A new regional transit discount program is opening ahead of fare increases scheduled for Oct. 1, giving some San Diego County riders a way to lower their MTS and NCTD costs.

The PRONTO Low-Income Fare Eligible Program, known as PRONTO LIFE, is aimed at riders enrolled in CalFresh, Medi-Cal or CalWORKs who are not already using another reduced-fare transit program, according to City News Service reporting published by Patch. MTS and NCTD estimate about 34,000 eligible transit pass holders may qualify.

Approved participants will be able to receive reduced fares through an approved PRONTO card or mobile app. The discounted fares include a $2.50 one-way fare, $6 day pass and $72 monthly pass for MTS buses and Trolley service, along with NCTD regional bus service, according to the transit agencies.

The program arrives as the first major regional transit fare increase since 2009 begins this fall. Monthly MTS and NCTD adult passes are set to rise from $72 to $85, while senior, disabled and Medicare recipient passes will increase from $23 to $28.

For Santee-area riders who rely on countywide transit connections for work, school, appointments or errands, the timing matters: applications are open now, and approved riders can have the discount in place when the new fares take effect Oct. 1.