SANDAG held a public hearing and conducted the first reading of the proposed regional Comprehensive Fare Ordinance on February 24. A second reading and subsequent adoption will occur in March 2006. No fare increases are proposed at this time.
According to Board Policy No. 029, “Regional Fare Policy and Comprehensive Fare Ordinance,” SANDAG is charged with adopting a Comprehensive Fare Ordinance and setting a uniform, fair, and equitable fare system within the region for North County Transit District (NCTD) and the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).
In addition, the new Compass Card, which will be introduced later in 2006, offers the opportunity to simplify the fare structure, streamline and expedite fare collection, and better obtain ridership and revenue data. The Compass Card will allow passengers to purchase any current fare products, (e.g. monthly passes, senior and disabled passes and semester passes) and allow new products to easily be introduced.
The Compass Card uses “smart card” technology which allows passengers to have their fares validated by simply waving the card in front of a ticket vending machine or farebox. For seniors and persons with disabilities the card will also incorporate photo identification on a single card with the transit pass. Ultimately, the Compass Card will allow passengers to use a debit card function to pay cash fares and upgrades using a stored value capability. Passengers will be able to use the card on any MTS or NCTD bus, trolley, or train. When applicable, the logistics of the Compass Card will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Fare Ordinance.
Project Manager:
Dan Levy
619-699-6942
