San Diego Bus Travel: Payment Methods Explored

The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) in San Diego offers multiple ways to pay for your bus fare. You can use the PRONTO app, a PRONTO card, or cash. The PRONTO app can be downloaded on Apple or Google Play stores, and you can load money or purchase monthly passes through the app. PRONTO cards can be purchased at retail outlets, Trolley ticket machines, and the MTS Transit Store. You can load money onto your card through the app, online, at retail locations, over the phone, or at ticket machines. One-way fares are valid for unlimited transfers within two hours of activation, and you can earn as you go toward a day or month pass. You can also pay your bus fare in cash, but bus fare boxes do not give change, so you must have the exact amount.

Paying with the PRONTO app

The PRONTO app is available to download on the Apple and Google Play stores. It is the official San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) fare payment system, which replaced the old Compass Card system. The app allows users to pay for MTS fixed-route bus and trolley trips.

To set up the PRONTO app, you will need to create a virtual card that links to a PRONTO account. You can then add a payment method, such as a credit or debit card, and load money onto your account. You can do this manually or set up autoload, which automatically adds a set amount of money to your account when your balance falls below a certain threshold.

When you are ready to ride the bus or trolley, open the app and present the QR code to the scanner. On buses, the scanner is usually located just inside the front door, to the right. On trolleys, the scanner is located on the trolley station platform. You must scan your QR code before boarding the trolley.

One-way fares are valid for unlimited transfers within two hours of activation, and PRONTO also lets you earn towards a day or month pass on the Trolley or buses. You will never be charged more than the cost of a day pass in one day or a monthly pass in a month.

Paying with a PRONTO card

The PRONTO card is a payment method for the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). It is a card that you can load money onto and use to pay for your bus and Trolley trips. PRONTO cards cost a one-time fee of $2 and are available at retail outlets, Trolley ticket machines, and the MTS Transit Store. You can load money onto your PRONTO card in several ways: through the PRONTO app, online at RidePRONTO.com, at a retail location, over the phone, or at Trolley ticket machines.

When using a PRONTO card, make sure to load money onto your card before boarding the bus or entering a station platform. You can then tap or scan your card in the designated area when paying your fare. Every time you tap to board a vehicle, the appropriate one-way fare is deducted from your balance. A rider will never be charged more than a Day Pass in a given calendar day, regardless of how many trips or taps they make.

For bus trips, pay your fare and then tap or scan your PRONTO Card. Code Compliance Inspectors will make friendly fare checks to ensure riders have tapped or scanned their cards. For Trolley trips, tap your PRONTO Card on a validator or purchase a pass at the ticket vending machine. Failure to tap could result in a citation.

One-way fares with PRONTO are valid for unlimited transfers within two hours of activation. Additionally, PRONTO lets you earn as you go toward a day or month pass on the Trolley or buses.

Paying with cash

If you are paying in cash, it is recommended that you arrive at the bus or Trolley stop a few minutes before the time listed on the schedule. This will ensure that you have enough time to board the bus or enter the station platform. It is also important to note that ticket machines only distribute a maximum of $5 in change.

In addition to cash, there are multiple ways to pay for your fare in San Diego. You can use the PRONTO app, a PRONTO card, or a contactless credit/debit card. The PRONTO app and card allow you to load money and purchase month passes. PRONTO cards are available at retail outlets, Trolley ticket machines, and the MTS Transit Store, while the PRONTO app can be downloaded from the Apple or Google Play stores.

Paying with a contactless credit or debit card

Contactless card payments are processed through the PRONTO system, which is the MTS fare payment system. PRONTO offers multiple ways to pay for your fare, including the PRONTO app, the PRONTO card, contactless credit or debit cards, and cash.

If you're using a contactless card for the first time, it's important to ensure that your card is set up for contactless payments. This can usually be done through your card provider's website or app. Additionally, make sure that your card is active and has sufficient funds to cover the cost of the fare.

When boarding a bus, look for the validator, which is typically located just inside the door as you enter. Hold your card against the validator and wait for the payment to be processed. You should hear a confirmation sound, and a green checkmark may appear on the screen to indicate a successful payment.

For trolley stations, you will need to purchase a ticket from a ticket machine before boarding. These machines accept contactless credit or debit cards as a payment option. Simply follow the instructions on the machine, select your desired ticket, and tap your card on the designated area to complete the transaction.

It's important to note that there is a minimum purchase amount when using a contactless card. The exact amount may vary, but it is generally around $3 to $5. Additionally, ticket machines only distribute a maximum of $5 in change, and buses do not provide any change, so it's advisable to have the exact fare amount ready when using a contactless card.

Reduced fares (ID required)

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) offers reduced fares for eligible riders with a valid ID. To qualify for a reduced fare, you must meet specific criteria and apply for a reduced fare PRONTO card. Here is a detailed guide on reduced fares and the required ID:

Who is Eligible for Reduced Fares?

The MTS offers reduced fares for seniors, Medicare recipients, disabled persons, and youth aged 6-18. Additionally, the Youth Opportunity Pass Program allows youth aged 18 and under to ride MTS and NCTD services for free with a Youth PRONTO app or card.

How to Apply for a Reduced Fare PRONTO Card:

To apply for a reduced fare PRONTO card, you must first determine your eligibility. Visit the MTS website or contact their customer service line at (619) 557-4555 for more information on eligibility requirements and the application process. You will likely need to provide proof of your eligibility, such as a valid ID or other documentation.

Using Your Reduced Fare PRONTO Card:

Once you have obtained your reduced fare PRONTO card, you can load money onto it and use it to pay for your bus and Trolley trips. Be sure to load funds onto your card before boarding the bus or entering a station platform. You can add money to your PRONTO card through various methods, including the PRONTO app, online at RidePRONTO.com, at retail locations, over the phone, or at Trolley ticket machines.

Other Payment Options:

In addition to the PRONTO card, you can also pay for your MTS bus and Trolley trips using the PRONTO app or cash. The PRONTO app allows you to purchase passes and load money directly from your phone. You can also use cash to purchase a pass or reload money to your PRONTO card at retail outlets, Trolley ticket machines, or the MTS Transit Store.

Frequently asked questions