I really enjoy San Diegos transportation. Its easy to use and navigate. Most of my experience have been pleasant. read more

For the mamy years that I have grown up here in San Diego tgere has been the many buses that havevoperated here in San Dirgo from the first of the flyers that were the silver blue green busses. For the city of SanDiego the many buses that serviced the many aareas of the Mission Valley for the larger center was the college grove and the Grossmont Center. San Dirgo Metropolitan Transit used the Mission Valley Mall as one of the many transit centers you can catch the bus at. For the many that remember the early years of the transit office that was on Broadway near the Civic Center. Broadway was the main street of the many businesses now the many bus stops you see are of the busses that servicw the many areas. The Broadway transit store was one that had resoutcez for the school groups and a wall that had all the many bus schedules and transit maps. The East Village Trolley Center is the main office you can connect to three trolleys of of the Orange Line with the Blue Line. The Green Line that services the Elcajon Station gou can get to the city of Elcajpn for the Green Line doesnt service the city of Santee it has the Copper Line. Over the many years the San Diego Metropoltan Transit they have designed diplomas and education grants. For the San Diego Mdtropolitan Transit is one that has been gere in San Diego reaching to the many parts of the city to parts of the East County. As a Yelp Elite Reviewer the many times I have rode the bus it was one of the greatest Learning experiences its a grwat way to sbow studentz to uee the bus and Trolley. San Diego Metropolitan Transit is one of the best companies for the many services. read more

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MTS - Transit Office Review Transit business for any age is easy to navigate at this location. *PARKING:* You can park at the MTS building structure. The entrance is on the side. 30 minutes was only $.75, max 8 hours parking. I couldn't believe the rates! It's cheaper than the meters. *NEED TO KNOW* Doors close at 5 PM. If you're in line and not inside, you'll need to come back tomorrow. I know because I was here yesterday at 4:43 PM and at the front of the line at 4:59 PM. Curses! I didn't make it. Today, I arrived at 4:40 PM, From wait time to photo to completion, 7 minutes! Not even joking. Customer service was excellent. *WHY WAS I HERE?* I was here for a youth pass. San Diego Cares. Imagine having several children and needing business transportation. What a deal. When I was a youth, the passes were $45. Now--free public transportation for 18 and under. Don't forget the student I.d. *IS IT SAFE?* Security were personable and alert. It's on 12th and Imperial. You can get right off the trolley or park in the structure. It's the transit. You'll see a lot of transient community. But no one's worried about you--they're managing their lives. Most impressively, I noticed a Health andLive Well mobile service next door to the MTS. Even though San Diego transit is not like New York, it has definitely improved. It's worth it for youth and disabled passes at reduced rates. read more

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I started using the trolley to commute to avoid traffic. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any commitment from MTS to provide a reliable service. I've been late to work 3 times this year because there's no previous notice when a trolley won't show on time, and it's happened once every couple of months in average. We deserve a reliable service to alleviate the traffic problem in San Diego! read more

MTS is ripe for academic study given its perch almost halfway between embarrassment and legitimate urban transit system. Painfully clogged LA probably won't progress beyond "I don't want to take trains but I'm willing to vaguely financially support them" vibes, so the more reasonable San Diego traffic flow is a bad sign for transit sentiment. It'll remain a niche option for "those people." You will certainly encounter troubled people on the buses and trains. Anecdotally speaking, requests for money seemed less frequent than New York and unhinged violent threats less common than LA. My time in Point Loma illustrates the chicken-or-egg problem. The normal 28 bus frequency of every 30 minutes, and an hour on Sundays, is an embarrassment. Certainly some car fetishist can say "uhh no one rides the bus" as an excuse for underfunding it, but if you build it... Then there's the 923. It gets from Ocean Beach to downtown in a half hour and was a breeze from my Point Loma to the airport. But it doesn't even operate on weekends. Surely there's a market for weekend excursions to OB for fish tacos and whatever substances the cool kids are into using these days. In MTS's favor, the buses were generally on time and the drivers were friendly. I was also impressed with the dual-purpose trolley. It slows down in the urban core, like the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail that we know and love back home, but gets really brisk in the suburbs, making up for the lack of commuter rail. The Green Line to SDSU wasn't bad, and I was impressed with Blue Line's speed to National City in the south and La Jolla in the north. (Can locals explain non-coastal La Jolla to me? It's like if White Plains, Stamford, Greenwich and Great Neck merged.) read more

