As the Metropolitan Transit System prepares to implement its first significant fare increase since 2009, the agency is also launching a program that can help reduce the impacts on financially vulnerable riders of MTS buses and the San Diego Trolley.
The PRONTO Low-Income Fare Eligible (LIFE) program will allow people enrolled in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs to pay reduced fares on buses and the trolley, according to the MTS website.
Applications are open now. Riders cannot already be participating in any other reduced-fare program to be approved for PRONTO LIFE.
MTS and NCTD estimate about 34,000 transit pass holders may qualify for the program, according to East County Magazine.
The San Diego Association of Governments approved the transit fare increases proposed by MTS and NCTD in July, citing expected budget challenges in the coming years. The increases will be implemented over a two-year period, with the first increase taking effect on Oct. 1, 2026. The second increase will begin on Oct. 1, 2027.
As part of the first round of changes, the regular adult one-way fare will rise to $3 on Oct. 1, 2026, then to $3.25 in October 2027.
Monthly MTS and NCTD passes will increase from $72 to $85 for adults and from $23 to $28 for senior, disabled, and Medicare recipient riders who cannot apply for further discounts through PRONTO LIFE. Other existing discounted fare programs that make a rider ineligible for PRONTO LIFE include the College Semester Pass and Youth Opportunity Pass.
The PRONTO LIFE program freezes current adult regional fares for eligible riders. Benefits include a $2.50 one-way fare, a $6 daily fare cap, and a $72 monthly fare cap or monthly pass on MTS and North County Transit District (NCTD) regional bus and trolley services.
Monthly passes will go on sale on Sept. 20. PRONTO LIFE will not apply to COASTER, Rapid Express, Rural, Access, or LIFT services.
Visit the MTS website to learn more about the PRONTO LIFE, including how to apply in person and what documentation you’ll need to do so.
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