What to know about San Diego’s public transit fare increase and discount programs
New MTS fares take effect Oct. 1 with reduced rates available for qualifying low-income, senior, disabled and youth riders.
Written by Emma Chen, Edited by Kate Morrissey
San Diego transit fares will increase for most riders beginning Oct. 1, but a new reduced-fare program will allow some low-income riders to continue paying current prices.
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit - San Diego Railroad will raise standard adult fares as part of the first phase of a two-year fare adjustment, increasing the cost of one-way trips, daily fare caps and monthly passes.
For riders who rely on public transit for work, school, appointments and other daily needs, the fare increase could add up quickly. A rider who reaches the monthly fare cap, for example, will pay $13 more per month beginning in October.
Under the new fare structure, the cost of a standard one-way MTS and North County trips will rise from $2.50 to $3, and the daily fare cap will increase from $6 to $7. An adult regional monthly pass will increase from $72 to $85. Senior, disabled and Medicare riders will also see their one-way fare increase from $1.25 to $1.50 and their monthly pass increase from $23 to $28.
The San Diego Association of Governments approved the changes in July after MTS and North County Transit conducted a regional fare study and gathered public feedback. SANDAG described the change as the region’s first significant fare increase since 2009.
The Oct. 1 increase marks the first phase of the fare changes. Beginning Oct. 1, 2027, adult one-way fares will rise again to $3.25 while the regional monthly pass will increase to $95.
Some low-income riders can avoid the increase
Alongside the higher fares, MTS and North County Transit will launch the PRONTO Low-Income Fare Eligible program, or PRONTO LIFE, on Oct.1, which will allow qualifying riders to continue paying current adult fare prices instead of the increased rates.
Riders enrolled in PRONTO LIFE will pay $2.50 for a one-way trip, with a $6 daily cap and a $72 monthly pass. MTS estimates about 34,000 transit pass holders may qualify for the program.
To qualify, riders must currently receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal or CalWORKs benefits and cannot already participate in another MTS or North County Transit reduced-fare program. The discount applies to regional MTS and North County buses and trolleys but does not cover COASTER, Rapid Express, Rural, Access or LIFT services.
Applicants must provide a current Verification of Benefits letter showing active enrollment in CalFresh, Medi-Cal or CalWORKs, along with a valid ID.
Riders can apply online through their PRONTO accounts or in person at the MTS Transit Store located at the 12th and Imperial Transit Center at 1255 Imperial Ave. or a North County customer service location.
Applicants must also submit a signed Authorization for Release of Information to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency so the county can verify their enrollment. Riders can submit the authorization through BenefitsCal, at a county Family Resource Center, by mail or by fax.
Applications are already open, and approved riders will begin receiving the reduced rate when the new fares take effect on Oct. 1. Monthly passes became available for purchase on Sept. 20.
Other reduced-fare options
PRONTO LIFE is not the only program that can lower transportation costs for San Diego riders.
Seniors 65 and older, Medicare recipients and qualifying people with disabilities can apply for MTS’ existing reduced-fare program. Riders must provide documentation proving their eligibility.
San Diegans 18 and younger can also continue riding MTS and North County services for free through the Youth Opportunity Pass, which runs through June 30, 2027. Eligible riders need a Youth PRONTO app account or physical Youth PRONTO card to participate.
