VisitCarlsbad is Carlsbad’s destination marketing organization. The goal is to promote Carlsbad as a top tier leisure and group/business destination. “VisitCarlsbad” has recently launched a new visitor ridership program called Carlsbad Good Ride Program. The Program offers an alternative to more expensive cabs and Uber/Lyft.
The focus of the Carlsbad Good Ride program is to provide FREE rides for visitors from their hotels to key destinations in Carlsbad. Destinations can include Carlsbad Village, shopping, dining, and more.
The Carlsbad Good Ride Program is provided through Ride Circuit, a shuttle service that offers eco-friendly rides in electric cars.
Ride Circuit currently operates in 30+ markets in 7 states plus Washington, DC. (see locations). No doubt there will be more added.
HOW THE GOOD RIDE PROGRAM WORKS
Rides are arranged via the Circuit App which is an easy download for your Smartphones (Android Play Store; iPhone App Store). Visitors can also make Good Ride arrangements through the front desk or concierge at their hotels.
Lastly, you can flag down a driver if you see a Good Ride vehicle. But keep in mind there must be a safe and legal place for them to stop for a pick-up.
Using the Circuit App you simply select a pick-up and drop-off location. Be aware that ridership may be shared. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles may also be requested. In some areas there may be a small fee, but the goal for Circuit is to find subsidies through the host cities, transportation partners, and advertisers.
Rides cannot be reserved in advance but are on-demand.
Check out the FAQs for more information on how the program works (e.g., bringing pets; young children and car seats).
The Carlsbad Good Ride Program operates 9/1 through 3/31 Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am until 8 pm.
From 4/1 through 8/31 the program operates every day from 10 am until 10 pm. Hours may be varied depending on consumer demand.
This is a pretty cool program to benefit our visitors, and my guess is that it will be very popular and get quite busy. No doubt the summer and holidays when lots of visitors are in town will be particularly busy.