San Diego MTS budget keeps trolley and bus routes

The San Diego MTS budget for fiscal 2027 totals $482.5 million, after the Metropolitan Transit System board approved a budget 2.4% higher than FY2026.

San Diego MTS budget keeps core service funded

MTS officials said the approved plan⁠ will maintain core transit services, including all trolley and bus routes, while continuing investment in capital improvements.

The budget also carries forward a financial approach adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. MTS has used one-time funds, operational savings and financial adjustments to manage a structural deficit tied to rising costs and relatively flat revenue growth.

MTS says its system handles more than 250,000 passenger trips each weekday and operates bus and Trolley service in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego County. In that context, the FY2027 budget is tied to maintaining core transit services while the agency looks for operating savings, non-fare revenue and other funding sources.

Funding strategies and future revenue planning

Proposed strategies to address longer-term funding issues include identifying and eliminating operational and administrative inefficiencies, reviewing fare policies and increasing non-fare revenue sources. MTS also plans to seek additional local, state and federal funding, while advancing planning for a possible future regional transit revenue ballot measure.

MTS CEO Sharon Cooney said the agency is responding to fiscal challenges that are also affecting public transit systems nationwide.

“Public transit agencies nationwide are facing similar fiscal challenges, and MTS is proactively addressing them,”

“This budget keeps our system running strong today while laying the groundwork for long-term stability and continued investment in our riders and communities.”