was looking on the satellite version of Google Maps, I saw no parking garage; mainly just street parking.

Thanks in advance for any advice or tips! :)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: cabler30 on April 23, 2018, 07:00:59 PM
Hope this helps any with parking close to the convention center- https://www.google.com/search?q=parking+garage+near+san+diego+convention+center&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1-ab
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Sublime on April 24, 2018, 06:48:59 AM
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I don't recall seeing them at the convention center but you can probably find some by walking to a nearby hotel. Which hotel are you at? If it's off of the shuttle route I've probably stayed there before.

Last year we were at the MGH, but we're at the del Coronado this year. I specifically picked it, because we were only able to get Thursday and Sunday badges. This way we'll get a mini-vacay on our badgeless days. I was also figuring that we could walk to a nearby hotel from the convention center to catch a taxi. Have you stayed at the del Coronado before?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: mark on April 24, 2018, 07:09:46 AM
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Last year we were at the MGH, but we're at the del Coronado this year. I specifically picked it, because we were only able to get Thursday and Sunday badges. This way we'll get a mini-vacay on our badgeless days. I was also figuring that we could walk to a nearby hotel from the convention center to catch a taxi. Have you stayed at the del Coronado before?

We haven't stayed at the Del for sdcc specifically but I have stayed there several times for vacation and conferences. It's a beautiful hotel with an amazing beach. My wife and daughter only have a Saturday badge this year and they are planning to go there for a day or two during sdcc. For taxis, like the earlier comment said, you'll be better off crossing the street. I also wonder if you can catch one at the Hilton Bayfront.

There is also MTS bus 901 and there will be a free shuttle you can take to the ferry landing (or more generally use to get around Coronado.) Things really depend on how early you want to get to the convention center and how late you want to stay.

https://www.coronado.ca.us/government/departments_divisions/city_manager/summer_shuttle (https://www.coronado.ca.us/government/departments_divisions/city_manager/summer_shuttle)

Also, make sure to watch Some Like it Hot before you go :)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: puppy on April 26, 2018, 01:16:20 PM
Can someone tell me how crowded the ferry can get?  Will I have to wait a few rounds before getting on?  That's my primary concern.  Just wondering if I should skip trying to get parking and just do the ferry.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: cabler30 on April 26, 2018, 01:22:07 PM
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Can someone tell me how crowded the ferry can get?  Will I have to wait a few rounds before getting on?  That's my primary concern.  Just wondering if I should skip trying to get parking and just do the ferry.

I have not taken it myself but here is a yelp review page that has the number u can call to get some ideas about how it can be during comic con every year. https://www.yelp.com/biz/coronado-ferry-landing-coronado
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: mark on April 26, 2018, 01:30:40 PM
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Can someone tell me how crowded the ferry can get?  Will I have to wait a few rounds before getting on?  That's my primary concern.  Just wondering if I should skip trying to get parking and just do the ferry.

There will be a line, but I've always been able to get on the first one that came by. (This is a few years ago so if anyone has a more recent experience that is different please correct me.)  They run every 30 minutes from about 8am to 10pm (to 11pm on Friday and Saturday.)

Cost might be another consideration, you have to pay per person each way and there are no discount passes so it can add up, especially for a group.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AzT on June 18, 2018, 07:38:16 PM
https://twitter.com/sdmts/status/1008741418045714433

Quote
One month until #SDCC18! Starting today, you can buy the 2018 commemorative #SDCC Trolley passes at the Transit Store. The Transit Store is open M-F, 8a-5p at the 12th & Imperial Transit Center. (Passes will also be on-sale 7/18-7/22 at select Trolley stations/times.)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AzT on June 21, 2018, 02:06:47 PM
https://twitter.com/Comic_Con/status/1009903050956460032

Quote
The "Getting Here" pages for #SDCC2018 have been updated! 27 days to go! #SDCC
Parking page: https://www.comic-con.org/cci/parking
Shuttle page: https://www.comic-con.org/cci/shuttles
Transportation page: https://www.comic-con.org/cci/transportation
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: PurpleCalico on June 21, 2018, 10:00:36 PM
My bf and I will be going to SDCC for the first time and we've never been to San Diego before. I've got a question, which is a better priced option to get to and from the airport to my accommodation on the day we arrive and depart? I'll be staying in the Hotel Circle area in Mission Valley.

- Uber/Lyft. Would it be easy to get a ride since there are many people in the city who might be using the app?
- Shuttle services like AirportShuttle (https://www.airportshuttles.com/sandiego.php) or SuperShuttle (https://booking.supershuttle.com/?RezMode=1&direction=RT&port=SAN&_ga=2.215290130.441857240.1529638420-1160552692.1522805449). The reviews I've read online about shuttles seem mixed.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on June 23, 2018, 10:53:28 AM
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My bf and I will be going to SDCC for the first time and we've never been to San Diego before. I've got a question, which is a better priced option to get to and from the airport to my accommodation on the day we arrive and depart? I'll be staying in the Hotel Circle area in Mission Valley.

- Uber/Lyft. Would it be easy to get a ride since there are many people in the city who might be using the app?
- Shuttle services like AirportShuttle (https://www.airportshuttles.com/sandiego.php) or SuperShuttle (https://booking.supershuttle.com/?RezMode=1&direction=RT&port=SAN&_ga=2.215290130.441857240.1529638420-1160552692.1522805449). The reviews I've read online about shuttles seem mixed.

I would expect Uber and Lyft to be less impacted than the shuttle services.  I rarely take the airport shuttles but when I do they are a big time sink.  Since they will wait or drive around until they get as many people as possible.

When I need to get to and from the airport, I take the trolley.  It's also the cheapest option.  The issue is how to get to your hotel from where the trolley stops in Mission Valley.  Is it close enough to walk?  When are you flying in?  Will the comic-con shuttles be running?  If so, you might want to think about taking the bus to the convention center and then taking a comic-con bus.

