MTS Payroll Deduction Program

Faculty and Staff Payroll Deduction

Faculty and staff may be eligible to receive discounted monthly transit passes for $42 through payroll deduction as a pre-tax benefit. Transit payroll deduction passes may be used as often as needed throughout the month and are automatically loaded before the first of every month for employee convenience. 
  • Must be a full time Employee (faculty or staff). This benefit is now available to full time employees of SDSU, SDSU Associated Students and Aztec Shops.
    • Please note, we expect to begin enrolling full-time SDSU Research Foundation employees during the last week of July for a payroll deduction start date of August 1.
  • Must be able to commit to the program for a minimum of six (6) months. 

Enrollment for the program occurs between the 20th of the previous month to the 8th of the current month for which you would like to enroll. For example, if you would like to enroll for September you will need to contact us between August 20 - September 8th. 

To enroll please complete the MTS Transit Pass Request Form. 

  1. Employees opting in will be sent an AdobeSign card to sign authorizing payroll deduction from their payroll for $42 a month.  There is a six (6) month commitment to the program.
  2. After your documents are completed and signed you will receive an email with instructions.
  3. Your information will be uploaded to PRONTO monthly until you request that your payroll deduction be canceled. You must email [email protected] one month prior to cancel your payroll deduction.
  4. You will have the option to use a phone app pass or a physical card. Either choice will require you to set up your account with PRONTO on your phone.

Physical cards can be purchased at the PRONTO trolley ticket machines on campus or MTS Stores. 

This pass may be used on and is valid on the following services: 

MTS

  • MTS Busses
  • MTS Trolley
  • MTS Rapid

North Country Transit District - NCTD

  • NCTD BREEZE busses
  • NCTD SPRINTER train

Call or text MTS if you have security concerns - save this number to your contacts for quick access: 619-595-4960.

  • You can send photos or videos if needed.

Visit our Transit Safety Tips page for additional informaiton. 

The Green Line Guide is a newly launched resource designed to help the SDSU community navigate San Diego's transit system with ease. Focused on the MTS Trolley - Green Line, this guide provides essential information on schedules, station stops, and connections to popular destinations across the city. It also includes tips on using the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and highlights nearby amenities, events, and attractions along the transit route. 

SDSU Green Line Guide

MTS Payroll Deduction FAQ

If you receive a fare enforcement citation because there was an issue with loading your pass please contact [email protected]. Send a copy of your citation and a brief description of your situation within 24 hours so that SDSU can contact MTS as soon as possible. PATS will respond within regular business hours. 

As part of SDSU’s ongoing work to support employees and students with sustainable and affordable transportation options, SDSU is following best practices for incentivizing transit utilization. In addition to a 25% discount from MTS as part of bulk-rate purchasing SDSU is subsidizing employee transit passes to be competitive with parking rates.  

You must email [email protected] 14 days in advance if you would like to cancel your payroll deduction. Refunds are not issued for passes that have already been loaded under any circumstance. 

MTS provides these passes at a flat rate per month regardless of when the pass is loaded. SDSU incurs the cost once the pass is issued, and MTS does not offer SDSU refunds. 

No. MTS does not issue refunds for passes that have already been loaded therefore, we cannot issue refunds. 

You may use your existing PRONTO account without having to create another. Be sure to include your email and card number when submitting the interest form. 

You can cancel anytime after your 6-month commitment. If a payroll deduction is canceled, we will not be able to reactivate your payroll deduction for 2-semester terms.

  • Cancel in Spring = Reactivate in Fall
  • Cancel in Summer = Reactivate in Spring
  • Cancel in Fall = Reactivate in Summer


To initiate or deactivate a payroll-deducted transit pass, please contact Parking & Transportation Services via email at [email protected].

No. Refunds are not issued for any passes that have already been loaded to your PRONTO card. 

SDSU state employees, the SDSU Research Foundation, Aztec Shops, Associated Students, Mission Valley Enterprises, and South Campus Plaza retail partners are eligible to participate. This is subject to change and Parking and Transportation Services reserves the right to discontinue offering this benefit based on business/operational needs. 

Any unpaid amounts will be transferred to your on-campus account via Student Account Services. All outstanding fees must be paid directly through Student Account Services. 

If your current account is already linked to another program, you must email [email protected] with the email address and card number linked. 

PATS offers a trial transit pass so that employees can see if riding the trolley and/or bus fits their needs. Since many people have not used transit for their commute before, the trial pass allows them to learn the route, experience the benefits, and adjust to using transit without a long-term commitment. Shifting more trips from single occupancy vehicles to transit supports the university’s sustainability goals and can help reduce employee stress and commute costs. 

If your current account is already linked to another program, you must email [email protected] with the email address and card number linked. 

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