San Diego Transit Boards Send Two-Year Fare Hike Plan to SANDAG for Summer Vote

Overview

• The MTS and NCTD boards advanced a fare package to SANDAG's Transportation Committee for a summer vote that, if approved, would take effect in fall 2026 and again in fall 2027.
• One-way bus and trolley fares would rise from $2.50 to $3 this fall and to $3.25 in 2027, and the day pass would move to $7.
• Adult monthly passes would increase from $72 to $85 this year and to $95 in 2027, with senior, disabled and Medicare passes moving to $28 then $30.
• NCTD's COASTER would shift to a flat price with one-way adult tickets at $6.50 and monthly passes at $185, with SDM riders paying $3.25 one-way and $60 monthly.
• Agency leaders say the hikes aim to avert a fiscal cliff as fares now cover about 17% of MTS operations, and staff project the plan could add $9 million to $14 million in revenue.