If you are going to take the trolley from the airport, there's no need to take a bus downtown and then take the trolley from there.  That can be a massive waste of time depending on connections.  I've had it add an hour on to my return trip from the airport late at night.  There's a little known way to catch the trolley from the airport.  So little known that when I asked the people at the airport information booth if it existed they had to look in their information book to find it.  Many airport shuttle drivers also don't know about it.  I don't know why it's not more widely used but there's a trolley stop on the other side of the tarmac from the terminals.  For years I wished that there was a way that I could walk to the terminals from that trolley stop.  There isn't but now there is a shuttle that will take you close to there.  It's called "trolley to terminal".  You can track it's location in realtime here.

http://sdacepublic.etaspot.net/
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: mark on June 23, 2018, 12:12:05 PM
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I would expect Uber and Lyft to be less impacted than the shuttle services.  I rarely take the airport shuttles but when I do they are a big time sink.  Since they will wait or drive around until they get as many people as possible.

When I need to get to and from the airport, I take the trolley.  It's also the cheapest option.  The issue is how to get to your hotel from where the trolley stops in Mission Valley.  Is it close enough to walk?  When are you flying in?  Will the comic-con shuttles be running?  If so, you might want to think about taking the bus to the convention center and then taking a comic-con bus.

If you are going to take the trolley from the airport, there's no need to take a bus downtown and then take the trolley from there.  That can be a massive waste of time depending on connections.  I've had it add an hour on to my return trip from the airport late at night.  There's a little known way to catch the trolley from the airport.  So little known that when I asked the people at the airport information booth if it existed they had to look in their information book to find it.  Many airport shuttle drivers also don't know about it.  I don't know why it's not more widely used but there's a trolley stop on the other side of the tarmac from the terminals.  For years I wished that there was a way that I could walk to the terminals from that trolley stop.  There isn't but now there is a shuttle that will take you close to there.  It's called "trolley to terminal".  You can track it's location in realtime here.

http://sdacepublic.etaspot.net/

Great tip, thanks! And love the realtime map. We used to use the rental car shuttle to get close to the Middlefield stop, but that was before they built the new car rental center. I didn't realize there was another shuttle you could use.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Angology on June 23, 2018, 04:37:11 PM
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I would expect Uber and Lyft to be less impacted than the shuttle services.  I rarely take the airport shuttles but when I do they are a big time sink.  Since they will wait or drive around until they get as many people as possible.

When I need to get to and from the airport, I take the trolley.  It's also the cheapest option.  The issue is how to get to your hotel from where the trolley stops in Mission Valley.  Is it close enough to walk?  When are you flying in?  Will the comic-con shuttles be running?  If so, you might want to think about taking the bus to the convention center and then taking a comic-con bus.

If you are going to take the trolley from the airport, there's no need to take a bus downtown and then take the trolley from there.  That can be a massive waste of time depending on connections.  I've had it add an hour on to my return trip from the airport late at night.  There's a little known way to catch the trolley from the airport.  So little known that when I asked the people at the airport information booth if it existed they had to look in their information book to find it.  Many airport shuttle drivers also don't know about it.  I don't know why it's not more widely used but there's a trolley stop on the other side of the tarmac from the terminals.  For years I wished that there was a way that I could walk to the terminals from that trolley stop.  There isn't but now there is a shuttle that will take you close to there.  It's called "trolley to terminal".  You can track it's location in realtime here.

http://sdacepublic.etaspot.net/
Thank you so much for this tip! I have seen that trolley stop, but couldn't see a way to get to it easily. This is a game changer for us!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: PurpleCalico on June 24, 2018, 02:23:23 AM
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When I need to get to and from the airport, I take the trolley.  It's also the cheapest option.  The issue is how to get to your hotel from where the trolley stops in Mission Valley.  Is it close enough to walk?  When are you flying in?  Will the comic-con shuttles be running?  If so, you might want to think about taking the bus to the convention center and then taking a comic-con bus.
I'll be flying in the day before the comic con shuttles start. So it's Uber/Lyft for me then.

Thanks for the suggestion btw!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: darlenealderson on June 24, 2018, 10:03:12 AM
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I'll be flying in the day before the comic con shuttles start. So it's Uber/Lyft for me then.

Thanks for the suggestion btw!

The San Diego airport has a special area to go to get picked up by Lyft/Uber...they don't pick you up straight on the curb FYI
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: darlenealderson on June 24, 2018, 10:04:46 AM
Why is it called the trolley if it's essentially a lightrail? Does it run on the same area that the trolley cars used to?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Car_Low on June 24, 2018, 01:38:22 PM
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Why is it called the trolley if it's essentially a lightrail? Does it run on the same area that the trolley cars used to?

Trolley is just another name for a tram or light rail used in North America and because its powered using a trolley pole.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tram

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trolley_pole

And not really.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Abby_Normal on July 01, 2018, 02:12:48 PM
Passes for the trolley for SDCC are now available. $20 for a five-day pass.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: marcia29 on July 04, 2018, 11:42:05 AM
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Passes for the trolley for SDCC are now available. $20 for a five-day pass.

[member=5514]Abby_Normal[/member] - can you purchase them online? Thanks for the heads up.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Car_Low on July 04, 2018, 12:18:32 PM
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[member=5514]Abby_Normal[/member] - can you purchase them online? Thanks for the heads up.

If you don't care about the special edition pass you can use the app. $5 a day is the normal fare price so it's not like it was a deal in the first place.

https://www.sdmts.com/fares-passes/compass-cloud
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Abby_Normal on July 04, 2018, 12:24:44 PM
you can buy them online and on the app - it's a bit tricky as their app is very unintuitive, but it's handy because if there's a spot check for tickets on the trolley, you just can show your phone.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: marcia29 on July 04, 2018, 02:41:41 PM
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you can buy them online and on the app - it's a bit tricky as their app is very unintuitive, but it's handy because if there's a spot check for tickets on the trolley, you just can show your phone.

