
A new fare structure that includes the first increases in a decade will take effect Sunday for the San Diego region’s buses, trolleys and trains.
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The changes effect both the Metropolitan Transit System and the North County Transit District.
‘The fare changes are designed to increase fare revenue and close a structural budget deficit,” the two agencies said in a joint statement.” These are the first increases in fares in 10 years, a period in which operating costs have climbed by more than 25%.”
In addition to raising revenue, the new fare structure is designed to be easier to understand and use. The most significant changes include:
- Addition of a $3 day pass for seniors, disabled and youth on MTS buses and trolleys and the NCTD’s buses and Sprinter trains
- An increase in the adult day pass from $5 to $6 on MTS buses and trolleys and the NCTD’s buses and Sprinter trains
- The Sprinter/Breeze monthly pass has been combined with the regional monthly pass and will now cost $72 and include service on the MTS buses and trolleys
- The monthly price for a youth pass has been reduced from $36 to $23 for MTS buses and trolleys and the NCTD’s buses and Sprinter trains
- The monthly price for a senior pass increases from $18 to $23 on MTS buses and trolleys and the NCTD’s buses and Sprinter trains
- The minimum age for senior discounts rises from 60 to 65, thourgh people born on or before Sept. 1, 1959, will remain eligible for reduced fares
- A new single, one-way fare of $2.50 applies to both MTS buses and trolleys and the NCTD’s buses and Sprinter trains. The old MTS fare was $2.25.
- An increase in fares for Coaster commuter trains, with a trip across three zones now costing $6.50
- Elimination of 2, 3, 4 and 14-day passes
- Elimination of free trolley transfers to align with MTS bus fare policy
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