Youth passes discounted, fare system simplified
SAN DIEGO – Today, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) recommended the first changes to fares since 2009 and approved a contract with INIT, Innovations in Transportation, Inc. to develop and implement a new fare collection system. The fare change recommendations will go to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) for approval in early 2019.
MTS Chair Georgette Gómez said, “Change is hard, but today’s MTS decision on fare changes and a new fare-collection system is needed. Fares haven’t changed since 2009 and the system hasn’t kept up with how San Diegans want to use transit. We need to make it easier to use transit as a real mobility alternative. Fortunately, youth passes will be more affordable, there will be a new discounted day pass for youth and Senior/Disabled/Medicare riders, and the new fare-collection system will modernize San Diego bringing us closer to the experience of transit-forward cities.”
The recommended fare changes include a reduction in the cost of youth passes from $36 to $23, the introduction of a $3 Day pass for youth and Senior/Disabled/Medicare riders, and will simplify the fare structure to enable a new account-based fare collection system. Early proposals for fare changes included an $8 increase for monthly passes for Senior/Disabled/Medicare riders, however as a result of public input the recommendations was amended to a $5 increase.
INIT has developed a similar fare collection system for Portland, Oregon. The new fare collection system will calculate the best-possible fare for the rider, providing an easy tap-and-ride experience with no need for day passes or monthly passes. It will also expand the retail network to hundreds of outlets allowing easy access to fare cards. Riders will also be able to manage their accounts in real-time with easy-to-use website and mobile phone applications.
About MTS
MTS operates 95 bus routes and three Trolley lines on 53 miles of double-tracked railway. Every weekday 300,000 passenger trips are taken on MTS bus and Trolley services in 10 cities and the county. In FY 2018, MTS served 86 million riders. For more information on how you can use public transportation and save money, go to www.sdmts.com.
About INIT
As a worldwide leading supplier of integrated ITS and ticketing systems for buses, light rail, and trains. INIT has been assisting companies in making public transit more attractive, faster, and more efficient for over 35 years.
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Council President Gómez represents the Ninth Council District of the City of San Diego, which includes the communities of Alvarado Estates, City Heights, College Area, College View Estates, El Cerrito, Kensington, Mountain View, Mt. Hope, Rolando, Southcrest, and Talmadge.