Dear MTS, My name is Ashley Annette, and I'm reaching out to report a stolen suitcase and request assistance in locating it. Date of Incident: April 21st, 2024 Time: Between 12:30 AM and 12:45 AM Location: Outside near the City College trolley station I was at the trolley station around midnight, and while I was on the phone, I briefly turned my back. When I turned back around, I realized my suitcase was missing. I spoke with an MTS employee later that day, and Maria Martinez kindly assisted me in reviewing the surveillance footage, which confirmed that my suitcase was taken. Description of the suitcase: * Large, black suitcase * Marked with the letters "JNY" * Decorated with large yellow flowers * Contained: personal clothing, a pair of Jordan sneakers, and several other pairs of shoes * No money or valuables of monetary worth inside I'm not seeking to press charges or pursue anyone I just Really want my suitcase returned as it was. Please It holds personal belongings that are very important to me. Please team up with me please once found please contact me at (619) 484-0557. I sincerely appreciate any help your team can provide in recovering my belongings. Thank you for your time and support. Best regards, Ashley Annette read more

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System - Please be Honest my number is (619)484-0557 - Public Transportation Near Me - San Diego, California

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April 20th 2026. 12:56 p.m bus route #1 going to fashion valley..Bus 2213.Hispanic female bus driver..I can't even give this driver any stars..I can't believe that she is still driving the buses..omg...I think she is the worst driver ever..she slams too hard on the brakes, doesn't give the passengers time to sit down before she begins to drive.. reckless and crazy..this is the second or third review I have done.. please do something about this..GOD forbid if she collides with other drivers on the road.and MTS will be at fault..I see you guys hire anyone to drive the buses..Do better.peoples lives are in the hands of your driver's. read more

MTS bus drivers are almost always rude (even a couple of the good ones joke about their power trips). Most of the trolley enforcement cops are lazy, overpaid donkeys who have no idea how to speak to PAYING customers. Customer service is useless. The higher ups are even more useless. As a fan of public transit, this organization is why public transit struggles in the US. They have cost me more money with busses that refuse to stop at stops than is worth the ridiculous hundred bucks a month it costs. read more

This is the most confusing public transportation system in the country. If you get the Pronto App (which is all but required) you'll find it incomprehensible that anyone would build such a confusing interface. We got ripped off for $60 because we didn't transfer the app card to itself. What?? Rent a car and save yourself. read more

I needed to come back to San Diego from Ohio to wrap up a Workman's Comp claim. I had very little to work with in terms of monetary resources. Though my housing needs were covered by the generosity of close friends, transportation was going to be my next financial challenge. With appointments from La Jolla to Chula Vista... El Cajon to Coronado... I needed to be able to get around affordably AND reliably. With only a couple of exceptions, the routes I was on were timely and efficient. I wish there were more routes running on Sat & Sun but overall a good experience. There were a couple of bus drivers who were exceptional, know their riders, and engage people with genuine kindness. read more

MTS driver must wear blinders and stares at the white line and not pay attention to the bus stop with a person or a couple of people in it. So since the bus driver is not paying attention to the bus stops, we'll have to do their job for them. Here is the following suggestion to make sure you get your ride. 1. Do not sit in the waiting area. Apparently the driver thinks you're relaxing and don't need a ride if they even see you. 2. Stand out waving your arm like a maniac. 3. Use any highly visible devices (light strobe, flares, etc) to get the driver attention. 4. With all that fails and the driver continues, then that driver should really be reported. The steps above are written in jest, but the bottom line, it didn't just happened once or just twice. At least three time at the same stop, and that is a pattern. read more

If you're the only one at the stop good luck getting a bus. I've waited over 20 minutes multiple times (because they're always late) and they just pass me. I even wave and they don't even glance at me, I could literally see people in the bus looking around in confusion as to why I'm being ignored. read more

Just a few things that I think would make everyday commuters riding the trolley feel better. Firstly, have your drivers arrive on time. The key words are /on time/. The schedules aren't always accurate, which can be really frustrating. Why even bother with schedules if drivers are going to arrive a minute too early or too late? Secondly, now that you're enforcing citations on those who think they can hitch a free ride (honestly love this because majority of us DO pay for passes to work and it is frustrating when people just hop on and off whenever they want, and all they get is a warning.) but please enforce hygiene. The trolley cars are dirty and stinky. Nobody wants to talk about this, but I'm fed up. BODY ODOR IS HORRID. Travel sized deodorant costs less than $3 at the store. IT STINKS. GET A GRIP. I KNOW YALL ARE AWARE OF THIS. There are 3 lines. Do better. read more

