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Transit Passes
The City of San Diego has partnered with The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) to provide all City employees free transit passes as well as other subsidized transit pass options through the North County Transit District (NCTD).
MTS U-Pass
Starting July 1, 2023, City of San Diego employees, including interns and volunteers, will be eligible for a free transit pass. The City of San Diego Employee U-Pass program provides employees with unlimited access to MTS bus and Trolley services, at no cost.
U-Pass Eligibility
The City of San Diego Employee U-Pass program is open to almost all active City of San Diego employees, including volunteers and interns. Sworn police officers will not be eligible to enroll in the U-Pass program, as they already receive free transit access when traveling with ID.
Volunteers or unpaid interns who are not on the City payroll and who commute to work by bus and or trolley at least three (3) days each week are eligible for the U-Pass.
MTS U Pass Services
The U-Pass is valid for all fixed-route MTS bus and Trolley services, including Rapid Express 280/290 service on I-15. The U-pass is not valid for door-to-door paratransit trips or on North County Transit District (NCTD) BREEZE, SPRINTER or COASTER services.
How to Access the MTS U-Pass
The MTS transit pass is referred to as “PRONTO”. Existing employees can access the MTS U-Pass through the PRONTO app by registering using their City email address. If you are a new City employee, you may need to allow about one to two weeks before registering.
Please follow the steps below to access your U-Pass
- Download the PRONTO app for your Apple or Android device.
- Set up an account using your City of San Diego email address. Do not use your personal email.
- Follow the steps in this, step-by-step guide or video tutorial.
For technical assistance (i.e. difficulty logging into PRONTO, unable to access U-Pass, etc.) or if your U-Pass is not working, call PRONTO Support at 629-595-5636 or email Support@ridePRONTO.com. If you do not have a smartphone to download the U-Pass, and for all other questions, contact TAP at TAPAdmin@sandiego.gov.
North County Transit District (NCTD) Services
NCTD provides public transportation for North San Diego County.
COASTER Commuter Rail
In addition to the MTS U-Pass, employees can also enroll in the COASTER. The City subsidizes the cost of the COASTER and employees make monthly payroll deductions on a pre-tax basis.
| COASTER Passes | SAP Transit Codes | MEA/DCAA | All Others | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Zones | Sorrento Valley | TAP CSTR 2Z 30 | $61.00/mo. | $61.00/mo/ |
| 3 Zones | Solana Beach/Encinitas/Carlsbad/ Poinsettia/Oceanside |
TAP CSTR 3Z 30 | $82.00/mo. | $82.00/mo |
| 3 Zones | Ages 65+ and Youth (all routes) | TAP CSTR 30 | $5.80/mo. | $14.50/mo. |
Enrollment Steps
Step 1: Be sure to activate your MTS U-Pass (see MTS U-Pass “How to Access” steps above). Your PRONTO card used for the U-Pass will also be used for the COASTER.
Step 2: Enroll by the 12th of the month.
Complete the enrollment steps outlined in the COASTER Purchase and Cancellation Instructions.
Enrollment for monthly COASTER passes is completed online through the SAP Portal
- If you are a new employee and you don’t have SAP access yet, please email TAPadmin@sandiego.gov for further assistance.
Be sure to follow the COASTER Monthly Enrollment schedule to ensure you have a pass for the desired month.
SPRINTER Hybrid Rail and BREEZE Bus System
Access to SPRINTER/BREEZE services is available through request and approval from the City. Please contact the Transportation Alternatives Program at TAPAdmin@sandiego.gov if you live in an area serviced by SPRINTER/BREEZE and would like access to get to/from work.