Frequently Asked Questions
You asked. We answered.
Below are some anticipated questions related to the redevelopment of the Escondido Transit Center. This FAQs list will continue to grow as we progress through the City review and approval process.
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. NCTD is working with private developers, North County cities and the community to revitalize 11 of its existing transit centers. Visit GoNCTD.com/tod for more information.
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 Escondido Transit Center to continue to serve the community, now and in the future.
The upgrades proposed for ETC 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.
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 downtown 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 and Waterford Properties are processing the application and leading the community engagement efforts, NCTD is overseeing the process to ensure the transit components of the project remain the priority, and that any changes to the ETC meet NCTD’s needs.
How were Toll Brothers Apartment Living and Waterford Properties selected?
The NCTD Board selected Toll Brothers Apartment Living and Waterford Properties 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 this development team’s vision for the site best met NCTD goals.
How does this project provide a gateway to downtown?
Upon arrival, the ETC will provide a bustling active public space articulated by monumentation, identifiable architectural monuments, and artistic components. Landscaped paseos will 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.
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.”
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:
In process: Due Diligence
Late 2024: Application submittal and launch of community outreach
2026: City Approvals
2026-2028: Construction
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@escotransit.com. We look forward to hearing from you!