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North County Transit District (NCTD) recently added hours to its Coaster commuter rail service’s Friday night operation through a public/private sponsorship agreement, which enables local companies and organizations to jointly pay for and market public transportation.



The idea for Coaster After Hours came from San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. The service is co-sponsored by Centre City Development Corp., NCTD, Port of San Diego, Anheuser-Busch, Pepsi, Catellus, Flexcar, Castle Advertising and San Diego Magazine.



"The Chamber has long explored ways to bring economic benefits to businesses in fast-growing North County as well as the entire region," said Chamber of Commerce President Jessie Knight Jr. in a prepared statement. "Coaster After Hours allows people who work downtown to stay downtown to have fun on Friday nights without worrying about parking and driving."



NCTD added 8:26 p.m. and 10:55 p.m. departures from Oceanside, Calif., and 9:45 p.m. and 12:05 a.m. departures from San Diego’s Santa Fe Station.



As part of the partnership, a car-sharing service also expanded into San Diego. Beginning Sept. 27, Flexcar members may reserve for hourly use a vehicle at either Santa Fe Train Station or the NBC building.



Flexcar covers the cost of the car, parking, gas, insurance and maintenance. Members pay only hourly or monthly rates.