Study will Examine Possible Shuttle Line from New Encinitas to Downtown

Encinitas city staff is moving forward with plans for a study that will look at the feasibility of a locally operated shuttle service that would run mostly along El Camino Real and Encinitas Boulevard.

A $100,000 grant from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will fund the study for this potential shuttle line, which would aim to connect New Encinitas residents with the downtown and coastal area. The idea is that the people who would use this service would want it for convenience — not necessarily because they don’t have other options. 

Wednesday night, Encinitas City Council gave city staff the OK to start requesting proposals from consultants for this study. 

City staff was also directed to make sure consultants consider the pending General Plan Update, which calls for mixed-use developments along El Camino Real, where the shuttle would travel along. 

Once proposals for this study are submitted, Council will have the final vote on which consultant is hired.