The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors approved the agency’s $482.5 million Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget, maintaining core services across the system.
The budget will also advance a long-term strategy to address structural funding challenges, the board said. The approved 2027 operating budget is a 2.4 percent increase over last fiscal year.
“I am proud the Board adopted a budget that continues to prioritize reliable transit service for the San Diego region,” MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn said. “This budget reflects our commitment to riders while responsibly planning for future financial challenges and identifying solutions that keep public transit strong.”
The budget continues service on all trolley lines and MTS bus routes, the board said, and reflects the board’s direction to preserve service levels while identifying new revenue sources and cost-saving measures that will support financial stability.
The FY 2027 budget builds on efforts to address a structural deficit driven by rising costs and flat revenue growth. Since the pandemic, MTS has balanced its budgets using one-time funds, operational savings and strategic financial adjustments. This budget, officials said, continues that approach while advancing a longer-term plan to stabilize funding through the end of the decade.
The approved budget maintains existing service levels, implements targeted operation savings and administrative efficiencies, continues to grow non-fare revenue sources, strategically uses one-time funds and capital transfers to bridge near-term funding needs, and advances planning for a potential regional transit revenue measure and other funding opportunities.
“Public transit agencies nationwide are facing similar fiscal challenges, and MTS is proactively addressing them,” MTS Chief Executive Officer Sharon Cooney said. “This budget keeps our system running strong today while laying the groundwork for long-term stability and continued investment in our riders and communities.”