The drivers are getting much bruter, mishandling the buses and making each abrupt stop. They just want their paychecks and pretend they're societal. read more

This review is specifically for MTS 280 Escondido to/from downtown San Diego. What an incredibly comfortable, pleasant experience. The bus is modern with comfortable seats, air conditioning and contactless payment technology via Pronto app. The drivers are professionally and provide for a smooth ride. This route really provides a convenient, cost-effective way to get Downtown from North County and effectively extends the feasibility for employment opportunities for North County residents. This is a great example of the power of public transit and I'm definitely a fan. For $5, you can ride in comfort from the Escondido Transit Center to all points downtown. What a brilliant concept! Forget about the hassle of parking; grab a book; get some work done and sit back and relax as you enjoy your quick, comfortable commute! read more

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I bought a season pass to what was represented online as a Padres season pass. When it did not work I was told I bought a season pass to soccer league. This pass was $50 and completely useless to me. I am being told if you buy a pass on error there are no refunds. I just got taken for $50 by an agency my taxes paid for? I am speachless, our tax dollars hard at work!!! read more

I stepped off one tram and tried to board another because the tram I was on had a really bad smell. I quickly walked over to the next tram and tried to get in, but the doors closed, and they wouldn't let me on, even though I kept pressing the green button. It was just a matter of two seconds--I had literally just stepped off and tried to get back in, but the conductor shut the door right in my face. Unbelievable...but actually also believable because it IS the MTS read more

My daughter lives at SDSU and she takes the trolley on a regular basis to Mission Valley for work and fun. Her not needing to have a car at SDSU has saved us a lot of $. We also appreciate those clocks that show the schedule for the next few trains. I only wish there were more trolley lines in the city and more frequent trains in the evening. We can't wait for the new line to the airport, that will be a big deal for San Diego tourism and locals. read more

Many transit security and public safety officers abuse their on the job power, are disrespectful to black women, harass homeless people, and don't pay attention to many serious matters. Passengers use and sell drugs on the trolley, sell stolen property, threaten people, inappropriately touch themselves, etc, and security is no where to be found. I have seen multiple security and public safety pass by college students, pass by multiple different races of people, and only ask for tickets from black or homeless people. I personally have been harassed by several safety officers and security guards despite having paid for all of my rides. MTS needs new Security and Safety Officers need to be held accountable for their overly aggressive, unsafe, harassing behavior. For any Security or Public Safety officers who behave safely and appropriately, Thank You. read more

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System - Harassed By Intercon Trolley Security - Public Transportation Near Me - San Diego, California

4/22/24, 3:00 P.M.: A passenger on the 7 at University and 33rd complained about the driver braking very abruptly. The driver became hostile, deliberately dallied at the next stop to try to bully the passenger into disembarking, and accused the passenger of not paying her fare. read more

This company continuously drops the ball in customer safety! Not only do they charge everyone fare but they receive government funding!!! All this money and they can't provide proper safety for the passengers. Today, during a shooting at SDSU there are multiple witnesses that stated that armed security employed by MTS ran and hid. How many people need to be killed by the greed of this company?! read more

Unreliable. I almost think that they're doing it on purpose as a motivation to get a car yourself.

I used to be able to take the bus and trolley to work all the time, and I would get there early. But now that MTS has changed the bus schedules to run five minutes later, I'm now forced to DRIVE to work, because I would get there an hour late. So instead of it costing me $23/mo. for my bus pass, it now costs me $50/wk. in gas. Just another incompetent company. read more

It is surprising they get 2.5 stars. My route 945 is chronically late to the RB transit station such that I miss my connection. 75% of the drivers seem brain dead. The repeated problem indicates there is no accountability read more

I rode on route 1 to Fashion Valley from university avenue & hillcrest to head to Fashion Valley after mailing two packages and I stranded up when the bus was coming and he almost passed me and had to get him to stop and I asked him did you see me and he answered scan and your card and sit down and I had to flag him down of I could give route 1 0 star right now I would and he didn't even say have a nice day when I got off and I'm not riding route 1 anymore I'll choose route 7 for now on and everyone who rides route 1 better be prepared if it's that driver like I had today on the way to Fashion Valley I would stay off of that bus if I was you he's rude my experience today on route 1 to Fashion Valley is zero stars read more

