In September, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System is transitioning from its Compass Cards to a new system, the PRONTO fare collection system. Launching in September, the MTS Board of Directors approved a plan so that passengers can ride free in September to help them transition smoothly in utilizing the new fare collection system. Compass Cards and Compass Cloud will not be accepted after Sept. 30, and to take advantage of the free rides in September, individuals should activate their PRONTO accounts.
PRONTO is designed for riders to always get the best fare and the primary difference is that riders will not need to buy passes in advance. It is a pay-as-you-go system by adding money directly to your PRONTO account. Riders will never be charged more than a Day Pass on any given day, regardless of how many trips they make, and the same applies to the Month Pass rates. It is an account-based system that allows for real-time account management. Whether using the app or card, cash can be added to accounts by using ticket vending machines, retail outlets, MTS Transit Store, or a rider’s online account.
“Providing free rides during the entire month of September to those who switch to PRONTO accounts is a good way for riders to familiarize themselves with the new system and get the new PRONTO cards into their hands,” said Nathan Fletcher, MTS Board chair and San Diego County Board of Supervisors chair in a press release. “This Board of Directors is committed to making transit in San Diego more convenient; and this new system will help increase accessibility to our trolleys and buses. Riders who participate in the free ride program this September will quickly realize the new system is easy to use and convenient, making for a better user experience.”
MTS buses and trolleys slowly decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic Stay at Home order took place, hitting its lowest point in travelers in April 2020. MTS is currently carrying about 134,000 passenger trips per weekday, nearly half of pre-pandemic levels. MTS is aggressively taking measures to attract riders back to the system, with the centerpiece of offering riders with a PRONTO card or mobile app.
“It will be a big effort to transition hundreds of thousands of people to PRONTO. But offering riders with a free PRONTO card and free rides during the launch is a great incentive,” stated Sharon Cooney, MTS CEO. “Once they start using PRONTO regularly, riders will quickly realize how much better and easier the experience is, and they will also see some of the other exciting enhancements we have waiting for them.”
Riders can get PRONTO by signing up for the PRONTO e-newsletter at www.ridePRONTO.com, visit a Transit Center Outreach Table (https://www.sdmts.com/fares-passes/pronto-fare-system), visit the Transit Store at the beginning of August (1255 Imperial Ave., Ste 10A, San Diego, 92101, or download the free PRONTO app to smartphones.
Visit www.ridePRONTO.com for more information.
