SANDAG Accelerates Multi-Billion Airport Transit Connection as MTS Launches PRONTO LIFE Fare Relief

SANDAG Transportation Committee Votes to Accelerate Airport Transit Connection

SAN DIEGO, California — Resolving decades of regional transportation debate, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Transportation Committee voted decisively in a 6–2 decision in autumn 2026 to fast-track the long-anticipated Airport Transit Connection (ATC). The vote initiates an accelerated dual-track procurement process, issuing simultaneous Requests for Information (RFI) and Requests for Proposals (RFP) across five finalist technology concepts.

Estimated between $1.2 billion and $3.1 billion, the project will establish a direct automated people mover or light rail connection linking San Diego International Airport (SAN) Terminal 1 directly to the regional transit grid at the Old Town Transit Center and Santa Fe Depot. Regional leaders emphasized that accelerating procurement protects $350 million in dedicated airline construction grants that would otherwise expire in 2029 if construction had not commenced.

MTS and NCTD Officially Roll Out PRONTO LIFE Reduced-Fare Program

In public transit equity, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and the North County Transit District (NCTD) officially launched the PRONTO LIFE (Low-Income Fare Eligible) program on October 1, 2026. The initiative provides significant fare relief and discounted monthly transit passes for qualifying income-eligible riders across San Diego County, offsetting recent modest baseline fare adjustments.

Complementing fare relief, MTS implemented permanent service improvements on Route 992, boosting airport express bus frequencies to run every 15 minutes daily until approximately 1:00 a.m. The transit agencies reaffirmed that ensuring affordable transit access protects essential workers and enhances public mobility across coastal communities.

Midway Rising Redevelopment Advances Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing Pipeline

In urban revitalization, planning teams progressed architectural designs for the generational Midway Rising master development on the 48-acre Sports Arena property. Backed by streamlined state environmental legislation, the master-planned entertainment district will integrate a new arena with over 4,000 affordable housing residences directly adjacent to high-frequency transit links.

Civic and municipal leaders commended San Diego’s coordinated momentum across direct airport transit links, equitable fare initiatives, and transit-rich housing developments.