San Diego Public Transportation Changes — New App, Children Ride Free

Public transportation in San Diego is getting even easier. While we’re still waiting on news of the parking sale for San Diego Comic-Con, many each year choose to ride public transportation, especially with a MTS stop directly across from the convention center making it both a convenient and affordable option.

There are new changes this year, though, so make sure you stay up to date.

MTS and NCTD have unveiled a new app, PRONTO, available now in both the Apple and Google Play stores. The Compass Card and Compass Cloud have been discontinued to make way for the new PRONTO system — and you have your choice of getting a PRONTO Card (available at the MTS Transit Store, NCTD Customer Service Center, or select retail outlets) for $2, or simply buying fare via the app.

Starting Sunday, May 1, those 18 and under in San Diego County also now ride free (through through June 30, 2023) as part of the SANDAG Youth Opportunity Pass.

It’s good for good for local buses, the trolley, the Coaster and the light-rail Sprinter line that operates in North County — and all children need is a youth account on the new Pronto app.

[UPDATE]

The one caveat to this, though, is that the San Diego MTS confirmed that unfortunately there won’t be any commemorative San Diego Comic-Con tickets.

Scroll to Top