Yesterday I'm sitting in my car waiting to pick someone up. I'm bored my phone was dead so it was plugged in but off so I start people watching. This kinda heavy set girl is right behind me trying to get across the street but she kept wobbling and almost falling over but she somehow made it across well she grabs the light post she's falling down but being held up by the pole. Finally it's to much for her she spins around does this amazing maneuver and then hits the ground hard. I'm watching her looking for some kind of movement from breathing and realize she ain't breathing. I grab my phone but it's off and dead and every second is crucial so I can't wait til the phone uploads itself from being off. I see a trolly cop across the street at city college trolly station I run over there and tell trolly cop officer Medina. That hey this girl wobbled did this and that and hit the ground I think u need to come check on her or call it in . This figure of authority looks me in the eye and says with no care at all for another human beings health and safety ( and this is her main job description is to protect and serve the people . ) she looks at me and says ," oh technically I can't do nothing about it unless it's related to the trolly or on the trolly platform" I said some things to her and said u can't even radio something in she just turned her back to me and walked off didn't even look across the street to even see this girl laid out on the ground. Well lucky for the girl that some women saw what I saw when she went down from there apartment building and rushed all the way down there and ended up saving this girls life. She was dead overdosed and brought back by these awesome people who saw it happen from a building across the street. Our trolly cops are pathetic and lazy and I know they deal with alot of homeless issues but a humans life is a humans life and this trolly cop did not comply to the human code of helping someone in need . She was a figure of authority and our trolly officers don't care about others or even if they die right in front of them they aren't gonna do anything to help them but turn there backs to them . This is how our trolly cops are trained and told they can't help anyone even if there dying like this lady was doing . Medina is lucky those people came to save her or that girl would have died and it would have been on her hands. read more

You can prove the worth of a city by its public transit system. MTS is amateurish. They require cash or a plastic card in 2019. In addition, attempting to use it on busses and light rail has proved inconsistent. Today I left from the Santa Fe Depot on the Pacific Coaster train and transferred to the "OC Bus" in Orange County. While in transit I downloaded the OC bus app and set up a credit card payment on my smart phone to avoid cash or change. Easy. Earlier at the San Diego Airport I was departing by bus and they require exactly $2.25, no change given, and no payment using a credit card at the airport bus stop or on the bus. MTS as a transit agency is failing the passengers who depend upon this public service. read more

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Let me preface this with words of caution for anyone writing a review or reading a review and basing a decision on that one review only. Before I write a review, I try to consider whether the person involved might have just been having a bad day for whatever reason. I look at OTHER reviews to see if mine syncs with those...is there a pattern?...is mine totally off-base? For instance, I recently wrote a scathing review of the Gentle Dental office in Grossmont based on the worst experience I've ever had with a dentist. Before I submitted my review, I checked how mine would compare with others. That office has 185 reviews which are extremely negative, in fact that office is the second worst such office in the ENTIRE county, so my rating of one star should be viewed as a signal to avoid using that office. BTW, I still object to the fact that Yelp doesn't allow a zero star rating because if any company or person ever deserved one, it's Dr Mohammad Kadhem in Gentle Dental's Grossmont office. I'll leave it at that because that's another matter altogether but it perfectly demonstrates how these reviews should be taken. Having said that, I was stunned that SD's MTS system received a 2.4 rating based on 298 reviews. Some of the reviews were very negative, but were often based on one route or one driver. Keep that in mind when you make a decision based on these reviews because they can be unfairly skewed for reasons that might be out of the company's control to fix or, as noted above, maybe the driver was just having a bad day. One bad review does not paint a complete picture. I can't drive so I take MTS everywhere, and it has been my experience that the bulk of MTS drivers are good...they're professional, helpful when asked...courteous. Then, of course, they're some real pains in the...yep... Fortunately, they're few and far between. On the other end of the spectrum, MTS has some drivers that are real gems...individuals who go above and beyond their job description and do everything to make passengers comfortable and give them a pleasant traveling experience, and in the process reflect well on MTS. Today, I was blessed with one of those gems. Her name is Ava and she drove the #18 bus taking me to my dr appointment. MTS deserves a four-star rating but Ava was so wonderful, she pulled its rating up to five stars IMO. For the first time in my life (I'm 68), I needed special handicap-related accommodations on an MTS bus. Ava took the time to explain the use of the chair lift and the ramp and issued appropriate precautions and just generally made a difficult situation...well, she made it not so unpleasant. At 68, I don't like having to use a chair lift...I don't like having to struggle with a walker to negotiate traveling through the city, asking for the ramp (even needing to use one), and other reminders of my disability. Ava made it okay...we laughed. It was my first experience with the chair lift. I have mobility issues and I'm not thrilled about it, but Ava dealt with that so professionally and so caringly that it was okay...she turned it around. Thank you, Ava. Ava deserves a five-star rating. MTS does not, but it does NOT deserve to be rated 2.4 as it is currently, not in my opinion. I gave MTS a four-star rating because THEY still have a long way to go to accommodate ALL passengers, to insure ALL passengers have equal access to public transportation, that ALL passengers deserve to be treated with dignity, consideration and concern. Ava did everything right and she was stellar in her job performance, and she shouldn't be downgraded because of the actions of MTS that are often less than stellar. For instance, their routes do NOT allow full access by handicapped individuals to all of SD...SD is NOT pedestrian friendly (check out SF some time...THAT city's mass transportation makes sure pedestrians can access as much of their city as cars do). Many times I have had to walk long distances in SD to reach my destination when it wasn't necessary if MTS would add more stops or re-route some buses or alter stop sequences, e.g. check out the stops for #10 and #7 on one end of University and also check out the #10 and #11 and #1 stops on the other end. They make no sense. You can go long distances passing several stops because they're not designated for your bus. Also, far too many times I have tried to exit a trolley using the handicap ramp and it doesn't engage. I push the blue button, I wait, it beeps, and then the trolley leaves without the ramp ever being deployed. That happened three times in one day this past week. It needs to be fixed. Now. On the #18 bus, if you embark using the chair lift, you are seated in the rear of the bus very comfortably, but when you need to disembark, there is no railing or anything to grab to enable a passenger to stand up. I can't use my right hand and I struggled to get up. Fix that. No need to worry about Ava...she's fantastic. The other stuff, not so much. read more

