SANTEE — Santee residents who rely on San Diego's Metropolitan Transit System buses and trolleys may be facing higher fares later this year, as the regional agency studies how to close a projected $528 million budget deficit over the next three fiscal years.
MTS is weighing two main options: raise fares while maintaining current service levels, or cut — and in some cases eliminate — weekend service. Neither option is a good one for daily riders, and surveys show most prefer a fare increase over losing weekend routes. Under proposals being studied, the adult monthly pass could rise from $72 to either $90 or $100 — an increase of up to 39 percent. Single-ride fares, currently $2.50, could go to $2.75, $3, or as high as $3.50, potentially making San Diego's single-trip local fare the most expensive in California.
The City of Santee has encouraged residents to review the proposals and provide feedback online at participate.sdmts.com/fare-change. Community workshops are also being held across the region. The budget gap stems from multiple factors, including stagnant ridership and revenues since the pandemic, a substantial increase in bus operator wages since 2019, rising operating and security costs, and heavy reliance on federal COVID-era relief funding that is set to run out in 2027.
Weekend cuts would fall hardest on low-income riders. Internal MTS estimates show nearly 20 percent of Blue Line trolley trips occur on Saturdays and Sundays, much of it tied to hospitality and healthcare workers. Brian Lane, a senior regional planner at SANDAG, said the agency hears a consistent message from riders. "Riders consistently tell us they'd rather see a moderate fare increase than lose weekend service or experience a decline in service quality," he said.
Any fare adjustments would require approval from the MTS board, the North County Transit District board, and SANDAG. If approved, changes are expected to be implemented in late summer or fall of 2026. Residents can submit feedback through the MTS online portal.
Source: Times of San Diego