Thank you!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: susanml10881 on July 04, 2018, 08:27:42 PM
I'd just use the app if you're from out of town and just delete it after you leave. They make you buy a mts card for two bucks to reload as you go. Or you can buy the con pass at a mts booth.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on July 04, 2018, 09:06:06 PM
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If you don't care about the special edition pass you can use the app. $5 a day is the normal fare price so it's not like it was a deal in the first place.

https://www.sdmts.com/fares-passes/compass-cloud
It is a deal. You get a day free. It's $20 and it covers Wed-Thurs. All the special SDCC ones are discounted, but it's less a discount as you drop days.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Car_Low on July 05, 2018, 11:42:32 AM
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It is a deal. You get a day free. It's $20 and it covers Wed-Thurs. All the special SDCC ones are discounted, but it's less a discount as you drop days.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

haha whoops I'm bad at math  ;D
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on July 13, 2018, 07:56:25 PM
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It is a deal. You get a day free. It's $20 and it covers Wed-Thurs. All the special SDCC ones are discounted, but it's less a discount as you drop days.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

All the multiday passes are discounted.  Including the regular ones.  In fact, if I remember right, the comic-con passes are more expensive than the regular multiday passes up to 4 days.  There isn't a regular 5 day multiday pass but a 4 day multiday pass + $5 for the 5th day is the same price as the 5 day comic-con pass.

To everyone who hasn't ridden the trolley lately, somethings have changed.

1) You can buy a compass pass for $2 directly from a machine now.  No need to go to the supermarket anymore.
2) The machines only give $5 worth of change.  So paying with a $20 isn't a good idea.
3) It should work, but the machines don't accept any of my credit cards anymore.  They used to.  So I don't know what's going on there.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on July 13, 2018, 09:08:22 PM
Here is a link to this year's information. The passes are the dumbest looking ever, did they think they were for fashion week? The extended hours for each line are posted here too.

https://www.sdmts.com/inside-mts/events/comic-con

Commemorative Passes Available June 18!
Pick up your commemorative passes at the Transit Store starting Monday, June 18. The Transit Store is located on the ground level of the 12th & Imperial Transit Center, and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The passes will also be sold at select Trolley stations during Comic-Con, as outlined below:

Wednesday, July 18:

Stadium Station: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Fashion Valley Transit Center: 2 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Old Town Transit Center: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Convention Center Station: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Gaslamp Quarter Station: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Thursday, July 19:

Grantville Station: 6 a.m. to Noon
Stadium Station: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hazard Center Station: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fashion Valley Transit Center: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Old Town Transit Center: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Convention Center Station: Noon to 9 p.m.
Gaslamp Quarter Station: Noon to 9 p.m.
Friday, July 20:

Grantville Station: 6 a.m. to Noon
Stadium Station: 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hazard Center Station: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fashion Valley Transit Center: 6:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Old Town Transit Center: 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Convention Center Station: Noon to 9 p.m.
Gaslamp Quarter Station: Noon to 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 21:

Stadium Station: 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hazard Center Station: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fashion Valley Transit Center: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Old Town Transit Center: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Convention Center Station: Noon to 10 p.m.
Gaslamp Quarter Station: Noon to 10 p.m.
Subject to availability - locations and times may change without notice.
Use your phone as your transit pass with Compass Cloud

**Compass Cloud is accepted on all buses and Trolleys.

To purchase special event Comic-Con passes on Compass Cloud, select the ‘Special Event’ service, then select the preferred pass type. Please note that Comic-Con special event passes can’t be activated until 7/19, and are only valid for consecutive days within the duration of Comic-Con, July 18 – 22). Be sure to purchase the right number of days for intended use! (ex. A 4-day pass is for 7/19-7/22) Comic-Con passes will be available on Compass Cloud starting July 1.

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Champagne87 on March 06, 2019, 11:27:06 AM
 I have read uber/lyft will be impossible to catch d/t the high volume of ppl catching them. Will lyft and uber still be available during comic con week?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: accelerate on March 06, 2019, 11:33:33 AM
I usually take Lyft from/to the airport and have never had issues getting one, even on Sunday afternoon when basically the entire downtown populace is trying to catch a flight out. As to during actual Comic Con hours, with all the road closures and slow ass traffic, it's best to be picked up / dropped off a few blocks away from the convention center. For instance, around Manchester Grand Hyatt.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: hikanteki on March 06, 2019, 11:35:05 AM
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I have read uber/lyft will be impossible to catch d/t the high volume of ppl catching them. Will lyft and uber still be available during comic con week?

I have had no problem using Uber/Lyft during SDCC hours. I just set pick up/drop off to a few blocks away.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: tsnyder on March 27, 2019, 08:49:37 AM
I'm going to be hitting up Disneyland on Monday before SDCC then going down to San Diego on Tuesday.  What would you suggest as far as transportation, bus or train?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on March 27, 2019, 09:02:54 AM
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I'm going to be hitting up Disneyland on Monday before SDCC then going down to San Diego on Tuesday.  What would you suggest as far as transportation, bus or train?
Definitely take the train!

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: semigeekgirl on March 27, 2019, 09:14:50 AM
[member=5606]tsnyder[/member] Seconded. The train is much nicer and doesn't run the risk of getting stuck in SoCal freeway traffic!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on March 27, 2019, 01:02:32 PM
I've taken both.  The train is more comfortable but the bus can be faster.  The bus is definitely cheaper.  I've been burned by both.  Sometimes the train doesn't run very often and by missing one, I'm stuck at Union Station for 3 hours until the next one.  The bus requires you to buy a ticket something like 30 minutes before the bus leaves.  I've missed that by a couple of minutes.  They are pretty hardcore about it.  So I have to wait for the next bus.  But that's normally only about an hour or so.

The train station is much easier to get to since it's a transportation hub.  The bus station is not that far away, but not particularly easy to get to.  It's so close that you can walk but the bus station is right in the middle of skid row in LA.  So many people will not walk there.  I do but I've gotten all my Hep B shots.  You can take the bus between the train station and bus station but it's a roundabout route that requires a transfer.  I don't know why there isn't a direct bus for such a short run.

