Follow @mmprides

About the Travel Training Program

The NCTD Travel Training program is a peer mentoring program for adults (age 18-59) and older adults (age 60+) who are actively participating in mental health services in North San Diego County.  Through the assistance of trained and qualified Volunteer Peer Travel Trainers, mental health consumers learn all of the ins and outs of using public transit -- BREEZE buses, SPRINTER, and COASTER trains and select MTS transit routes.

The newly created program is funded by the County of San Diego, Behavioral Health Division and assists program participants to overcome isolation and maintain their mobility by reducing barriers to transportation. Are you fearful or confused about using Public Transportation? The Travel Training Program will give you the support and confidence you need to use public transit successfully. You can get out again and do the things you enjoy most!

Still driving? That’s OK. Individuals who still drive but want to learn more about transportation options can participate. Using the transit system allows drivers to avoid crowded and fast-paced freeways and costs less than driving your automobile.

Who Qualifies?

Are you:

• A resident of North San Diego County?
• Participating in individual or group counseling services?
• A Mental Health Club House member?
• Participating in a County Mental Health program?
• Taking prescribed medication to relieve emotional, behavioral or mental discomforts?
• Participating in mental health services provided by a social service agency or private practitioner?
• Residing in a County Mental Health funded housing program (e.g. transitional housing, board and care, etc)

There are lots of ways to qualify. Give the Mobility Management Program a call and see if you qualify.

Why Participate?

• The NCTD Travel Training Program will give you greater independence, reliable transportation options, greater access to shopping, medical appointments and social activities.
• Participating in the program will help you gain the confidence to travel safely using public transportation.
• Volunteer Travel Trainers will receive a monthly travel pass permitting unlimited travel free of charge on any North County Transit District service during the month(s) they serve as volunteers.
• Trainees will be provided complimentary day passes for use during travel training excursions and a monthly pass upon successful completion of training

How it Works

• Your own Travel Trainer will be with you every step of the way. He or she will be available to help you learn how to use NCTD's transit system first-hand. You will get out with your Travel Trainer multiple times before going out on your own.
• Planning Your Trip - Your Travel Trainer will walk you through the steps to plan a trip, including how to read the bus/train schedules. The Travel Training will introduce you to the on-line Trip Planner and 511 phone service.
• Getting on Board - Learn about boarding procedures, paying your fare, and the special accessible features of the transit system.
• Exiting the Bus - Learn how to let the driver know your stop is coming up and how to safely exit the bus.
• Personal Assistance - Your Travel Trainer will help answer questions as you take your ride and show you how to transfer between transit vehicles.
• Next Step - Plan your trip home or to another destination. During these one-on-one training sessions, your Travel Trainer will teach you what you need to know to travel independently on the system in the future.

How to Sign Up

Would you like to know more about how to get around using NCTD transit services? Why not sign up to be matched with a Travel Trainer?  Contact us at (760) 966-6561 or click here to request application materials.

Are you a “transit savvy” mental health consumer? Would you like to help others learn to use public transit by becoming a Volunteer Travel Trainer? Please contact us at (760) 966-6561 or Click here to request application materials

You may also contact us by mail to request application materials at: Mobility Management Program, 810 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054.

For further information Contact

Transportation Coordinator
Phone: (760) 966-6561
Email: nctdttp@nctd.org