Anyone 18 and under* can now ride transit for free through the SANDAG Youth Opportunity Pass pilot program. Follow these steps to get unlimited rides on the bus, Trolley, COASTER, and SPRINTER:

1. Get a PRONTO pass

On a smartphone:

• Download the PRONTO - San Diego app and sign up for an account to get a virtual PRONTO pass (available on an Android or Apple device).

Without a smartphone:

• First, check if your school has any youth transit passes in their front office.
• If not, you can buy an Adult PRONTO card for $2.
• Then, register your card by creating a PRONTO account online.

2. Send proof to MTS that you are 18 or younger to convert your pass to Youth and ride for free

Online:

• Log into your PRONTO account and click “Apply for Youth, Senior, Disabled Pass” in the options on the left; scroll down the page and through the “Terms of Use”, then hit “I agree” 
• Select “I have a PRONTO card” then select your card from the dropdown and pick “Youth” under “reduced fare type” and type in your name and birthdate. 
• Type in your email address or the email of a trusted adult who’s there with you! Check that email for a code and type that into the form. 
• Upload a picture or scanned copy of either: your birth certificate, a photo ID with birthdate (like a passport or driver’s license, etc.), school ID, or screenshot of the platform you use to upload homework (including your name and school).
• Next, either upload a profile picture or take a live selfie (make sure you show your face). Then submit it. 
• Once you’re done, you will either get approved automatically or you may have to wait for a staff person at MTS to look at your application (this could take 2-10 days).  
• You can check if your account has successfully changed to Youth by logging in and looking to see if your virtual purple PRONTO card says “Youth” at the top.  

In Person:

• Bring proof of your age to an MTS or NCTD customer service center to get your youth pass application approved on the same day you come in.

*Please note: Children five and under ride MTS and NCTD free at all times and do not need a PRONTO card or app account, nor do they need to provide proof of their age.

3. Plan your trips

• Use the PRONTO app, Google Maps, or the OneBusAway app to find your closest transit stop, when transit is coming next, and what routes you can take.

4. Be prepared

• Try to arrive at the transit station/stop a few minutes before the time on the schedule
• Scan your app or tap your card every time you ride, including when you transfer to a different bus, trolley, or train.  

If you have any questions about this program, please email us at youthopportunitypass@sandag.org.

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SANDAG has teamed up with MTS, NCTD, and the County of San Diego to connect young people to more opportunities through these free transit passes. The Youth Opportunity Pass is funded by SANDAG as part of its Transit Equity Pilot, a program which aims to make transit more accessible for everyone.