If you see the numbers 2782 on a MTS bus, stay away. That's the world's meanest bus driver. I walked up to the bus driver and asked him with my obvious Jamaican accent how I could get to University and Park Blvd. His response: "Everybody sit down. The road is busy." Another passenger tried to help and recommended that I take bus 11. That when the meanest Bus Driver barked: "Do what you want! I'll tell you where to get the bus". Not knowing whether to follow the advice of a helpful passenger or the World's Meanest Bus Driver, I just cried. Why do people who don't want to help people work with people? If you don't want to help people with simple questions, how about a factory job where you can close boxes every day? Shame on you #2782 Bus Driver! You are a blemish to MTS! read more

Rudest trolley system in America. Countless times I've been late for work because they'll block doors from opening if they see you try to switch to a cart with more room. I've been left cause a door wouldn't open and pointed and laughed at by the driver. I've seen countless Handicap passengers not make it off the trolley or on the trolley because doors won't open on time for them, causing them to get left behind at the wrong stop. I've seen a woman assaulted, and security care more about checking to see if you paid to get on or not... leaving us passengers responsible to attend to the woman. As a Kansas country boy with good manners, I made sure she was okay while the snobs stayed glued to their phones. In conclusion, just wake up san diego. Do better! read more

I had a pleasant experience with the staff on two occasions, but it doesn't make up for the difficulty just getting into the transit store. Located at the south end of downtown on Imperial Avenue, the MTS offices are adjacent to private pay parking lots. I found those to be too expensive so I began wandering around looking for street parking. There isn't that much to be had within a block or two you have to go three to five blocks to find street parking on a early morning work day. Once parked, I began to take the walk over to the MTS building. This area is frequented by people who are out of work at the moment, languishing in groups and chatting. I admit this isn't my normal scene, and I did have a little bit of trepidation. I felt some relief when I crossed the street and found a minister working within one of the groups. Entering the building and stating my business to the information desk I was told to take the elevator up. When I arrived at my destination I was told to take the elevator down and go to the transit store attached to the building. I presented my purpose and got my ID, the clerk who helped me was professional and nice. I see a lot of potential for the MTS offices and the area surrounding it. I couldn't easily find parking, the frequency of the trolleys and the sidewalk layout for pedestrians doesn't serve the purpose well. read more

I don't give very many listings a 1 star review, but MTS is pretty terrible. Reason being dependability. Buses and trains don't arrive on time. In one instance, a bus completely did not show up and I was waiting a whole hour. It was the worst case possible since I was trying to get to Old Town to take a Coaster train up north to Oceanside and then a Metrolink train onward to the OC. I totally missed it and ended up having to take an Amtrak. The Trolley system is a bit better than the buses since they are more dependable to show up when they are supposed to, but the transit cops are a bit over aggressive. There are transit cops in Seattle on Sound Transit trains, but not as rabid and ticket happy as the ones in SD. If you are taking MTS, make sure to give yourself sufficient time to get where you need to. I would not even look at the schedules. I would just text the number on the MTS stop sign to see when the next bus is arriving. read more