Both the train and the bus can get pretty crowded.  You will always have a seat on the bus, they don't sell more tickets than seats.  You can be standing on the train.  They will sell as many tickets as they can sell.  Standing 2+ hours on the train is not fun.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on March 27, 2019, 01:05:00 PM
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[member=5606]tsnyder[/member] Seconded. The train is much nicer and doesn't run the risk of getting stuck in SoCal freeway traffic!

Unless there's an "incident" on the train, then you can be sitting there on a stopped train for hours on end.  Going between LA and San Diego it's happened a couple of times to me.  I don't take that train often.  When I used to take Caltrain up in San Francisco everyday, it would happen every week or two.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on March 27, 2019, 02:30:59 PM
You can buy business class for the train and be guaranteed a nice seat. Also, the train station is pretty close to Disneyland. You can take a cheap Lyft there easily or catch a shuttle.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: tsnyder on March 29, 2019, 07:14:33 AM
Thanks so much for the input everyone.  Thinking train is the way to go  ;)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Dune930 on April 24, 2019, 09:42:24 AM
Are the Bird and Lime scooters available in downtown San Diego? I may opt to use one of those instead of relying on the shuttle or walking during my three days. Thanks.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Captain_R on April 24, 2019, 01:47:15 PM
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Are the Bird and Lime scooters available in downtown San Diego? I may opt to use one of those instead of relying on the shuttle or walking during my three days. Thanks.

I was in Downtown a couple a weeks ago and they were literally EVERYWHERE.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: lawhoo on May 07, 2019, 06:54:47 AM
Very excited to be attending my first SDCC with my daughter and my first trip to lovely San Diego!

I'm working out the logistics and trying to figure out how to get to SDCC as efficiently as I can.  We are staying in Mission Hills within walking distance (12 min) of a trolley station (Old Town Station).  Looks like I'll have a decent shot at a downtown parking lot near the CC based on my ACE parking lottery position (group 2).  The question to the group here is should I forego renting a car and use the trolley?  Or, is it more efficient to rent a car and drive downtown, parking near the CC?  Part of the consideration is whether or not Mission Hills is walkable (not too sketchy, sidewalks) and how jammed up will the trolley be by the time it gets to the Old Town Station. 

Thanks for any insights!

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: pyxidis on May 07, 2019, 09:39:23 AM
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Very excited to be attending my first SDCC with my daughter and my first trip to lovely San Diego!

I'm working out the logistics and trying to figure out how to get to SDCC as efficiently as I can.  We are staying in Mission Hills within walking distance (12 min) of a trolley station (Old Town Station).  Looks like I'll have a decent shot at a downtown parking lot near the CC based on my ACE parking lottery position (group 2).  The question to the group here is should I forego renting a car and use the trolley?  Or, is it more efficient to rent a car and drive downtown, parking near the CC?  Part of the consideration is whether or not Mission Hills is walkable (not too sketchy, sidewalks) and how jammed up will the trolley be by the time it gets to the Old Town Station. 

Thanks for any insights!

The trolley will be crowded. If you don't mind the crowd and the travel time, it's a cheaper option. It's $2.50 one-way per person over 5. So if you're daughter is older, you're looking at $10.00 per day round trip. You can always Lyft or Uber it in. For me I don't mind taking the trolley but that is only if I am by myself or riding with other adults or older kids. If your daughter is little, you might not want to be on a crowded trolley. I wouldn't. There is a lot of walking at the con. So walking to the trolley, plus the crowd on the trolley and at the con...might be overwhelming.

That said, If I had the money to comfortably drive in and park close to the con, I'd opt for that. Lol. As far as Mission Hills, I don't know the area. But you can check it out via Google Earth. That's what I do, so I can get an idea of what the area looks like.

Good luck! And have fun. SDCC is a lot of fun, especially the first time. :)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Dubb on May 07, 2019, 10:08:35 AM
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It's $2.50 one-way per person over 5. So if you're daughter is older, you're looking at $10.00 per day round trip. You can always Lyft or Uber it in.

You can get a pass for the entire weekend for like $20.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: pyxidis on May 07, 2019, 11:13:38 AM
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You can get a pass for the entire weekend for like $20.

Thanks. I didn't see that option on the website, but I'll double check. :)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: lawhoo on May 07, 2019, 11:34:19 AM
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Thanks. I didn't see that option on the website, but I'll double check. :)

I've been digging into the options at https://sdmts.com/.  Looks like you can get some discounts by buying a multi-day pass.  My daughter is a teenager who is getting this trip to SDCC as a Christmas gift (nominally) to her.  Of course, I have to go too. 

Thanks again to this wonderful community.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Dubb on May 07, 2019, 11:36:42 AM
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I've been digging into the options at https://sdmts.com/.  Looks like you can get some discounts by buying a multi-day pass.  My daughter is a teenager who is getting this trip to SDCC as a Christmas gift (nominally) to her.  Of course, I have to go too. 

Thanks again to this wonderful community.

Not just multi-day discounts, but they will also offer a special SDCC pass for all 4 days.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: susanml10881 on May 08, 2019, 10:03:48 AM
The trolley shouldn’t be too bad until you actually get to old town. I’d personally skip driving. 

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The trolley will be crowded. If you don't mind the crowd and the travel time, it's a cheaper option. It's $2.50 one-way per person over 5. So if you're daughter is older, you're looking at $10.00 per day round trip. You can always Lyft or Uber it in. For me I don't mind taking the trolley but that is only if I am by myself or riding with other adults or older kids. If your daughter is little, you might not want to be on a crowded trolley. I wouldn't. There is a lot of walking at the con. So walking to the trolley, plus the crowd on the trolley and at the con...might be overwhelming.

That said, If I had the money to comfortably drive in and park close to the con, I'd opt for that. Lol. As far as Mission Hills, I don't know the area. But you can check it out via Google Earth. That's what I do, so I can get an idea of what the area looks like.

