SANDAG Transportation Committee Approves Transit Fare Increase in the San Diego Region

07.17.2026 | News Release

SANDAG Transportation Committee Approves Transit Fare Increase in the San Diego Region

MTS and NCTD fare changes to take effect October 1

Following extensive public outreach through various workshops and community meetings, the SANDAG Transportation Committee approved the transit fare changes proposed by the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and the North County Transit San Diego Railroad (NCTD) on Friday morning. It is the first significant fare increase since 2009.

The approved fare increases will help keep transit service levels as high as possible as the agencies face budget challenges in the coming years. 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.

This fall, 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.

The second increase 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 LIFE (Low-Income Fare Eligible) 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, ensuring that thousands of lower-income residents continue to have access to affordable public transportation even as regional fares increase.

Under state law and related agreements, SANDAG is responsible for the Comprehensive Fare Ordinance. SANDAG Board of Directors is scheduled to consider ratifying the vote during the next board meeting, July 24.

For a detailed breakdown of the proposed fare increases view the April 16 MTS Board of Directors meeting agenda (page 516) and NCTD Board of Directors meeting agenda (page 161).

To learn more, visit SANDAG.org/fares.