Proposals to be voted on by SANDAG's Transportation Committee in the coming months for final approval
San Diego – The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors and the North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD) Board of Directors today recommended the first significant fare increase since 2009. The agencies, which share a fare system (PRONTO), proposed the changes to help address their respective financial sustainability strategies. The final proposals from MTS and NCTD are expected to be brought to a vote by the San Diego Association of Governments' (SANDAG) Transportation Committee for final fare ordinance adoption anticipated for May and June.
If approved by SANDAG, fare increases are expected to take effect this fall in a phased approach over two years, lessening the initial impact on transit riders. The second increase will be implemented in the fall of 2027. These fare increases are part of a wider set of strategies to push out a fiscal cliff in order to identify sustainable long-term funding solutions that preserve vital transit service for San Diego.
In the recommendation, MTS and NCTD monthly passes would increase from $72 to $85 for adults and from $23 to $28 for senior, disabled and Medicare recipient (SDM) riders later this year. During phase two in fall of 2027, monthly passes would increase to $95 for adults and $30 for SDM. NCTD COASTER passes will change from a zone model to a flat-fare model this fall. COASTER one-way fares would reflect the current Zone 3 price of $6.50 for adults and $3.25 for SDM riders, while monthly COASTER passes would increase to $185 for adults and $60 for SDM riders.
Additional changes to a variety of other MTS and NCTD services would also apply. A detailed breakdown of the proposed fare increases for the agencies can be found on the April 16 MTS Board of Directors meeting agenda (page 516) and NCTD Board of Directors meeting agenda (page 161).
Several factors have contributed to the current financial challenges facing MTS and NCTD, many of which mirror trends impacting transit agencies nationwide. These factors include rising workforce costs, higher operating expenses, flat sales tax revenues and limited local funding.
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.
About NCTD
The North County Transit District is a public transportation agency providing critical multi-modal services throughout North San Diego County and into downtown San Diego. NCTD is designated as a rail common carrier by the Surface Transportation Board based on the movement of interstate commerce on the tracks and the Railroad of Record by the Federal Railroad Administration responsible for safety over the entire San Diego portion of the LOSSAN corridor, the nation's second largest passenger rail network. NCTD's system includes BREEZE buses (with FLEX service), COASTER commuter trains, SPRINTER hybrid rail trains, LIFT paratransit service, and NCTD+ On-demand and is one of only three public transit agencies in the nation to operate heavy rail, hybrid rail, and bus service. For more information visit: GoNCTD.com.
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