Deadline Extended: MTS Riders with Reduced Transit Fares Must Submit Proof of Eligibility

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) are now requiring proof of eligibility for anyone applying for a reduced transit fare, which includes seniors, disabled, Medicare, and youth riders who use the Youth Opportunity Pass (YOP).

The deadline for providing proof has been extended again to Jan. 31, 2025 (it was previously extended to Sept. 30).

As students return to school, there is an increased demand for transit passes and MTS is offering two solutions to organizations that serve youth so that it's easier to verify eligibility: 

1. Hosting on-site events where MTS will verify your group in-person. Participants must be present, and a photo and birthdate will need to be collected and added to the PRONTO system. If interested in having MTS host an event on your campus, please complete this survey link. Please note: Due to staff capacities, not all requests may be granted. Allow 3-5 business days for a response to your request. 
    
2. Later this year, a new solution will be available for organizations to verify students directly. MTS and NCTD will host a series of online events to demonstrate the tool, discuss the enrollment process for organizations, as well as answer questions. Stay tuned for more information later this fall. 

 
In the meantime, MTS continues to encourage youth riders to get verified on their own, as possible. The online application has been reported by most youth to take approximately 10 minutes, and approval is taking less than three business days.

Visit the PRONTO system webpage for detailed instructions on how to verify eligibility, including Frequently Asked Questions. These resources are also available in Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. 

Riders who have not yet verified their eligibility to MTS or NCTD will need to do so at some point between now and Jan. 31, 2025 in order to retain their reduced fare status. If this deadline is missed, their PRONTO card or app account will revert to an Adult fare category and be charged full fares.