San Diego Commute: Holiday Transit Schedules and Light Traffic for President’s Day

Commuter Overview for Monday, February 16

San Diego residents can expect a significantly lighter commute this morning as the region observes President's Day. With schools, most government offices, and financial institutions closed, traffic volumes on major arteries such as the I-5, I-15, and I-8 are lower than typically seen on a Monday morning. However, those relying on public transportation should be aware of several holiday-specific schedule changes and service reductions currently in effect throughout the county.

MTS Holiday Service and Vintage Trolley

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is operating on a Saturday service schedule today. While most bus and Trolley routes are running, several high-frequency commuter lines and specialized services are suspended for the holiday. Commuters should take note of the following service changes:

• Rapid Express Routes: There is no service today for Routes 280 or 290.
• Rural Routes: Routes 888, 891, 892, and 894 are not in operation.
• Administrative Closures: The Transit Store, PRONTO Support Center, and Customer Service offices are closed today. MTS Information and Trip Planning remains available with modified hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As a special holiday highlight, the Silver Line Vintage Trolley is operating today on the downtown loop. Passengers can experience a piece of local history by riding the iconic 1001 U2 car, which departs from the 12th & Imperial Transit Center every hour from 9:07 a.m. until the final trip at 5:07 p.m. Standard fares apply for the vintage service.

NCTD and North County Updates

The North County Transit District (NCTD) is also running on a modified holiday schedule for the COASTER, SPRINTER, and BREEZE bus systems. Travelers are encouraged to check the specific holiday timetable before heading to the station. Additionally, rail commuters should begin preparing for a significant service interruption next weekend. A full coastal rail shutdown is scheduled for February 21-22, 2026, to allow for routine maintenance and major infrastructure upgrades between Oceanside and downtown San Diego. No COASTER service will be available during that period.

Roadwork and Caltrans Projects

While major construction activities are often scaled back on federal holidays to accommodate holiday travel, several long-term projects continue to impact local transit corridors. In the South Bay, Caltrans is progressing with a major $235 million rehabilitation project on the I-805. Drivers should stay alert for ongoing preparations for new auxiliary lanes and drainage improvements between H Street and Telegraph Canyon Road. Looking ahead, commuters who use the I-5 near La Jolla should prepare for evening lane closures at Gilman Drive later this week, starting Friday, February 20.

General Commuter Tips

For those driving today, parking meters within the City of San Diego are not enforced, though restrictions for 'Yellow Zones' and other special zones still apply. Safe travels on this holiday Monday, and remember that regular weekday transit service will resume tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17.