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Conquering the MTS: A Bus Fare Odyssey (Without Getting Kicked Off)
So, you're in sunny San Diego and ready to conquer the city via the magical metal box on wheels we call the MTS bus. But wait! A villain lurks – the dreaded fare question. Fear not, fearless rider, for this guide will illuminate your path to boarding bliss (and avoiding those awkward stare-downs from the bus driver).
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| How To Pay Mts Bus San Diego |
Choosing Your Weapon: The Fare Fight
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- The PRONTO Card: Your Plastic Paladin
This nifty little card is your key to fare-free flowing. Load it up with cash online, at a kiosk, or with the PRONTO app (more on that later). Bonus: Tap your PRONTO card and enjoy free transfers for two whole hours! That means you can hop on and off different buses to explore like a fare-faring Francis Drake (without the whole eye patch thing). - The Cash Crusader: For the Old School Adventurer Yes, you can still use cash, but here's the thing: exact change only, please! The bus driver isn't your personal ATM (and they've probably heard every excuse in the book).
- The PRONTO App: Your Digital Do-Gooder Download the app, link your credit card, and you're good to go. Simply hold your phone up to the magical reader (it looks like a space-age waffle iron) and voila! Fare paid, planet saved (well, kind of – you're not using a physical card, which is a small victory).
Pro Tip: Download the MTS app to plan your route, check real-time bus arrival times, and avoid the frantic "which bus do I take?!" scramble.
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Frequently Asked Fare Fighters
- How to get a PRONTO card?
These can be acquired at trolley ticket machines, participating retailers, or the MTS Transit Store (all for a small fee). - How much does a PRONTO card cost?
The card itself is only $2, but you'll need to load at least $3 to get started. - How much is a bus fare?
A single ride will set you back $2.50, but with a PRONTO card, you can tap your way to a daily max of $6. - Can I buy a day pass?
Nope! But with the PRONTO card's daily max fare, you basically get the same benefit. - What happens if I don't have a fare?
Let's be honest, nobody wants to deal with that awkward conversation. Just be prepared to pay a fare or explain your situation to a Code Compliance Inspector (who might not be as amused by your jokes as I am).
So there you have it! With this knowledge in your back pocket, you're ready to navigate the MTS like a public transport pro. Now get out there, explore San Diego, and remember: a smooth ride starts with a smooth fare payment!
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