SAN DIEGO, Calif. — San Diego transit riders are about to face higher fares, but thousands of low-income residents may have a way to soften the impact.
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System announced Thursday that applications are open for the PRONTO Low-Income Fare Eligible Program, also known as PRONTO LIFE, just weeks before the first phase of the region’s approved fare increases takes effect.
The new program is designed for people enrolled in CalFresh, Medi-Cal or CalWORKs who are not already receiving another reduced-fare benefit through MTS or the North County Transit District.
Approved riders will begin receiving their discounted fares when the new rates take effect on Oct. 1.
Stephen Whitburn, MTS board chair and San Diego City Councilman, said keeping public transportation affordable is particularly important for residents who rely on buses and trains for essential daily activities.
“Public transportation should remain affordable for the people who depend on it most,” Whitburn said.
Who Can Get the PRONTO LIFE Discount?
The program is aimed at riders who may have limited household income but still depend heavily on public transportation. MTS and NCTD estimate that approximately 34,000 eligible transit pass holders could qualify for PRONTO LIFE.
People who meet the requirements and are approved will receive reduced fares through their approved PRONTO card or mobile app. The discounted rates include a $2.50 one-way fare, $6 day pass and $72 monthly pass.
Those rates will apply to MTS buses and Trolley services, as well as NCTD regional bus services, giving eligible riders an opportunity to reduce transportation expenses even as standard fares rise.
Sean Elo-Rivera, an MTS board member and San Diego City Councilman, acknowledged that fare increases can put additional pressure on households already managing tight budgets.
“No one should pretend fare increases are painless,” Elo-Rivera said.
He pointed to workers, seniors and families who may already be balancing expenses such as rent, groceries and health care.
Fare Increase Begins October 1
The PRONTO LIFE program comes as San Diego’s transit system prepares for its first significant fare increase since 2009.
In July, the San Diego Association of Governments Board of Directors approved the fare changes, which will be implemented in two stages. The first increase takes effect Oct. 1, followed by another increase on the same date in 2027.
This fall, adult monthly MTS and NCTD passes will rise from $72 to $85. Monthly passes for senior, disabled and Medicare recipient riders will increase from $23 to $28.
NCTD COASTER fares are also changing. The system will move from a zone-based fare structure to a flat-fare model, with one-way COASTER fares set at $6.50 for adults and $3.25 for senior, disabled and Medicare riders.
Monthly COASTER passes will increase to $185 for adults and $60 for SDM riders.
Youth Opportunity Pass Will Not Change
Not every rider will be affected by the upcoming fare changes. The Youth Opportunity Pass, which allows people age 18 and under to ride transit for free with a Youth PRONTO app account or card, will remain unchanged.
That means eligible young riders will continue to have access to free transit even after the October fare changes take effect. For adults and other riders facing higher costs, however, the new PRONTO LIFE program could provide an important financial cushion.
Second Fare Increase Coming in 2027
The region’s fare changes will continue next year, with another increase scheduled for fall 2027. At that point, monthly MTS and NCTD passes are expected to rise to $95 for adults and $30 for senior, disabled and Medicare riders.
For people who qualify for PRONTO LIFE, the newly available discounts could therefore become increasingly important as standard transit costs rise.
MTS officials are encouraging eligible riders to apply ahead of the Oct. 1 increase so that approved participants can have their reduced fares in place when the new rates begin.
Do you think programs like PRONTO LIFE can make transit fare increases easier for low-income riders? Share your thoughts in the comments.
