LIFT Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does NCTD's LIFT Paratransit service operate?

• LIFT operates during the same days and hours that the fixed-route system operates.
• LIFT serves the same areas that the BREEZE fixed route buses serve:
  
  • For example if a fixed route is not operating within a certain area, then paratransit also may be unavailable.
  • If a fixed-route operates in a certain area from 8:00am to 4:30pm, then LIFT ADA Paratransit Service is available to be used during these times, but no earlier or later than these times.
  • As service changes occur throughout the year and fixed-routes are either modified or enhanced, then this also changes the footprint of the ADA Service Area.
  • NCTD BREEZE buses serve the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, Solana Beach, San Marcos, Vista, Camp Pendleton, Fallbrook and other portions of Northern San Diego County.
  • You can also transfer to San Diego (MTS Access) and Orange County's paratransit services (OCTA Access).
  • Click here to download NCTD ADA Service Area Map.

What does "curb-to-curb" service mean?

"Curb-to-curb" service means we ask you to be at the curb, ready to board the LIFT vehicle.What if I need Personal Care Attendant (PCA)?
Passengers with special needs above and beyond what an operator is able to provide may travel with a PCA. If you will require the assistance of a personal care attendant (PCA) to travel, please indicate this on your ADA Paratransit application. According to the ADA, a PCA is defined as someone designated or employed specifically to help the eligible individual meet his or her needs. If that need is verified, our certification letter will specify that a PCA may travel with you free of charge. If you do not meet the criteria for a PCA, you may opt to take a paying companion with you; such reservations are on a space available basis. 

When may I expect LIFT?

LIFT vehicles will arrive any time within a 20-minute "ready-time" window. Drivers are required to wait five minutes after this ready time window has begun.

• For example, if your reservation is between 9 am and 9:20 am, and the vehicle arrives before the "ready time" has started, the driver will wait until 5 minutes after the ready time has started. When they arrive within the 20-minute window, or if LIFT is late, drivers will wait 5 minutes for you to board the vehicle. Passengers always have the option of leaving early if the bus arrives before the window time, if they choose to.

Will the driver come to my door?

No. You must be out at the curb waiting for the LIFT bus at the start of the "ready time."

What if I'm late or miss my pick-up?

If you do not arrive within the 5-minute wait time, the driver will mark you as a "No-Show" and will depart the location. LIFT is not required to call you when the vehicle arrives or before it leaves your location. NOTE: Passengers with a "late cancellation" and/or a "no-show" will still be charged for the scheduled trip. $3.50 is due at the time of the next pick-up. A "late cancellation" is when a person calls to cancel a scheduled trip less than one hour before that scheduled trip. A "no-show" is when a person makes a reservation and then is not ready at the scheduled place and time.

May I connect from a bus to LIFT?

Yes you can, but only if you are ADA Certified passenger. With your Paratransit Reduced Fare I.D. card you can ride on BREEZE buses or SPRINTER trains for free, but you will have to pay your regular LIFT fee. 

What if I transfer from LIFT to the COASTER?

When you board LIFT, ask the driver for a transfer for the COASTER. Retain the transfer. With it, you will not need to pay an additional fare to ride the COASTER.

May I utilize NCTD's other services?

Yes. When you have been certified to ride NCTD's ADA Paratransit, bring: 1) your letter and 2) an ID that has your picture and name on it to the Oceanside Transit Store in the Oceanside Transit Center. We will take your photo and issue you an NCTD Paratransit Reduced Fare I.D. Card. This card allows you to board BREEZE buses and SPRINTER trains for free. If a passenger requires a Personal Care Attendant (PCA), the PCA can also ride free when accompanying the passenger with the disability.