SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Transit riders across San Diego County could soon pay more to ride buses, trolleys and the COASTER after the SANDAG Transportation Committee approved a series of fare increases Friday.

If the changes receive final approval from the SANDAG Board of Directors later this month, the new fares will take effect in two phases beginning Oct. 1, 2026. It marks the first significant regional transit fare increase since 2009.

According to SANDAG, the increases were proposed by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and the North County Transit District (NCTD) following months of public outreach and are intended to help the agencies maintain transit service as the face ongoing budget challenges.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2026:

Adult monthly regional MTS and NCTD passes will increase from $72 to $85.

Monthly passes for seniors, people with disabilities and Medicare recipients will increase from $23 to $28.

NCTD’s COASTER will move from its current zone-based fare structure to a flat fare model.

Adult COASTER one-way fares will be $6.50, while senior, disabled and Medicare riders will pay $3.25.

Adult monthly COASTER passes will increase to $185, while discounted monthly passes will rise to $60.

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A second round of increases is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2027, when adult monthly regional passes will increase to $95, while discounted monthly passes will rise to $30.

SANDAG said several discount programs will remain in place despite the higher fares.

The Youth Opportunity Pass, which allows anyone 18 and younger to ride MTS and NCTD services for free with a Youth PRONTO account or card, will not be affected.

Transit agencies also plan to launch the new PRONTO LIFE (Low-Income Fare Eligible) Program on Oct. 1, 2026. The program will allow eligible riders enrolled in CalFresh, Medi-Cal or CalWorks to continue paying current adult regional fare rates, shielding thousands of low-income residents from the fare increase.

Under state law, SANDAG overs the region’s Comprehensive Fare Ordinance. The SANDAG Board of Directors is expected to consider final approval of the fare changes during its July 24 meeting.

If approved, the new fares would represent the first major adjustment to regional transit prices in nearly 17 years.

More information on transit fare structure can be found here.

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