SANDAG oversees the Comprehensive Fare Ordinance which provides the regional framework for transit fares implemented by the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD). Public input is vital to making updates to regional fares, so SANDAG hosts public hearings whenever fare changes are considered. For any fare changes to be implemented, including fare increases or changes in fare types, the SANDAG Transportation Committee must approve the changes and amend the Comprehensive Fare Ordinance.
In 2021, fare changes were implemented providing for a new regional fare system branded as PRONTO, a reduction of one-way fares for youth, and free transfers with a one-way fare for riders using the PRONTO system (except on the COASTER) within a two-hour window of their first ride.
2026 Fare Study
San Diego’s transit agencies are facing budget shortages which could affect service (e.g., frequency, available routes, cleaning, etc.). As part of their research into long-term funding sources, MTS and NCTD asked SANDAG to conduct a study to determine if fares should change in order to maintain service levels.
From fall 2025 through spring 2026, MTS and NCTD collected public feedback about possible fare changes. In early 2026, both agencies presented possible fare packages to the public and held workshops and pop-up events to get feedback from riders. In June 2026, SANDAG, MTS, and NCTD hosted two public hearings to receive and record public input. (Read the Notice for Public Meetings.) Please note: The notice (also known as a "Take One" flyer) has two corrections from the original version distributed on vehicles: The proposed SDM Monthly Pass price was corrected from $26 to $28; and on the Spanish version, the COASTER, SPRINTER, and BREEZE Month Pass categories were mistakenly listed as Day Pass categories.
In July 2026, the SANDAG Board of Directors approved the proposed fare changes. The increases will be implemented over a two-year period with the goal of lessening the initial impact on transit riders. The first increase will take effect on October 1, 2026. The second increase will begin on October 1, 2027.
In fall 2026, monthly MTS and NCTD passes will increase from $72 to $85 for adults and from $23 to $28 for senior, disabled, and Medicare recipient (SDM) riders. NCTD COASTER passes will transition from a zone model to a flat fare model. COASTER one-way fares will reflect the current Zone 3 price of $6.50 for adults and $3.25 for SDM riders. Monthly COASTER passes will increase to $185 for adults and $60 for SDM riders.
When the second increase takes effect in fall 2027, monthly MTS and NCTD passes will increase to $95 for adults and $30 for SDM riders.
The approved fare changes will not affect the Youth Opportunity Pass, which will continue to allow anyone ages 18 and under to ride transit for free with a Youth PRONTO app account or card. In addition, MTS and NCTD are moving forward with the new PRONTO Low-Income Fare Eligible (LIFE) Program, which is scheduled to launch October 1, 2026. The program will freeze current adult regional fares for eligible riders enrolled in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWORKs.
Connect with Us
For more information, visit these MTS/NCTD resources:
Contact fares@sandag.org or 619.699.0641 (or 711 for TTY) with questions.