Good luck! And have fun. SDCC is a lot of fun, especially the first time. :)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AzT on May 08, 2019, 10:30:21 AM
https://twitter.com/sdmts/status/1126150540558123009

Quote
Pro tip for #SDCC2019! Our friends at @SycuanCasino will provide a free shuttle to the El Cajon Transit Center, then it's a one-seat ride all the way to the Convention Center & Gaslamp Quarter #choosetransit #SDCC
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on May 08, 2019, 10:31:34 AM
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The trolley will be crowded. If you don't mind the crowd and the travel time, it's a cheaper option. It's $2.50 one-way per person over 5. So if you're daughter is older, you're looking at $10.00 per day round trip. You can always Lyft or Uber it in. For me I don't mind taking the trolley but that is only if I am by myself or riding with other adults or older kids. If your daughter is little, you might not want to be on a crowded trolley. I wouldn't. There is a lot of walking at the con. So walking to the trolley, plus the crowd on the trolley and at the con...might be overwhelming.

That said, If I had the money to comfortably drive in and park close to the con, I'd opt for that. Lol. As far as Mission Hills, I don't know the area. But you can check it out via Google Earth. That's what I do, so I can get an idea of what the area looks like.

Good luck! And have fun. SDCC is a lot of fun, especially the first time. :)

It never makes sense to buy a one way ticket on San Diego public transit unless you are only going one way.  The price of a daypass is the same price as a roundtrip.  If you buy a multiday pass then it's cheaper.


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https://twitter.com/sdmts/status/1126150540558123009

That's the place I was talking about in the hotel thread with very nice rooms for $129-$149 even during comic-con.  They aren't raising prices.  But it seems they are too far away and no one cares.  There has been at least one comic-con offsite held there in the past.  No need to take their bus to the trolley to get to comic-con though.  They have shuttle buses that run directly to downtown San Diego including one that drops you off right at the convention center.  So you don't even need to pay for a trolley ticket.

By the way, their downtown San Diego property is the US Grant.


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The trolley shouldn’t be too bad until you actually get to old town. I’d personally skip driving.

Going to comic-con during the day the trolley really isn't too crowded.  The crowding happens at night when everyone is leaving at the same time.  I take the extra 5 minute walk to the end of the line and hop on there.  Very few people do so there are always plenty of seats.  The next stop at the convention center is where everyone gets on.


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Not just multi-day discounts, but they will also offer a special SDCC pass for all 4 days.

In the past, the special comic-con pass cost more than the regular multi-day pass if you already have a compass card.  It's wasn't much more expensive, like a dollar.  It's one thing if you want the physical pass as a keepsake.  It's another if you are just using the compass app on your phone.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Car_Low on May 08, 2019, 10:46:35 AM
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It never makes sense to buy a one way ticket on San Diego public transit unless you are only going one way.  The price of a daypass is the same price as a roundtrip.  If you buy a multiday pass then it's cheaper.

The only situation where a buying two one way tickets is fine is if you only plan on making two trips and don't have a compass card to load the daypass as you have to pay a one time $2 fee to get one. One way tickets still use the paper stub while the normal daypasses require a compass card. Or you can just use the phone app to buy a daypass.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on May 08, 2019, 11:02:34 AM
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The only situation where a buying two one way tickets is fine is if you only plan on making two trips and don't have a compass card to load the daypass as you have to pay a one time $2 fee to get one. One way tickets still use the paper stub while the normal daypasses require a compass card. Or you can just use the phone app to buy a daypass.

As you mentioned, use your phone as your daypass.  Or keep your compass card from last year.  They do expire but it's in years.  I think all the time I've lived in San Diego I've only had to get two compass cards.  I think my current one is my last.  I'm moving to the app.  Compass cards are finicky.  I've had problems before like where it takes my payment but it's not recorded on the card.  Then you have to go to that one office in downtown San Diego to try to get a refund.  It's not worth the effort so I eat it.  That can't happen with the app.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Car_Low on May 08, 2019, 11:09:46 AM
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As you mentioned, use your phone as your daypass.  Or keep your compass card from last year.  They do expire but it's in years.  I think all the time I've lived in San Diego I've only had to get two compass cards.  I think my current one is my last.  I'm moving to the app.  Compass cards are finicky.  I've had problems before like where it takes my payment but it's not recorded on the card.  Then you have to go to that one office in downtown San Diego to try to get a refund.  It's not worth the effort so I eat it.  That can't happen with the app.

I've had the app glitch out with the passes in the past as well. It had my multiday pass expire early for con. So its not exactly all error free either way. Luckily it got eventually fixed.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Devorah on May 08, 2019, 01:21:47 PM
[member=6586]chocolateshake[/member] your quadruple posting is against forum rules.

You can review our rules here: https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?topic=178.0

Or check out this post How to Reply to Multiple People (or Posts) and Avoid Double/Triple-Posting here: https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/index.php?topic=10095.0

I will be modifying your original posts to combine them.

Thanks for your cooperation.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AzT on May 17, 2019, 10:22:03 AM
Trolley wraps are coming! 50 for #SDCC50

https://twitter.com/sdmts/status/1129431590071726081

Quote
We’re getting there! We can share that it’s the most #SDCC wraps we’ve ever had. 50!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AzT on June 04, 2019, 02:05:23 PM
https://youtu.be/vOZ_Wbxmge0
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on June 07, 2019, 09:45:02 PM
If people are around the Tuesday before comic-con, MTS has partnered with Lyft for Transit Tuesdays.  It's a 25% coupon off a Lyft ride involving a transit center.  Limited to 500 redemptions per Tuesday.

https://sdmts.com/inside-mts/news-release/mts-and-lyft-partner-easier-%E2%80%93-and-cheaper-%E2%80%93-tuesday-rides-summer
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on June 16, 2019, 10:51:57 PM
I didn't see any wraps until yesterday, then I saw one then and today.  I think it may even have been the same car.  It was for Animation Domination.  Anyone else seen one?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AzT on June 19, 2019, 04:50:23 PM
https://twitter.com/sdmts/status/1141491345820831744

Quote
Here's the first look at the MTS commemorative passes for #SDCC2019. Better yet, you can get them starting tomorrow at the Transit Store! The Transit Store is open M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (#SDCC passes for Compass Cloud mobile app will be available for purchase starting 7/1.) #SDCC50
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: darlenealderson on July 11, 2019, 07:34:32 PM
I'm sorry if this has been answered, but can you take the trolley from the airport to the gaslamp area?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: semigeekgirl on July 11, 2019, 07:50:54 PM
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I'm sorry if this has been answered, but can you take the trolley from the airport to the gaslamp area?

