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Fare Change Study

Fare Change Study
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North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD) and San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) are seeking the community’s feedback on possible fare changes to maintain service levels as projected budget shortages over the next few years may impact service frequencies, cleanliness, and overall operations.

To help address these challenges, SANDAG is conducting a Fare Study on behalf of NCTD and MTS to evaluate how a fare change could help sustain service levels as effectively as possible.

The NCTD and MTS Board of Directors voted to recommend to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) a phased approach to fare increases.

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.

 

Public Hearing

 

The following two public meetings will be held in-person to receive and record public input, as well as provide the public an opportunity to learn more about the proposed fare changes:

Tuesday, June 9

12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

SANDAG Main Office

1011 Union Street

San Diego, CA 92101

*First Floor Boardroom

Tuesday, June 9

6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

San Marcos Community Center, Dining Room

3 Civic Center Drive

San Marcos, CA 92069

Comments must be received no later than June 9, 2026. The SANDAG Transportation Committee will consider approving the proposed fare changes this summer at a public meeting, at which time members of the public can also provide comments.

Register for the public meetings and learn more at sdmts.com/fare-change

More Information

Phased Approach

 

LIFT Fare Proposal

 

San Diego’s two transit agencies – North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD) and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) – are facing a challenging financial outlook, which could impact transit service levels and paratransit services. In an effort to raise revenues, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is considering a proposal to change LIFT fares.

Fall 2026 Fall 2027
Adult Single Ride/One-Way
$6.00 $6.50
LIFT Ticket Books (10 Tickets)
$60 $65

Outreach

 

Monday, March 9

Carlsbad Poinsettia COASTER Station

6:20 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday, March 11

Carlsbad Village COASTER Station

6:20 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, March 12

Palomar College Transit Center

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 12

Sorrento Valley COASTER Station

3:40 p.m. – 6:50 p.m.

Saturday, March 14

Oceanside Transit Center

11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Monday, March 16

San Luis Rey

5 a.m. – 7 a.m.

Tuesday, March 17

Vista Transit Center

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 18

Virtual Workshop

View Workshop

Tuesday, March 24

Virtual Workshop

2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 24

Virtual Workshop

2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 26

Virtual Workshop

View Workshop

Monday, March 30

Old Town Station

1:30 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.

Tuesday, March 31

Oceanside Transit Center – Bus Bay

8:45 a.m. – 11 a.m.

FAQs

What is a Fare Change Study?

The fare change study is a review of current transit fare pricing and structure, including rider costs, ease of use and impacts on ridership. Its goal is to balance affordable fares with the cost of providing service.

Why is it occurring?

Transit operating costs in San Diego have risen significantly in recent years, while funding from sales tax and fares has remained flat or declined. The last time the region evaluated fare prices was in 2019 and monthly passes have not increased since 2008.
In the near future, there will be 20-25% less funding to operate bus and rail services, as well as maintain vehicles, stations, and provide security.

What fare changes are being considered?

The region is considering a phased approach outlined above. COASTER’s zone-based fare structure is proposed to be eliminated in favor of a single flat fare to simplify pricing for customers.

When will the fare change occur?

If approved, the changes are expected to take effect in fall 2026.

How can I provide feedback?

SANDAG’s Transportation Committee will review the proposals on May 15, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. and June 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. To share your feedback on the LIFT proposal, you may attend the meeting in-person or virtually, or send an email to clerkoftheboard@sandag.org

 

More Information

Call NCTD Customer Service

(760)966-6500

Visit SDMTS.com/FareChange