New reduced-fare program provides discounts for individuals enrolled in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs
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San Diego – The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) announced the launch of the PRONTO Low-Income Fare Eligible (LIFE) Program, a new reduced-fare designed to help keep public transportation affordable for eligible riders across San Diego County.
"Public transportation should remain affordable for the people who depend on it most," said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember. "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."
The program will provide discounted transit fares to individuals 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 (NCTD). The transit agencies estimate there are approximately 34,000 eligible transit pass holders who may qualify for PRONTO LIFE. Applications are now open, and approved participants will begin receiving discounted fares when regional fare adjustments take effect on Oct. 1, 2026.
"No one should pretend fare increases are painless," said Sean Elo-Rivera, MTS Board Member and San Diego City Councilmember. "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."
"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."
Eligible riders enrolled in PRONTO LIFE will receive reduced fares through their approved PRONTO card or PRONTO mobile app account, including $2.50 one-way fare, $6 day pass and $72 monthly pass. The discounts apply to MTS buses and Trolley services, as well as NCTD regional bus services.
The launch of PRONTO LIFE coincides with regionwide fare changes scheduled to take effect Oct. 1, the first significant transit fare adjustment since 2009. While the fare changes are necessary to help sustain transit service amid rising operating costs, MTS leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining affordable transportation options for lower-income riders.
Riders can apply for PRONTO LIFE online by visiting RidePRONTO.com. Applicants will be asked to complete a reduced-fare application and upload documentation verifying enrollment in an eligible assistance program. For those who prefer in-person support, applications can also be completed at the MTS Transit Store and NCTD customer service locations throughout San Diego County.
For more information about PRONTO LIFE, eligibility requirements, and application instructions, visit sdmts.com/PRONTO-LIFE.
About MTS
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates 93 bus routes and four Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. MTS is a leader in advancing initiatives to create a greener, cleaner and better-connected transit system in San Diego. Each weekday, more than 250,000 passenger trips are taken throughout the MTS system, taking people to work, school, health appointments and other essential trips. In FY 2026, MTS served more than 81 million riders. In 2026, MTS was recognized by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) as the Outstanding Public Transportation System in North America among agencies providing 50 million or more annual passenger trips. For service schedule updates, news, alerts and more information on how you can use public transportation, go to www.sdmts.com.
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