The Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District are transitioning to the Compass Card—smart card technology that allows you to simply tap your pass and board.

Premium Express buses and the COASTER began using the Compass Cards on May 1, and MTS plans to start transitioning users on local/urban buses and the Trolley to the Compass Card soon.

Benefits of the Compass Card

• Keeps transit moving on time because it is fast to tap and go.

• Allows riders to decide when the month starts with a 30-day rolling pass.

• Reloadable at a ticket vending machine, at the Transit Store, by calling 511 and saying "Compass." This can also be set up for automatic withdrawal.

• You can register your Compass Card, so if it is lost, stolen, or damaged, the remaining balance can be transferred to a new card.

• Soon, you'll be able to store value on your card. When a Compass Card loaded with stored value is tapped, the default fare will be deducted from the balance of the card. Stored value can be used on all bus and rail service within the San Diego region.

• Read more at the Compass Card website

The Compass Card is available online, at the Transit Store, or by calling 511 and saying "Compass."

Soon, there will be 56 Vons in San Diego County selling and reloading Compass Cards!