Paying For Mts Bus In San Diego: A Quick Guide

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS) offers several payment methods for bus fares in San Diego. The PRONTO card and app have replaced the old Compass Card system, allowing users to add funds instantly and buy tickets with a simple tap of their card or phone at station kiosks. One-way fares provide unlimited transfers within two hours of activation, and the PRONTO app also lets users earn towards daily or monthly passes. MTS Access tickets are also available for purchase online for passengers eligible for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit service.

Paying with the PRONTO card or app

The PRONTO card and app are accepted on the San Diego Trolley, buses, and the Coaster train. The PRONTO card replaces the old Compass Card system. You can add funds instantly via the cloud-based system and then buy a ticket with a simple tap of the card or your phone at a station kiosk. One-way fares allow unlimited transfers within two hours of activation. You can also earn as you go toward a day or month pass on the Trolley or buses.

You can download the PRONTO app from the Apple or Google Play stores. If you prefer to use a card, you can pick one up at retail outlets, the MTS Transit Store (at 12th and Imperial avenues), NCTD customer service centers, or ticket vending machines.

If you are paying with your PRONTO pass, please remember to remove it fully from your wallet before tapping to avoid being double-charged.

Using cash

If you want to pay with cash, you can purchase a PRONTO card from the MTS Transit Store at 12th and Imperial avenues. You can also buy a PRONTO card from retail outlets, NCTD customer service centres, or ticket vending machines.

Once you have your PRONTO card, you can add funds to it instantly using the cloud-based system. Then, when you board the bus, you can buy a ticket by tapping your card at a station kiosk. One-way fares are valid for unlimited transfers within two hours of activation. You can also earn as you go towards a day or month pass for the Trolley or buses.

You can also pay with cash directly to the bus operator when you board. They may request that you tap the image or launch the QR code to validate your fare.

Please note that you need to arrive at the bus stop a few minutes before the time listed on the schedule.

Reduced fares with ID

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) offers reduced fares for several groups, including senior citizens, people with disabilities, Medicare recipients, and youth aged 6-18. To obtain a reduced fare, you must apply for a Reduced Fare Photo ID and demonstrate your eligibility with proper identification. Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining and using a reduced fare with ID on MTS services in San Diego:

Eligibility

To be eligible for a reduced fare, you must fall into one of the following categories:

• Senior Citizens: Aged 65 or above, or born on or before September 1, 1959.
• Medicare Recipients: Present a Medicare card along with a government-issued photo ID.
• People with Disabilities: Qualify for a reduced fare under federal and state law, including those with a DMV placard ID or a Veterans Administration Award Letter confirming a minimum 50% service-connected disability.
• Youth: Aged 6-18 with a valid school ID, transit identification, or government-issued photo ID.

Applying for a Reduced Fare Photo ID

You can apply for a Reduced Fare Photo ID in two ways, depending on the type of ID you possess:

• Short Form: For individuals with a qualifying form of ID, such as a government-issued photo ID, Medicare card, or Veterans Administration Award Letter. Complete the Short Form and bring it to The Transit Store on weekdays between 8 am and 4:30 pm (excluding holidays) to have your photo taken and receive your Reduced Fare Photo ID.
• Long Form: For individuals with a medical disability who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID. Complete the Long Form, which describes the qualifying disabilities and the authorised licensed health care professionals. Submit the completed form to the SDM ELIGIBILITY OFFICE in San Diego. You will be notified within 15 working days if your application is approved. After receiving approval, visit The Transit Store to have your photo taken and obtain your Reduced Fare Photo ID.

Using Your Reduced Fare Photo ID

Once you have obtained your Reduced Fare Photo ID, you can use it to purchase and use discounted passes. When purchasing a reduced fare pass, you will need to show your Reduced Fare Photo ID as proof of eligibility. PRONTO app accounts and cards are set to Adult rates by default. To receive discounted pass rates, you must convert your app account or PRONTO card to a reduced fare account. You can do this online, at the MTS Transit Store, NCTD Customer Service Centres, or by contacting the PRONTO Support team. Remember to always carry your Reduced Fare Photo ID when riding to validate your eligibility for reduced fares.

MTS Access tickets for ADA-certified passengers

MTS Access is a paratransit service by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) for riders with disabilities who have been certified as unable to use fixed-route services. MTS Access provides complementary services that "mirror" the level of MTS's regular fixed-route services within a 3/4-mile radius of a bus route or bus or trolley station.

MTS Access tickets are for passengers eligible for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services only. ADA certification is required to ride MTS Access or MTS ADA Paratransit Services. ADA certification is available to individuals who, due to a qualifying disability, are unable to use fixed-route transit all of the time or sometimes.

You can purchase a book of 10 MTS Access tickets for $50.00. Each ticket is valid for one (1) one-way trip on MTS Access. MTS Access tickets require a 7–10 working day advanced order before the date of use. This item cannot be downloaded and printed. It will be sent via US Mail.

Ways to Purchase MTS Access Tickets

• In-Person: Visit the Transit Store, 12th & Imperial Transit Center, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Cash, checks, money orders, traveler’s checks, Visa, and MasterCard credit cards are accepted.
• By Phone: 619-595-5636, Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., and pay with a credit or debit card.
• Online: Tickets can also be purchased online.
• By Mail: Send a check or money order for the amount of booklets you would like, payable to MTS, at: Transit Store MTS Access Ticket Sales 1255 Imperial Ave, Ste. 100A San Diego, CA 92101

Contactless payments

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) offers a contactless payment option for its commuters. This allows passengers to tap and pay directly on a fare validator with a credit or debit card, or use another mobile payment option. This means riders can avoid using ticket vending machines, bus fareboxes, or preloading fares. Contactless payment is available on MTS buses and trolleys, and NCTD COASTER, SPRINTER, FLEX, and BREEZE services.

To use contactless payment, simply tap your credit or debit card at any PRONTO validator. A one-way fare ($2.50) will be deducted, and is valid for two hours. You can also use a mobile wallet or wearable device, such as a smartphone or smartwatch, to tap and pay. This is a convenient option for riders as it offers a fast and simple way to pay for transit fares, with most payments processed within 500 milliseconds.

In addition to the convenience of tapping to pay, riders who use contactless payment methods also benefit from free transfers during the two-hour period after the first boarding time. It's important to note that each passenger is required to have their own unique payment method, as each method can only be used for one rider at a time.

Contactless payment is a great option for San Diego's millions of annual visitors who are attending events like Comic-Con, vacations, sporting events, or conferences. It offers a familiar and accessible payment system, reducing confusion and getting everyone on the trolley or bus faster.

Frequently asked questions