San Diego’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, cleaning, and more). As part of their research for long-term funding sources, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD) asked SANDAG to conduct a fare study to determine if fares should change in order to keep service levels as high as possible.

MTS and NCTD need feedback from transit riders about possible fare changes to inform each agency’s Boards of Directors. Take the survey before November 7.

For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or view the timeline below.

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  • Take the Survey

    MTS, NCTD and SANDAG need your feedback to help inform any changes to the fare system structure.

    Provide your input 

  • Provide Additional Comments

    Have additional feedback about possible fare changes? Leave a comment for the transit agencies to review.

    Leave a comment 

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Learn more about why this is happening, and what this means for riders.

    Learn More 

Fare Change Study Timeline

Phase One

  • Timeline item 1 - active

    October - Early November 2025: Rider Surveys

    In person and online, transit agencies gather rider input on fare changes and their possible impacts.

  • Timeline item 2 - incomplete

    November - December 2025: Developing Possible Fare Changes

    SANDAG and transit agencies research how different fare changes could affect service (revenues, ridership, etc.)

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    January - February 2026: Fare Change Options Presentation

    Transit agencies present to their Boards of Directors and riders possible scenarios for changing fares.

Phase Two

If MTS and NCTD’s Boards of Directors decide they want to move forward with a fare change:

  • Timeline item 1 - incomplete

    March - May 2026: Public Hearings

    Public hearings and a vote to determine which fare changes will happen.

  • Timeline item 2 - incomplete

    June 2026: Final SANDAG Public Hearing

    Two formal public readings at SANDAG’s Transportation Committee meetings, followed by a vote to accept or reject the proposed changes.

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    July - September 2026: Fare Changes Implemented

    If fare changes are approved into the Regional Fare Ordinance, riders can expect these to happen no earlier than July 1, 2026.