San Diego MTS, NCTD launch new PRONTO fare collection system

PRONTO, a new fare collection system designed to enhance ticketing functionality, transit access and value, launched Sept. 1 for San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) riders.

To help riders transition to PRONTO, San Diego MTS and NCTD will waive fares for PRONTO card or PRONTO app users during September with fares returning for PRONTO users on Oct. 1. The ride free option applies to San Diego MTS buses, trolleys, NCTD Sprinter, Breeze and Flex services.

San Diego MTS reports it has distributed more than 20,000 free PRONTO cards to riders during outreach events at transit centers throughout August. NCTD is providing a free card to users who set up an account during the month of September.

“PRONTO’s features and functionality make riding transit more accessible than ever before,” said Nathan Fletcher, MTS Board chair and chair, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “The system can be accessed via an app or a physical card with several different ticketing, loading and account management options that work for everyone, including our riders with disabilities or those without access to technology. PRONTO meets the needs of riders throughout the region. We hope everyone takes advantage of Ride Free with PRONTO September, reduce their carbon footprint and learn how transit can work for them.”

The PRONTO system has been in development for four years and incorporates enhanced functionality as requested by riders, as well as a system that automatically calculates the best fare possible and features a daily and monthly fare cap.

San Diego MTS notes the PRONTO system includes the following features:

• Free transfers – one-way fares are valid for unlimited transfers between buses and Trolleys for up to two hours
• Pay-as-you-go capabilities – riders no longer need to pay upfront for passes and can load just what they need for the day
• Instant account reloads – funds added to PRONTO accounts can be accessed instantly through the new account-based system

“The pay-as-you-go PRONTO feature will help those on fixed incomes,” said NCTD Board Chair and Deputy Mayor of Encinitas Tony Kranz. “Allowing riders to add value to their account when they need it affords them flexibility while maintaining access to transit to get to work, health care appointments, school and entertainment.”

The Ride PRONTO website will allow people to register cards and purchase fares, review order history, add payment methods, set up a customized dashboard and more.

Circulate San Diego, a regional nonprofit that works to advance regional mobility, offered its congratulations to San Diego MTS and NCTD on the launch of the new fare collection system. The nonprofit points to research it conducted in 2018 that showed two of the largest 20 transit agencies in the U.S. did not provide free or reduced-priced transfers, of which San Diego MTS was one.

“Circulate San Diego has advocated for years to modernize our region’s fare payment options,” said Executive Director and General Counsel with Circulate San Diego Colin Parent. “We are very pleased that the new PRONTO system incorporates many of our recommendations and will make transit more affordable and accessible.”