Note: Children five and under ride MTS and NCTD free at all times and do not need a PRONTO card or app account, nor do they need to provide proof of their age.

On a smartphone:

Download the PRONTO - San Diego app and sign up for an account to get a virtual PRONTO pass (available on Android and Apple devices).

Without a smartphone:

• Ask your school’s office for a youth transit pass.
• If they do not have one, buy an Adult PRONTO card for $2, then, register your card by creating a PRONTO account online.

Online:

1. Log into your PRONTO account on a web browser and click “Apply for Youth, Senior, Disabled Pass” in the options on the left. Scroll down the page and through the “Terms of Use,” then hit “I agree.”
2. Select “I have a PRONTO card.” Select your card from the dropdown, and pick “Youth” under “reduced fare type.” Enter your name and birthdate.
3. Enter your email address (or the email of a trusted adult who’s with you). Check that email account for a temporary code (10-minute limit). Return to the form, and enter the code.
4. Upload a picture or scanned copy of one of the following: birth certificate, photo ID with birthdate (e.g., a passport or driver’s license), school ID, or screenshot of the platform you use to upload homework (including your name and school).
5. Upload a profile picture or take a live selfie (make sure you show your face) and submit it.

Approval time: You will either get approved automatically or you may have to wait for a staff person at MTS to look at your application (this could take 2-10 days).

Confirm approval: Log in to your account to confirm your account has been updated. When your virtual purple PRONTO card says “Youth” at the top, your reduced fare status has been verified, and your card is ready to use. Call PRONTO support at 619.595.5636 for further assistance.  

In person:

Bring proof of your age (see fourth bullet above) to an MTS or NCTD customer service center to get your Youth Pass application approved on the same day.

Use the PRONTO app, Google Maps, or the OneBusAway app to find your closest transit stop, when transit is coming next, and what routes you can take.

Remember to arrive at your stop early and scan your app or tap your card every time you ride, including when you transfer to a different bus, Trolley, or train.

In spring 2025, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and the North County Transit District (NCTD) started requiring riders to send proof of age for Youth Passes. If you are still under age 19, follow step 2 above to reactivate your card.

For further assistance, call PRONTO support at 619.595.5636.

Due to the age verification process, SANDAG is no longer able to purchase bulk, pre-activated Youth Passes to distribute to schools and community organizations.

The age verification site does not allow for more than one card to be verified at a time. Read the instructions under step 2 above for details on how to complete the age verification process individually.

You can keep using the same youth pass until your 19th birthday.

Yes, anyone 18 and under can get a free Youth Pass.

The SANDAG Board of Directors has approved funding to MTS and NCTD to continue the Youth Opportunity pilot program through June 2027.

Since its launch in May 2022, the Youth Opportunity Program has provided more than 39 million free transit rides to San Diego County youth.

The Youth Opportunity Pass is sponsored and funded by SANDAG and the County of San Diego. It is administered and operated in partnership with local transit agencies, including MTS and NCTD.