News Release

Beginning May 1, anyone 18 and under will be able to ride the bus, Trolley, COASTER, and SPRINTER for free through the new SANDAG Youth Opportunity Pass pilot program. Eligible riders will need a Youth PRONTO app account or card to participate in the program. The Youth Opportunity Pass program is the first of its kind in the San Diego region.

SANDAG is partnering with Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), North County Transit District (NCTD), and the County of San Diego to launch the Youth Opportunity Pass pilot program. This effort is part of the SANDAG Transit Equity Pilot, which will help achieve a key goal of the 2021 Regional Plan to create a more equitable region by ensuring that safe, healthy, and accessible opportunities are available to everyone.

The pilot includes:

• Free transit rides for anyone 18 and under from May 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023 (Youth Opportunity Pass Pilot Program)
• Increased transit service on weeknight and weekend routes in traditionally under-served areas of the region, estimated to begin in late 2022
• Collaboration with Community Based Organizations throughout the San Diego region to distribute Youth Opportunity Passes to youth and to educate residents on the existing and added services in their areas
• A research study to evaluate the benefits of the pilot program