News Summary
The Metropolitan Transit System in San Diego is confronting a profound budget crisis, which may lead to fare increases of 10 to 20 percent and potential service reductions. The last fare hike was in 2009, and with financial shortfalls projected up to $93 million by 2028, commuters are anxious about the impact on their daily expenses. Proposed measures include a $10 surcharge on vehicle registration fees and a sales tax increase, all of which will require voter approval. Community voices express concern over targeting low-income riders with these fare hikes.
San Diego – The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) in San Diego is facing a significant budget crisis and is considering raising fares and reducing services as a potential solution. The MTS Executive Committee has already passed the proposed fare increases, which could result in a hike of 10 to 20 percent for both bus and trolley services.
If the fare hike is approved, it will be the first increase since 2009. Currently, a single fare costs $2.50, and this could rise to between $2.75 and $3 per ride. Additionally, the annual MTS pass is expected to increase from $72 to either $79 or $86. The fare increases are projected to generate between $8 million and $15 million in annual revenue for MTS, which is facing long-term budget challenges.
MTS Deputy Chief Financial Officer Mike Thompson has highlighted that the current fare is worth about $110 in today’s dollars due to inflation, indicating a need for adjustment. Many riders have voiced their concerns regarding how these fare increases may affect their personal budgets. Daily commuters, including those who rely on MTS for transportation, are apprehensive about the potential impact on their financial situations. Students, such as those from local universities, express worry that increased costs might force them to seek alternative means of transportation, such as rideshare services.
Some opposition has arisen against the fare hike from specific MTS board members. One member has argued that raising fares would place undue pressure on working families and emphasized the need for equitable solutions. This sentiment is echoed by various individuals within the community who fear that low-income users would be disproportionately affected by the fare increases.
The fare hike proposal must receive approval from both the MTS board and the North County Transit District before it can take effect. Following these approvals, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) will conduct two public hearings regarding the new fare structure, with a possible implementation date set for July of the following year.
This budget issue is not isolated to San Diego, as other major cities, like San Francisco and Philadelphia, are also grappling with financial shortfalls, leading them to raise fares or reduce services. While many participants support fare increases as a necessary step, discussions are ongoing about the possibility of targeting price hikes towards higher-income riders, to alleviate the burden on those with limited financial means.
The MTS board is expected to vote on the proposed fare increases within the coming week. In addition to fare hikes, MTS is contemplating a comprehensive analysis of potential service cuts and restructuring options should revenue fail to meet expectations. The transit authority is anticipating a projected operating deficit of $93 million by the fiscal year 2028, highlighting persistent budget challenges ahead.
As part of the interim solutions, MTS is also considering introducing a $10 surcharge on state vehicle registration fees and a half-cent sales tax increase, both of which would require voter approval. There have been proposals suggesting delaying the sales tax measure until 2028 to help alleviate the current budget situation. Immediate measures may include adjusting service offerings, like postponing enhancements to existing lines, to manage costs through 2027.
Overall, the challenges facing the MTS and its riders reflect a broader issue of public transit funding and sustainability, calling for strategic measures to ensure the continued operation and affordability of essential transit services in the San Diego region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Magnolia Safe Parking Site Reopens in San Diego County
San Diego State University and CSUSM Anticipate Enrollment Surge
San Diego Universities Prepare for Surge in Enrollment
Transformative Midway Rising Project Planned for San Diego
Chick-fil-A Offers Free Sandwiches to San Diego Customers
Homeowners Challenge New Trash Fee Implementation in San Diego
San Diego Studies Fleet Management Optimization
USS Cape St. George Returns to San Diego After Major Upgrades
San Diego Faces Funding Crisis in Homeless Services
Why San Diego Construction Companies Need Single Database ERP Systems
Additional Resources
- CBS 8: MTS Fares Could Increase for the First Time Since 2009
- San Diego Union Tribune: MTS Will Seek Transit Fare Hikes
- Fox 5 San Diego: MTS Considering Fare Increase as Budget Crisis Looms
- CBS 8: MTS Eyes Fare Hikes and Service Cuts
- San Diego Union Tribune: San Diego Transit Officials Move to Slash Service and Raise Fares
- Wikipedia: Public Transport in San Diego
- Google Search: San Diego transit fare hike
- Google Scholar: Transit fare hikes public transportation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Transportation
- Google News: MTS fare increases
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
