San Diego MTS Passes FY25 Operating Budget

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) board approved a $448.2 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2025.

The newly approved budget fully funds current service levels on all three Trolley lines and more than 100 bus routes. The budget also funds MTS security improvements implemented earlier in the year, increasing the number of officers, improving visibility and response times.

The New MTS Budget

During the budget process, MTS staff was informed that $284 million new State grant funding was being frozen indefinitely as the State continued to balance its budget. This was significant news to MTS as the initial draft of the FY 2025 operating budget included $19.7 million in Senate Bill (SB) 125 Transit and Intercity Rail Capital (TIRCP) funds.

As a result, the agency postponed Trolley and bus service increases funded by SB125 funds until the future of those funds is more certain. If the funds are released, MTS is ready to advance the service enhancements as planned.

The FY 2025 total budgeted revenue is projected at $448.2 million, and total expenses are projected at $448.2 million, resulting in a balanced budget for FY 2025.

In addition to the operating budget, MTS also has a $250.1 million Capital Improvement Program budget in FY 2025 that will greatly enhance bus and rail state of good repair efforts, as well as fund facility and construction projects, rail infrastructure improvements, and other major initiatives. In total, 66 projects will be funded by the Capital Improvement Program.