Download card artwork and b-roll here
Limited-edition card celebrates Black leaders, culture, and history across generations
San Diego – When people tap a PRONTO card to ride San Diego’s transit system, they can now tap into a slice of American history at the same time. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is celebrating Black History Month by introducing a customized fare payment card featuring prominent Black American leaders. The commemorative card is part of the agency’s PRONTO Community Celebration Program.
Starting Jan. 16 and through February 2026, transit riders will have the opportunity to obtain the Black History Month PRONTO card, just in time for Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend.
“Public transit connects people and communities, and this PRONTO card reflects that connection,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember. “By honoring Black history and the contributions of influential Black Americans, MTS is celebrating the leaders who shaped the history of our city and our country.”
The commemorative card was designed by local artist and MTS’s Manager of Rail Facilities Ibn Edwards. The card features and honors influential Black Americans, like the Tuskegee Airmen, Jimi Hendrix, Jackie Robinson, Mae Jemison, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Edwards’ father, Eddie Edwards, who was also an established artist from San Diego. Edwards titled the artwork “American Sketches.”
“This card is meaningful to me because it’s a reminder that Black history is woven into the very fabric of American history, shaping its past, present, and future,” said Ibn Edwards. “This illustration honors visionaries whose talent, leadership, and courage have shaped the American story, because Black history is American history. I truly appreciate the opportunity to continue expressing my creativity and bringing talent beyond my day-to-day role into my work at MTS.”
Inspired by his own father, Edwards used the montage technique that helps tell a story through the artwork itself. The technique was used by his father through several series of art pieces that focused on Black history, culture and iconic figures.
“Recognizing Black history is an essential part of American history, and this commemorative PRONTO card helps ensure those stories are seen, remembered, and celebrated,” said Monica Montgomery Steppe, MTS Board Chair Pro Tem and San Diego County Supervisor. “The PRONTO Community Celebration Program reflects MTS’s commitment to honoring the communities that make our region strong.”
Riders looking to add the Black History Month PRONTO card to their wallet will have an opportunity to receive one (while supplies last) at the 44th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in downtown San Diego along Harbor Drive.
Additionally, the limited-edition PRONTO cards are available for sale starting Jan. 16 at the MTS Transit Store and ticket-vending machines at select Trolley stations. People can also call PRONTO Support to purchase a card over the phone (619-595-5636). Full details on how to purchase a limited-edition Black History Month PRONTO card can be found at sdmts.com/commemorative-card-program.
The PRONTO Community Celebration Program is designed to highlight and celebrate the various communities of San Diego, focusing on the people, partners, and cultures that make the transit system and region thrive.
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 2025, MTS served more than 81 million riders. 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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