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PRONTO fare system launched in San Diego

Posted: 2 September 2021 | | No comments yet

The new fare payment system has been launched in the Californian city, with PRONTO card or account holders offered free rides as a way of celebrating the launch.

pronto card

PRONTO card holders will be able to ride for free during September

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) has officially launched the region’s brand-new PRONTO fare collection system today. MTS and NCTD are celebrating the milestone with Free Rides in September for riders with a PRONTO card or the PRONTO mobile application. Both authorities say PRONTO will enhance ticketing functionality, access, and value for MTS and NCTD passengers.

“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.”

Under development for four years, MTS says the new PRONTO system is more convenient, with new rider-requested functionality, and a ‘best fare’ system that automatically calculates the best possible fare. With PRONTO, fares are capped at $6 per day or $72 per month for adult passes ($3/day and $23/month for seniors, riders with disabilities, and youth). Passengers simply tap or scan each time they ride, and the system will automatically deduct the appropriate fare.

“The pay-as-you-go PRONTO feature will help those on fixed incomes,” said Tony Kranz, NCTD Board Chair, Deputy Mayor of Encinitas.

“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 PRONTO app, available for free download in the App Store and Google Play, allows riders to add money and purchase one-way fares, one-day and monthly passes as well as COASTER passes. The app will also allow riders to add value to their accounts instantly and to track their rides and progress toward earning a day pass and month pass.

Free PRONTO cards are available at participating Vons and Albertsons and more than 70 other retail outlets , as well as the Transit Center Store, and ticket vending machines. These locations will allow riders to add money to their cards beginning in October.

MTS says it has already distributed more than 20,000 free PRONTO cards to riders at transit centre outreach events throughout the month of August.