Public Transit
- U-Pass for Students
- Passes for Faculty & Staff
- UC San Diego PRONTO FAQ
See commonly asked questions below. If you have an issue with the PRONTO app that is not addressed, use this form to submit a case directly to the PRONTO team.
First, download the PRONTO app to your Apple or Android device. Then, register for an account using your “@ucsd.edu” email address. You must use your UC San Diego email address to be able to link to the discounted pass program.
After you have set up your account and created a virtual card*, watch this quick tutorial on how to link to the correct UC San Diego pass program and how to download your pass (U-Pass only):
*Riders who want to use a physical PRONTO card should not create a virtual card. Instead, link an existing PRONTO card within the app, then proceed to linking your account to UC San Diego (and downloading the pass if using the student U-Pass).
Students, faculty and staff who don’t have a mobile device can link a physical card to your PRONTO account. You can schedule an appointment at Campus Curbside weekdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to link a physical card using one of our iPads.
Currently, International Program (IP) students are not eligible for the U-Pass on PRONTO. IP students should download the PRONTO app or get a PRONTO card at a Trolley ticket machine or retail outlet and use the best fare or Month Pass payment options. Learn more about using PRONTO.
Faculty and staff who qualify for a reduced fare must be approved for the reduced fare by MTS and provide proof of their SDM registration to UC San Diego Transportation Services before any discounted passes can added to your account.
You can go to the MTS Transit Store, open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for approval, or call the PRONTO Support Team at (619) 595-5636 (weekdays 7 a.m.to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Once you have been approved for SDM, email iride@ucsd.edu to notify us that your PRONTO account has been authorized for SDM products. We’ll change your transportation account and you’ll be able to enroll in the SDM Transit PROMO or SDM Coaster PROMO. Please note, you must be eligible for payroll deductions to enroll in PROMO programs.
No, you cannot change your username (email) once an account has been created. You will need to create a new account using your “@ucsd.edu” email.
No, passes cannot be transferred between the phone or a card. Riders need to select one fare product or the other.
Login to your PRONTO app account. Do not select the option to “Create a Virtual Card.” Instead:
When you add your pass in the app (U-Pass), or when UC San Diego adds your pass to your account (FaSt Pass), the pass will be added automatically to your physical card number. (You will not have a QR code on your phone and will board MTS and/or NCTD vehicles using your PRONTO card.)
Month Passes are available from the first day of the month through the last day of the month. You must be enrolled in the UC San Diego FaSt Pass program by the 25th of the month prior to ensure you will receive the following month’s pass.
If using the PRONTO card, simply tap your card at station or vehicle validators every time you board.
If using the mobile app, open the QR code on the “Use” tab and scan the QR code at station or vehicle validators when you board. Hold the phone approximate 5” below the scanner for best results and try to avoid scanning in direct sunlight.
Simply login to your PRONTO account on your new device. When you open the app, you will be prompted to transfer your pass to the new device and block the old device. (Note: Once you transfer a mobile pass and/or block the device, you cannot transfer the pass back to the original device if it’s found or repaired.)
If you lose your PRONTO card with your U-Pass or FaSt Pass on it, contact iride@ucsd.edu for a replacement card/pass.
For assistance with PRONTO app errors, use this form to submit a case directly with the PRONTO team.