A new pilot program was approved by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) to offer access to free transit fares for people 18 through 24 who have previously been in and exited the foster care system, or who are currently in Extended Foster Care.
The PRONTO Extend pilot program, which launches July 1, aims to provide support and improve access to opportunity for former foster youth and young adults currently in foster care as they transition into more independent living.
“Young adults who have aged out of the foster care system face unique challenges as they enter adulthood,” said Nathan Fletcher, MTS Board chair, and chair, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “Many of the transitional age youth don’t have social safety nets or financial support from their families. Our goal with the PRONTO Extend program is to offer additional resources to ease that transition from foster care to more independent living. Being able to have free transportation to school or jobs is an important stepping stone to help them succeed.”
The PRONTO Extend program will be valid for all San Diego MTS and NCTD fixed-route bus service, the Trolley, SPRINTER and COASTER. Passes will become available for use starting the month of July.
“Whether participants are going to work, out for a day of fun or headed to school, transit will be their answer for a free ride they can rely on,” said Jewel Edson, NCTD Board chair and Solana Beach councilmember. “The NCTD Board of Directors are hopeful that PRONTO Extend will open a world of opportunities for the participants and bolster their lives.”
According to research by CALYouth, approximately 25 percent of youth exiting foster care in California experience homelessness. About 77 percent wish they could get a higher education degree, however, by age 21, less than 25 percent of them are able to enroll in a two-year or four-year college due to financial hardship or lack of resources. The PRONTO Extend program can help youth achieve work and educational goals by providing access to free transportation.
“Like any youth transitioning into adulthood, the young adults who are or were involved with foster care have significant needs to become independent; and reliable, affordable transportation is at the top of that list,” said Kimberly Giardina, director of Child Welfare Services, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. “The PRONTO Extend program aligns perfectly with the county’s re-imagined General Management System strategic initiatives that places community at the center through increasing the well-being of our residents.”
The program will run up to 18 months, from July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023.
Program eligibility
To qualify, participants must currently be aged 18 through 24 who have exited the foster care system or are in Extended Foster Care. Eligible participants will have one of the following current, valid forms from the county of San Diego, or other county jurisdiction:
- Notice of Action form
- Proof of dependency/wardship letter
How to apply:
- Online
- Via mail
- In person
- Via fax
Applications can take up to three weeks to process, so interested users are encouraged to apply early. Once approved for the PRONTO Extend program, participants will be able to download a free transit pass to their PRONTO app or PRONTO card for MTS and/or NCTD services each month.
