MTS, NCTD Transit Fares Rise in First Major Hike Since 2009 as New Low-Income Discount Program Launches
Adult monthly passes jump from $72 to $85 and single rides from $2.50 to $3; a second increase is scheduled for October 2027 as agencies face budget shortfalls.
San Diego County transit riders are paying more to ride buses, trolleys, and the COASTER as of Oct. 1, the first significant regional fare increase in 17 years. The changes were approved by the SANDAG Board of Directors after months of public outreach led by the Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District.
Under the new fare structure, adult monthly regional MTS and NCTD passes rose from $72 to $85 — an 18 percent increase. Monthly passes for seniors, riders with disabilities, and Medicare recipients increased from $23 to $28. Single-ride adult fares climbed 50 cents to $3, while discounted single-ride fares rose 25 cents to $1.50.
A second round of increases is already scheduled for Oct. 1, 2027, when adult monthly passes will rise again to $95 and discounted monthly passes to $30. Single-ride adult fares will reach $3.25 at that time.
NCTD's COASTER service also shifted from a zone-based fare model to a flat fare: $6.50 one-way for adults and $3.25 for discounted riders. Monthly COASTER passes are now $185 for adults and $60 for discounted riders.
### PRONTO LIFE program launches simultaneously
Alongside the fare increase, MTS and NCTD launched the PRONTO Low-Income Fare Eligible (LIFE) program on Oct. 1. Riders enrolled in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs may qualify for reduced fares that effectively freeze rates at pre-increase levels: $2.50 one-way, a $6 daily cap, and a $72 monthly cap on MTS and NCTD regional bus and Trolley services.
To qualify, riders must submit a Verification of Benefits letter and an Authorization of Release of Information form to the County of San Diego. Applications can be submitted online or in person at the MTS Transit Store at the 12th and Imperial Transit Center.
The fare increases are intended to help the transit agencies maintain service levels as they navigate ongoing budget challenges. SANDAG and the transit agencies conducted a multi-phase study and public feedback process before recommending the changes. MTS provided more than 81 million trips in fiscal year 2026, reaching roughly 95 percent of pre-pandemic ridership.
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