San Diego could raise fares for North County buses and trolleys

A SANDAG committee voted to raise single-ride fares from $2.50 to $3.

1 minute read

July 20, 2026, 9:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Red San Diego Trolley train at station in San Ysidro, California.

An MTC trolley in San Ysidro, California. | Sherry V Smith / Shutterstock

A San Diego Association of Governments committee voted to raise fares on buses and trolleys operated by the Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit.

According to an article by Andi Ruiz in Times of San Diego, "The fare increases would begin Oct. 1, with the cost of a standard one-way trip on MTS rising from $2.50 to $3. A monthly pass will cost $85, up from $72." The increase is designed to help bridge a budget gap that could reach $120 million by 2029.

"Officials, however, are developing a Low-Income Fare Eligible (LIFE) program to maintain current costs for certain riders, including those enrolled in the CalFresh, Medi-Cal and CalWORKs benefit programs," Ruiz adds.

The committee's vote will have to be ratified by the SANDAG Board of Directors. 

Friday, July 17, 2026 in Times of San Diego

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