No, the trolley doesn't go to the airport. You'd have to take an MTS bus to Santa Fe Depot and get the trolley there, but at that point you're practically in the Gaslamp anyway.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: darlenealderson on July 11, 2019, 08:03:30 PM
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No, the trolley doesn't go to the airport. You'd have to take an MTS bus to Santa Fe Depot and get the trolley there, but at that point you're practically in the Gaslamp anyway.

Thank you. That is surprising to me. Even in Denver you can take the lightrail to the airport and it's in the middle of nowhere.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on July 11, 2019, 08:13:53 PM
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No, the trolley doesn't go to the airport. You'd have to take an MTS bus to Santa Fe Depot and get the trolley there, but at that point you're practically in the Gaslamp anyway.

There's another way. You can take the shuttle bus that runs around the airport. Tell them you want to get on the trolley and they'll tell you where to get off.  Then walk across the street and hop on the trolley at the Middletown stop.  That stop is literally on the edge of the tarmac on the opposite side from the terminal.  This is how I get to and from the airport.  It's faster than taking the 992 to Santa Fe.  The 992 doesn't run very often.  The Airport Shuttle runs pretty often.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on July 11, 2019, 08:22:36 PM
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Thank you. That is surprising to me. Even in Denver you can take the lightrail to the airport and it's in the middle of nowhere.

This is Southern California.  We don't believe in public transit. ;)

It's coming.  SANDAG has 4 new proposals to bring public transit directly to the airport.  San Francisco was the same way for years.  They built a new BART/Caltrain station right across the highway from the airport.  Why not at the airport?  The taxi lobby wouldn't stand for it.  The taxi lobby isn't what it once was.  San Francisco extended BART to the airport years ago.  Now San Diego is planning to as well.  Before the Middletown stop, taking the bus into downtown just to catch a trolley back out added between 30-60 minutes to a trip home depending on whether I missed a bus to trolley connection.  It's like they planned it so that it would miss it by seconds.  The cool bus drivers would open the door at the intersection and tell us to get out and run.  The sticklers would make us wait for the light to change and then drive across to the bus stop.  Which would give us a great view of the trolley as it left the station.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: AzT on July 15, 2019, 12:24:40 PM
http://pacificsurfliner.com/

Quote
pacificsurfliner Heading to @comic_con this week? Check out our blog for helpful tips to avoid the most crowded #PacificSurfliner trains on your way to the exhibits, panels, competitions, and more. The link is in our bio.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz8rZbyH-V9/
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: hikanteki on July 23, 2019, 04:05:56 PM
First time taking public transit to the airport and it was a breeze. The 992 goes down Broadway and runs every 15 minutes. From 2nd & Broadway it took like 12 minutes which is no different than Uber/Lyft, and it drops off/picks up right in front of the Terminal (whereas with Uber/Lyft you have to go to the rideshare area to get picked up.) Not bad for $2.25. This may not be as convenient for people staying on the other side of Harbor but isn’t a bad option for most Gaslamp hotels.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: kmy on January 11, 2020, 08:59:29 PM
Can I ask about rideshare services on here? Where are the best places to grab them during the con to get back to far-flung hotels? I have a badge for some days but not all so I won't be able to grab the shuttle back to the hotel for the days I don't have a badge.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on January 12, 2020, 08:32:10 AM
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Can I ask about rideshare services on here? Where are the best places to grab them during the con to get back to far-flung hotels? I have a badge for some days but not all so I won't be able to grab the shuttle back to the hotel for the days I don't have a badge.

For the last couple of years they have shut down Harbor Blvd to traffic,so people usually recommend the MGH as a good place to get ride-shares.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Hades on January 12, 2020, 11:40:00 AM
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Can I ask about rideshare services on here? Where are the best places to grab them during the con to get back to far-flung hotels? I have a badge for some days but not all so I won't be able to grab the shuttle back to the hotel for the days I don't have a badge.
I've found that the Ralphs area in the Gaslamp is a good place for that. Not a far walk on the days you cannot take a shuttle and just far enough away to not have many issues getting picked up and/or dropped off. Even on days where I was able to take the shuttle, going that route got me down to the convention faster than the shuttle at times.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: sessionka on January 12, 2020, 06:42:41 PM
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Can I ask about rideshare services on here? Where are the best places to grab them during the con to get back to far-flung hotels? I have a badge for some days but not all so I won't be able to grab the shuttle back to the hotel for the days I don't have a badge.
I wouldn't discount the shuttle.  I only had the driver of one shuttle ask me if I had a badge, and that's because mine wasn't showing when I got on. 

