Free transit offered for those leaving foster care

Young adults transitioning out of foster care will have an opportunity to ride San Diego transit for free starting next month.

The program, PRONTO Extend, is aimed at providing opportunities to residents 18 to 24 years old currently in or coming out of the foster care system.

The pilot program, which starts July 1 and runs through December 31, 2023, was approved this month by San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District.

“Our goal with the PRONTO Extend program is to offer additional resources to ease that transition from foster care to more independent living,” said Nathan Fletcher, board chair of MTS and San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “Being able to have free transportation to school or jobs is an important stepping stone to help them succeed.”

Around 77 percent of Californians leaving foster care want to attend higher education, according to a 2018 study at The University of Chicago. However, by the age of 21, less than 25 percent are enrolled in college due to financial hardships.

Reliable access to transportation helps residents lock down employment and educational opportunities, officials said.

“Like any youth transitioning into adulthood, the young adults who are or were involved with foster care have significant needs to become independent,” said Kimberly Giardina, director of child welfare services at San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency. “Affordable transportation is at the top of that list.”

The new program comes after transit officials rolled out last month a similar initiative that allows youth 18 years old or younger to ride for free. That pilot program, Youth Opportunity Pass, is slated to run through June 2023

These programs apply to MTS and NCTD’s fixed bus routes, as well as the trolley, Sprinter and Coaster lines. Those who are eligible can apply online at sdmts.com/ fares/pass-programs.