San Diego’s youngest riders just locked in a longer free ride. In May, the San Diego Association of Governments voted to keep the Youth Opportunity Pass going through June 2027, preserving unlimited free MTS bus and trolley trips for anyone 18 and under. Launched in spring 2022, the pilot stripped away a recurring transportation cost for students across the county and helped many get to school or work without digging for fare money. Local educators and students say the pass has boosted attendance and access to opportunity, and the program has already delivered tens of millions of free trips since it began.
According to SANDAG, the Board of Directors approved funding to MTS and NCTD to keep the Youth Opportunity pilot program running through June 2027. SANDAG’s program page also reports that the pilot has provided more than 39 million free rides to San Diego County youth since its May 2022 launch.
Students and school leaders told 10News the pass can be life-changing. A recent Learn4Life graduate said the pass made it possible for her to attend school, and a principal told 10News that removing the fare barrier has increased enrollment and graduation rates. SANDAG board member Supervisor Paloma Aguirre told 10News she pushed for the extension because she can relate to students juggling work and classes.
How the pass works
The Youth Opportunity Pass is loaded onto the PRONTO fare system. Riders 18 and under can set up a Youth PRONTO account or convert an existing PRONTO card, then tap or scan to ride free on MTS and NCTD services through June 30, 2027, according to MTS. The MTS page details how to get a Youth pass, which documents are accepted for age verification, and options for students who need a physical card or help using the PRONTO app.
How it’s paid for & what’s next
SANDAG’s budget documents show the agency has set aside regional and state transportation dollars to keep the pilot running for the coming year, with those allocations included in the agency’s FY program materials. The program budget lists funding lines that draw on TransNet and state transportation sources as part of a mix that SANDAG says buys time while staff and partners work to identify renewable long-term funding (SANDAG FY 2027 program budget).
Advocates and officials say the extension gives the region more runway to secure sustainable funding and consider expanding eligibility, while students keep a dependable and free way to get to school. For enrollment details and step-by-step help, MTS and SANDAG maintain guides and contact emails on their sites.