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: kmy on January 12, 2020, 08:01:10 PM
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I wouldn't discount the shuttle.  I only had the driver of one shuttle ask me if I had a badge, and that's because mine wasn't showing when I got on.
Yeah, I'm not worried about getting on at the hotel, but to get back on it at the Convention Ctr they have that security now when you cross the street so for the days I don't have a badge I won't be able to do that.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: rushfanyyz on January 13, 2020, 06:20:44 AM
The red and purple shuttle routes have for the past good chunk of years picked up and dropped off by petco, so if you do wind up in one the hotels in mission valley you could get on without worrying about the badge-only areas by the convention center. 
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on June 29, 2021, 12:18:46 PM
The construction of the blue line extension north is done.  Testing starts today and the line should be fully operational in November.  This make it's it possible for many more people to take the trolley to comic-con.  It also opens up many more hotels that people can stay at.  Up at UTC alone there are a few that are within walking distance of the station.  So it should help the housing crunch.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: dolphina on June 29, 2021, 04:08:22 PM
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It also opens up many more hotels that people can stay at.  Up at UTC alone there are a few that are within walking distance of the station.  So it should help the housing crunch.
That is great news.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: lowgun on March 21, 2022, 08:45:25 AM
looking at booking amtrak back to OC and found santa fe depot station is closest to gaslamp. Does the tram in gas lamp go to that station? or will i need to uber/lyft there? Whats the name of the tram that passes by gaslamp

Thanks!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: SteveD on March 21, 2022, 08:56:05 AM
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looking at booking amtrak back to OC and found santa fe depot station is closest to gaslamp. Does the tram in gas lamp go to that station? or will i need to uber/lyft there? Whats the name of the tram that passes by gaslamp

Thanks!
The tram is the SDMTS Trolley, https://www.sdmts.com/schedules-real-time-maps-and-routes/trolley (https://www.sdmts.com/schedules-real-time-maps-and-routes/trolley).
From gaslamp, take the Green Line Trolley to Santa Fe Depot, https://www.sdmts.com/schedules-real-time?fragment=green_line (https://www.sdmts.com/schedules-real-time?fragment=green_line).
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: marcia29 on April 11, 2022, 08:53:07 AM
I have a confession to make about taking the trolley. Sometimes I forgot to pay for a ticket and just hopped on. It was so crowded, and the excitement level was so high.  Truly.  ::) 🌹
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: kimchi_paradise on May 25, 2022, 12:53:35 AM
If we want to take some time to go to the beach or the San Diego Zoo, what are some of the best ways to get there from a downtown hotel? We were initially at Hotel Republic, which although not as close to the convention center as our current hotel (Solamar), was only 1 block away from the trolley. Will the trolley get us there? Or would it be better to drive? Now that we are downtown, I feel like it would be harder for us to get out of the gaslamp in order to get to places out of the con scene like that. Anyone have any experience doing that?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: SteveD on May 25, 2022, 05:13:46 AM
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If we want to take some time to go to the beach or the San Diego Zoo, what are some of the best ways to get there from a downtown hotel? We were initially at Hotel Republic, which although not as close to the convention center as our current hotel (Solamar), was only 1 block away from the trolley. Will the trolley get us there? Or would it be better to drive? Now that we are downtown, I feel like it would be harder for us to get out of the gaslamp in order to get to places out of the con scene like that. Anyone have any experience doing that?
If you don't want to use ride share, you can catch the 7 line bus at Broadway and 6th and take it towards University & College to get to the Zoo. It should be an easy ride.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: kimchi_paradise on May 25, 2022, 09:06:50 AM
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If you don't want to use ride share, you can catch the 7 line bus at Broadway and 6th and take it towards University & College to get to the Zoo. It should be an easy ride.

Thank you!!! We will try that out!!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: sessionka on June 10, 2022, 11:42:07 AM
Don't know if this is the right place, but...  Trolley wraps are up!!!   :)


https://sdccblog.com/2022/06/san-diego-trolleys-get-wrapped-up-for-san-diego-comic-con-2022/
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: marcia29 on June 10, 2022, 11:53:16 AM
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Don't know if this is the right place, but...  Trolley wraps are up!!!   :)


https://sdccblog.com/2022/06/san-diego-trolleys-get-wrapped-up-for-san-diego-comic-con-2022/

I have no idea who the characters are in that show, however..YAY! SDCC wraps are back on track!!
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: SteveD on June 10, 2022, 12:06:16 PM
SDMTS tweet indicates that this is one of forty wraps for this year.  :)

https://twitter.com/sdmts/status/1535309654976172034 (https://twitter.com/sdmts/status/1535309654976172034)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: RSilvaConFan on June 21, 2022, 07:01:37 AM
Does anyone have experience riding the trolley from Old Town to Comic-con and then back at the end of the day?  I know it will be crowded - but is it manageable?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: marcia29 on June 21, 2022, 07:18:23 AM
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Does anyone have experience riding the trolley from Old Town to Comic-con and then back at the end of the day?  I know it will be crowded - but is it manageable?

We actually preferred riding the trolley from that area rather than the shuttles.  They were crowded at times, yet they came on pretty frequent intervals.  And the trolley stops closer to the convention center than it looks like the shuttles will this year.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on June 29, 2022, 12:55:41 PM
Disney is offering 6 months of Uber One membership for Disney+ subscribers.  It may save you a little on rides.

https://www.disneyplus.com/welcome/uber-one
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: chocolateshake on June 29, 2022, 01:04:07 PM
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Does anyone have experience riding the trolley from Old Town to Comic-con and then back at the end of the day?  I know it will be crowded - but is it manageable?

Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: SamTurtledove on July 18, 2022, 12:54:47 PM
MTS - Know Before You Go to '22 SDCC

https://youtu.be/_W0Y8CJMnk4

Attention all cosplayers! We're excited to welcome everyone back to the 2022 San Diego Comic-Con this July. Watch this video to learn what's new with MTS services and what has changed since the 2019 #SDCC.


https://www.sdmts.com/rider-info/events/comic-con


Comic-Con Day Passes - Pay with PRONTO

Comic-Con transit passes will be available through the new PRONTO fare system. For the fastest service, download the PRONTO app on your Apple or Android devices. PRONTO cards will be available at ticket machines, but crowds may cause significant delays. There will be no manual sales of tickets at this year’s Comic-Con event. Passengers must use the PRONTO app or purchase a fare at the PRONTO ticket machine.

Comic-Con Day Passes: Download early, then activate by tapping or scanning when you board! Please double check the validity dates when purchasing Comic-Con multi-day transit passes:


5-Day Pass: $20
July 20-24


4-Day Pass: $16
July 21-24

3-Day Pass: $13
July 22-24


2-Day Pass: $10
July 23-24

Just coming for the day? Load money to your PRONTO app/card and be sure to tap or scan on a validator before you board. Two hours of transfers are free when riding with PRONTO!


