Frequently Asked Questions

You asked. We answered.

Below are the most frequently asked questions about the Oceanside Transit Center (OTC) project. This FAQs list will continue to grow as we progress through the City review and approval process. Please email us if you have additional questions to add to this list.

Why is transit oriented development important?

Transit oriented development is a critical component to reducing car dependency and consequently, congestion on roadway and greenhouse gas emissions. Transit oriented development connects communities to opportunities, jobs, education and amenities. 

How will this project support regional goals of reducing emissions and other environmental targets? 

It’s not every day a transit center of this size is redeveloped. This is an opportunity to create a world-class facility that will support NCTD operations and position the OTC to continue to serve the community, now and in the future.

With the activation of the OTC, visitors and riders alike will view OTC as a destination where they can work, recreate, and enjoy their leisure time. Upon arrival, riders will find the OTC space to be unique, curated with transit and community centric art displays, green spaces and retail and dining options that speaks to a sense of place and arrival.

The upgrades proposed for OTC will bring improved efficiency to local transit offerings, including bus and train connections and improved bicycle and pedestrian circulation. The new design provides opportunities to leverage advancements in technology, ride-sharing capabilities, e-bike programs, and more to make using public transit more convenient. Creating a mixed-use environment with a modernized transit center also draws in local residents who may not have visited the OTC before. Combined, the revitalization of the site will improve the experience for those choosing to utilize public transit, thereby reducing the number of personally operated vehicles (POV).

Why the decision to include housing?

One of the primary project goals is to redevelop an underutilized site to provide affordable housing near transit and create jobs. The project includes market-rate and affordable housing close to existing shops and services in support of this goal. Combined with the convenient access to public transit, these new apartments are uniquely situated to meet the city’s housing needs and align with regional and statewide goals to encourage alternative modes of transportation.

What is NCTD’s role in this project?

​NCTD is the landowner and partner in this development. NCTD reviews and ultimately, concurs with the designs and plans for the site. 

While Toll Brothers Apartment Living is processing the application and leading the community engagement efforts, NCTD is overseeing the process to ensure that the transit component of the project remains the priority, and that any changes to the OTC meet NCTD’s needs.

Why was Toll Brothers Apartment Living selected over a local developer?

The NCTD Board selected Toll Brothers Apartment Living through a competitive proposal process to develop and implement the vision for this important regional transit hub. The proposal process was reviewed by a panel of community stakeholders and NCTD staff who ultimately determined that Toll Brothers Apartment Living’s vision for the site best met NCTD goals.

How does this project provide a gateway to downtown?

Upon arrival, the OTC will provide a bustling active public space articulated by monumentation, identifiable architectural monuments, and artistic components.  All along wide, bike friendly paseos will be active retail spaces that lead residents, commuters and visitors on foot, car or by bike to downtown.  These retail and public spaces will extend downtown into the transit center creating a seamless experience of shopping, dining and activity.  Connections to downtown are a short 3-5 minute walk along Tremont St. east to Coast Hwy. or by publicly accessible pedestrian pathway just east of the rail line which connects to Mission Ave.

Why is it necessary to relocate the bus stalls?

Best practices in the transit industry provide for a line of sight for transit passengers between modes that reduce the distance between the bus and train platforms.  In 2008, a study entitled, “Site Feasibility and Transit Oriented Development Concept Study,” identified that the Oceanside Transit Center and Escondido Transit Center did not provide for the ideal site configuration in terms of bus to rail connectivity.  For both sites, it was recommended that the site layout provide a “clear line of site between rail and bus areas, between all bus boarding platforms, and from the COASTER central control/security office to all the transit boarding areas.”

Subsequently, in 2019 a project was initiated to study the relocation of the bus loop at OTC.  This study evaluated three alternatives, all of which reconfigured the bus loop to occupy the same north-west footprint from Michigan St. to Missouri St. that is proposed by the Project. Relocation of the bus loop will effectively reduce transfer times from 7-10 minutes walking to 2-5 minutes, which is a significant improvement and benefit for transit riders.

Are there examples of other stations that have bus stalls close to high density housing?

Yes, two examples of bus service located next adjacent to high density housing are the Redmond Transit Center (Redmond, WA- pictured left) and the Sandy Civic Center Station (Sandy, UT - pictured right).

What are the plans to transition to a zero emissions fleet?

NCTD plans to transition its 152-bus fleet to a mix of battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses.  The infrastructure to support this transition is currently underway beginning with the installation of 6 ChargePoint Express charges and the planned construction of a new hydrogen fueling facility in 2023.  Beginning in 2023, the first 6 electric buses were received and will be placed into service by the end of the year.  In 2024, approximately 8 hydrogen fuel cell buses will be placed into service with an anticipated 4 additional buses to be placed into service by 2024.  NCTD anticipates acquiring an additional 13 buses in 2025 and an additional 29 by 2026.

 In accordance with the Statewide goal of transitioning fleets to zero-emission propulsion technology, NCTD is actively phasing in zero emission vehicles into our fleet with a goal to complete the transition by 2042. 

In addition, rail fleet transition is currently under development with initial work on a pilot initiative to begin later this year.

How many parking spaces will there be?

The project proposes 1,771 parking spaces. Parking is included throughout the site, including two levels of subterranean parking, to accommodate the various proposed uses. These spaces are in addition to the city-owned parking structure on Seagaze, which will remain in place for public use.

What is the project timeline?

We will be offering opportunities to provide feedback, ask questions, and learn more about the Project at each phase of the process. We encourage you to be part of the conversation. Estimated development schedule:

• Phase 1: Application and review

• Phase 2: Environmental Analysis in compliance with CEQA (Public circulation of Draft EIR estimated for Spring 2024)

• Phase 3: Public Hearings – Summer 2024

• Phase 4: California Coastal Commission

• Phase 5: Construction – 2025

How do I share my questions/concerns?

Our team is available for one-on-one and small group meetings or you can reach us by email at outreach@osidetransit.com. We look forward to hearing from you!