SANDAG Unveils Discount Transit Program For Certain Benefit Recipients

SAN DIEGO, CA — Ahead of transit fares increasing on Oct. 1, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Thursday announced a program intended to keep transit affordable for riders enrolled in certain benefits programs.

The PRONTO Low-Income Fare Eligible Program will give discounted rates to people enrolled in CalFresh, Medi-Cal or CalWORKs who are not already participating in another reduced-fare transit program with MTS or North County Transit - San Diego Railroad

"Public transportation should remain affordable for the people who depend on it most," said Stephen Whitburn, MTS board chair and San Diego City Councilman. "Many of our riders rely on transit to get to work, school, medical appointments, grocery stores and other essential destinations. PRONTO LIFE is an important program that will help keep transportation costs low for thousands of residents throughout our region."

MTS and NCTD estimate there are around 34,000 eligible transit pass holders who may qualify for the program. Applications are now open at sdmts.com/fares/pronto-life-program. Approved participants will begin receiving discounted fares when fares increase on Oct. 1.

"No one should pretend fare increases are painless," said Sean Elo- Rivera, MTS board member and San Diego City Councilman. "For a working mom trying to get to a second job, a senior on a fixed income or a family already choosing between rent, groceries and health care, every dollar matters. PRONTO LIFE is about making sure the riders with the least to give are not asked to carry the heaviest burden. And starting today, riders can enroll in PRONTO LIFE now, before the fare increases go into effect, so they're covered from day one."

Those eligible riders who enroll in PRONTO LIFE will receive reduced fares through their approved PRONTO card or mobile app, including $2.50 one-way fare, $6 day pass and $72 monthly pass. These discounts will apply to MTS buses and Trolley services, as well as NCTD regional bus services, the transit agencies said in a statement.

"Access to affordable transportation can be a lifeline for people who rely on our public transportation system every day," said Monica Montgomery Steppe, vice chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and MTS board chair Pro Tem. "PRONTO LIFE will help people already stretching every dollar afford to get to work, the grocery store and other places they need to go."

In July, the San Diego Association of Governments Board of Directors approved the transit fare increases -- the first significant one since 2009.

The increases will be implemented over two years, with the first taking effect Oct. 1, followed by that same date in 2027.

This fall, monthly MTS and NCTD passes will increase from $72 to $85 for adults and from $23 to $28 for senior, disabled and Medicare recipient riders. NCTD COASTER passes will change from a zone model to a flat-fare model. COASTER one-way fares will reflect the current Zone 3 price of $6.50 for adults and $3.25 for SDM riders. Monthly COASTER passes will increase to $185 for adults and $60 for SDM riders.

The approved fare changes will not affect the Youth Opportunity Pass, which allows anyone 18 and under to ride transit for free with a Youth PRONTO app account or card.

For the second increase in fall 2027, monthly MTS and NCTD passes will increase to $95 for adults and $30 for SDM riders.

— City News Service