Trolley Service to SDCC

Getting to Comic-Con ★

Service to the Convention Center and 12th & Imperial will be provided on both the Special Event Line and Green Line Trolleys; or you can take the UC San Diego Blue Line or Orange Line to 12th & Imperial.

Special Event Line:NEW! A special Trolley line will operate between the Balboa Avenue Transit Center and 12th & Imperial Transit Center every 15 minutes, Thursday July 21, through Sunday, July 24, to help with extra Comic-Con passengers. The Special Event Line will serve UC San Diego Blue Line stations between Balboa Avenue and Santa Fe Depot, and then will continue along the Green Line path between Santa Fe Depot and 12th & Imperial (see map on interior).

(https://www.sdmts.com/sites/default/files/trolleysystemmap_comiccon-2022_downtown-sm.jpg)

Special Event Line

WEDNESDAY NO SERVICE

THURS/FRI/SAT

Every 15 minutes starting at Balboa at 6:55am

Last trip from Gaslamp (10:35pm)

SUNDAY

Every 15 minutes starting at Balboa at 655am,

Last trip from Gaslamp (7:05pm)

Other trolley info and map downloads at link





(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220718/f760faf793c61673ebeec2f36ee4ecc5.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220718/78ae9582b7cad8baaff049f0831ad4cf.jpg)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: backseat on July 19, 2022, 09:03:35 AM
I am having problems buying the comiccon transport pass on the pronto app.  It wont process any credit cards today?  Anyone else having this problem?
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: SamTurtledove on July 19, 2022, 09:58:19 AM
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I am having problems buying the comiccon transport pass on the pronto app.  It wont process any credit cards today?  Anyone else having this problem?

Try logging in to the website

https://www.ridepronto.com/



5 day pass = Wed - Sun
4 day oass = Thu Fri Sat Sun
3 day pass = Fri Sat Sun
2 day pass = Sar Sun


Contact info below.

Quote
How Do I Load Money to My PRONTO Card or App?

Riders can load money to PRONTO through the mobile app or online at ridePRONTO.com; over the phone at 619-595-5636; and in-person at ticket vending machines, participating retail outlets, or at the MTS Transit Store or NCTD Customer Service Centers.

Edited image and info above


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220719/e5dd441e4d317bc247963c3f4df0ed91.jpg)

Added


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220719/7902a26528bd0a42a8704a791cfeba9e.jpg)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: SteveD on July 19, 2022, 12:45:37 PM
There is no need to load money into Pronto to buy the special Comic-Con passes, just open the Pronto App and, from the hamburger menu, select Manage, and then Add Passes. You can buy any number of days, and it is charged directly to your stored credit card.

For normal MTS rides, you would need to have money loaded onto your virtual Pronto Card.

My son installed the app and purchased the passes about an hour ago with no issue.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Mel on July 19, 2022, 02:16:19 PM
I'm pretty sure the sdcc passes are at a discount. They always were, in the past, cheaper than just buying single days.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: ratcub on June 29, 2023, 08:39:54 AM
anyone who used uber or lyft or taxi last year (2022) - where were you able to be dropped-off and picked-up.
How long was the wait after daily closing usually?
I use a knee scooter, mobility issues, so the closer I can be dropped off the easier for me.
was not able to buy parking at convention center or bayfront..

Thanks
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Transmute Jun on June 29, 2023, 08:40:28 AM
I believe that the Uber/Lyft dropoff place is the MGH.
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: perc2100 on June 29, 2023, 10:50:07 AM
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Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.

This is _GREAT_ advice, and I do this often when taking to trolly to Padres games.  It's a bit of an extra walk from the Gaslamp stop, but for an uber crowded event like SDCC it'll be worth it.

Remember, everyone, the trolly system has revamped their system a bit, so if you dl'ed the app last year it's no longer in use.  Go here for any trolly info: https://www.sdmts.com/fares/pronto
This year I've used to the trolly to go to some Wave soccer games (the NWSL soccer team), and was caught off guard the first time.  Once you have the app (or card, I guess, though when I caught the trolly at Fashion Valley mall the card dispenser wasn't working and phone app was the only way), it's an incredibly simple process.  There'll be discounted SDCC prices for folks who are using the trolly all week, which is going to definitely be the way to go.  For Wave games at the new Snapdragon Stadium, you have to scan your phone upon exiting the trolly after the ride, in what can be a fairly arduous experience (for a packed game, albeit only around 25-28k at the most when I've gone); I don't know what they have in the Gaslamp for this kind of thing - if everyone coming to Gaslamp/Convention Center trolly stop for SDCC will have to scan their phone in front of security or not (hopefully not).  In the past, I've admittedly _forgotten_ to activate tix that I've bought, and if a cop isn't checking that can be easy to do in some situations.  This is obviously better for the MTS, though sometimes tedious for its customers (though, again, not a _HUGE_ deal for Wave games & I've not gone to a Padre game yet this season on the trolly).

Here's info on the trolly system: https://sdccblog.com/2023/06/mts-extends-service-for-san-diego-comic-con-2023/  (https://sdccblog.com/2023/06/mts-extends-service-for-san-diego-comic-con-2023/)
Title: Re: Post your questions about public transportation here
Post by: Wkdbriss on August 04, 2023, 12:00:57 PM
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There'll be discounted SDCC prices for folks who are using the trolley all week, which is going to definitely be the way to go.

Here's info on the trolly system: https://sdccblog.com/2023/06/mts-extends-service-for-san-diego-comic-con-2023/  (https://sdccblog.com/2023/06/mts-extends-service-for-san-diego-comic-con-2023/)

Those prices were GOLD! It was $16/person for 4 days of unlimited rides during SDCC. We used it extensively and it was a life-saver for attending parties at Parq and for getting to the Jurassic Park location.