The San Diego region’s transit agencies are facing budget shortages in the next few years, which could affect service (how often bus and rail service runs, how many routes are available and more).
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD), and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) are proposing increases to transit fares in Fall 2026 and Fall 2027 to help keep transit service levels as high as possible.
If approved, changes would first take effect no sooner than October 1, 2026. Two phases of fare changes are under consideration.
Proposed fare changes affecting most riders are included in the following table, and the full table can be found at sdmts.com/fare-change. In the fall of 2026, fares would increase between 2-32%. In the fall of 2027, fares would increase such that cumulative changes would be between 4-41% over current levels. Changes include increasing the cost of One-Way, Day Pass, and Month Pass for Adults and Senior/Disabled/Medicare Recipients (SDM). The Youth Opportunity Pass is proposed to be incorporated into the SANDAG Fare Ordinance, which would permit the $0.00 fare# to continue subject to funding availability. Transit Operators would also be given greater flexibility to implement Pilot, Promotional, and Free or Reduced Fare Programs, without amending the Fare Ordinance.
The public meetings will be conducted in an open house format where participants can attend at any time during the meeting, ask questions of staff, complete comment cards, or make their public comments to the officiant and staff.
Review the proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Fare Ordinance.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), SANDAG will accommodate persons needing assistance to participate. If such assistance is required, please contact SANDAG at (619) 699-1900 at least three business days in advance of the meeting. To request the materials in an alternate format and/or additional language(s), please contact the SANDAG ADA Coordinator, the Director of Business and Workforce Compliance, at (619) 699-1900 or 711 (TTY). Spanish language interpretation is also available; to request interpretation services in other languages, please call (619) 699-1900 at least three business days prior to the meeting time.
OTHER INPUT/FEEDBACK METHODS
To submit your comments in writing:
- Mail to: SANDAG PIO Attn: Tim Garrett,, 1011 Union Street, Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92101
- Email: fares@sandag.org
- By phone: 619.699.0641
- Leave a comment through this webform.
Address and Directions
SANDAG Main Office
1011 Union Street
First Floor Boardroom
San Diego, CA 92101
United States