Public Invited to Provide Feedback by March 1

San Diego CA—SANDAG, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), and the North County Transit District (NCTD) will jointly host three virtual public meetings during the next week to collect input on proposed MTS and NCTD transit fare changes.
During the virtual meetings, attendees will have the opportunity to submit public comments, speak to staff members, and learn more about the proposed changes. All comments will be summarized and presented to the SANDAG Transportation Committee and MTS and NCTD boards of directors during the next few months. If approved by all three boards, the proposed changes will be implemented after May 1, 2021.
Two fare adjustment scenarios are under consideration. One scenario will include increases to regional monthly products from $72 to $75 for adults and from $23 to $24 for youth, seniors, disabled, and Medicare riders. Both scenarios will:

• Reduce one-way cash fares for youth to align with the discounted Senior/Disabled/Medicare(S/D/M) cash fares
• Increase adult one-way cash fares on the Trolley, SPRINTER, and most bus services from $2.50 to $2.75
• Include “best-fare” capabilities for 1-day and monthly passes (except NCTD COASTER)
• Eliminate rolling 30-day passes
• Increase MTS Access and NCTD LIFT fares from $5.00 to $5.50

The new regional PRONTO fare system to be introduced this summer will allow riders the option to load money in their account online or on a mobile app in real time. Riders will also be able to use ticket vending machines, retail outlets, the Transit Store, and Customer Service Centers to load their accounts.
The new system will automatically deduct one-way fares each time a rider boards a vehicle, giving the rider the best possible fare each day and throughout the month. Riders will still have the option to purchase a calendar monthly pass in advance. COASTER requires the pre-purchase of day and monthly passes. For more information on PRONTO, please visit ridepronto.com.
Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, these meetings will be held virtually, offering multiple options for the public to listen and provide input by computer or telephone. To register for the following public meetings and learn more, visit sdmts.com/fare-change:

• Saturday, January 9, 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, January 12, 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 13, 6 p.m.

Comments can also be provided by calling (619) 595-5321, emailing pio@sandag.org, using the online comment form, or mailing written comments to SANDAG PIO, 401 B Street, Suite 800, San Diego, CA 92101. Comments are due by March 1.
The SANDAG Board of Directors approved the region’s first Comprehensive Fare Ordinance encompassing fares on all public transit vehicles operated in San Diego County by MTS and NCTD in March 2006. The Comprehensive Fare Ordinance consolidates existing MTS and NCTD fares and regulations into a single regional ordinance, which is consistent with SANDAG Board Policy No. 029, the Regional Fare Policy.
The Regional Fare Policy provides the regional framework for all transit fares, any fare changes, such as increases or changes in fare types and must be approved by the SANDAG Transportation Committee. The proposed changes must also be approved by the before the changes are implemented.
For more information about the proposed changes, next steps, and opportunities to provide input, visit sandag.org/fares.

About SANDAG

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is the San Diego region’s primary public planning, transportation, and research agency, providing the public forum for regional policy decisions about growth, transportation planning and construction, environmental management, housing, open space, energy, public safety, and binational topics. SANDAG is governed by a Board of Directors composed of mayors, council members, and supervisors from each of the region’s 18 cities and the county government.
To protect the health and safety of staff, partners, and the general public, SANDAG offices are closed to the public. Staff continues to review the calendar of events and will recommend changes, cancellations, or postponements on a case by case basis. Most employees are working remotely during this time to provide essential services, and to continue progress on critical regional projects. SANDAG continues to monitor the development of COVID-19 in the region and follow guidance from the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.

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