San Diego transit riders who pay their fares with Mastercard can now access monthly savings through a new rebate program announced by the Metropolitan Transit System. The initiative offers a $2.50 statement credit to cardholders who use contactless Mastercard payments for at least $10 in transit expenses during any calendar month through the end of 2027.
The program aims to make public transportation more affordable while encouraging passengers to adopt tap-to-pay technology on buses and trolley lines. MTS introduced contactless payment capabilities in July 2024 and has since recorded more than 4.27 million transactions using the system.
Stephen Whitburn, who chairs the MTS Board and serves on the San Diego City Council, said the rebate program returns money to riders while simplifying the payment process. He characterized the initiative as part of broader modernization efforts designed to enhance the transit experience throughout the region.
Passengers can access the benefit by tapping an eligible Mastercard at fare validators, either through digital wallets or physical cards. Statement credits are issued automatically within 60 days once riders meet the monthly spending requirement. The program is currently available across 12 major transit systems in North America.
MTS operates 93 bus routes and four trolley lines serving 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego County. The system handles more than 250,000 passenger trips on weekdays and served over 81 million riders in fiscal year 2026.