MTS isn't as good as it was before. Sure I love the 8 and 992 line but now the rest of the system is a big huge wreck unless you live in Chula Vista, a tourist near old town, a SDSU or someone who rides the tram to the mall. Ever since my trip to San Diego to see a friend, this system went from bad to worse. This tram is always late and are always crowded. If you are staying in a hotel not near old town good luck waiting for a bus. Chances are it won't come. Good news: despite being lower in the game, I have to give props out to the fact that it does a good job of preserving its history. They have a nice heritage trolley that connects everyone to the best parts of town. For Chula Vista residents try do a good job of preserving their past. I have seen some vintage buses that are still in good use like they were in the 80s-90s. Students get better Transit service than SJSU. read more

I am a business owner a first responder I am disabled and do I have asthma I ride public transportation bus drivers and fast Riders are spraying Lysol on the Bus Not Safe The Air Conditioning is eating chemicals through the air which is making People feel SICK read more

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First time taking the Rapid during new years eve San Diego break! It was an awesome experience and I was not expecting the punctuality, cleanliness, courtesy and, yes, no weirdos during my trip! I confess taking the bus in San Diego was not in my plans, but 'ubering' to 4SRanch to see the Italian friends who were inviting me for a stupendous Sicilian post New Year's lunch was a too expensive option. I was staying in downtown and the friend hosting me convinced me to take the Rapid (I thought this line was only active during the week but Saturdays too, only different schedule). I took the bus from Broadway across from the trolley station/Smartcorner building and in less than an hour I arrived to the Rancho Bernardo main bus stop. Only a few stops on the way and it was very pleasant. The bus was very new and seats very comfortable. Still, you always need a car or someone to pick you up to the final destination as nothing is designed here to go places by bus only. Good experience, very safe. read more

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They need to be a class action lawsuit put against the MTS,, For the b*******,,, All the inconvenience,,,, taking people's fares,,,,, writing people unnecessary tickets,,,,, making people lose their job,,,,, There need to be a class action lawsuit against the MTS read more

Became eligible for senior Compass card on my last visit to San Diego. Purchased it at local Vons with proof of age id. Bus fares of $1.25 and availability of paper bus schedules definitely deserve a star. Bus route 992 to airport was very convenient and timely. Used bus system to Old Town, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, UCSD and LaJolla. Overall, some unsafe and unsavory conditions prevented me from 3 stars. Definitely felt like a local and very serviceable. Could have been better. Did not try the other transit options. When metro/subway is called trolley system, my brain gets overloaded. read more

Just a terrible street event service not running extra trains waiting for over 30 minutes. Just f'ing awful

Worst transit system in California! Never on time so expect to be late. Most of the stations are trash

Be forewarned: only valid form of fare is compass card you purchase beforehand! Los Angeles TAP will not work, and you will be treated like a criminal if g-d forbid inspection comes! Expect fines in the range of 300-400 dollars! I've been to San Diego before, and have always used my TAP CARD for the trolley, for I had assumed (albeit wrongfully) that this pass worked as the system was verisimilar to the Los Angeles TAP system (see pictures). It even has the words 'TAP' on the mount of the machine, and when swiping the TAP card across the apparatus, the device beeps similar in tone to Los Angeles's device indicating it's valid. Plus, TAP isn't exclusive to Los Angeles, but in Orange County, too, you are permitted to use TAP to gain access to buses/trains as well. So, as you can see, my assumptions were wrong, but they were however, not without merit. My day took a turn for the worse when San Diego MTS Troopers detained and interrogated me for 'fare evasion.' After handing them my TAP card to vet, they weren't biting. They either didn't believe my story of being foreign to San Diego, or didn't care. They imputed my status to that of a criminal and demanded I fashion my ID. I flashed them my ID and explained to them the situation and that this was a miscommunication - and not that I was trying to game the system: cheating San Diego out of its $2.50 fare. This wasn't good enough. They wanted full possession of my ID, and I wasn't going to relent because they didn't appear to be cops and/or have agency over me. My assumptions appeared to have been vindicated by the trooper's contradictory statement: "We're going to sit on the bench and wait for the police." For if they were police, why would they say such a thing as it implies they were not? So, I sat on the bench and quickly dialed the number to Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, so I can get further guidance for my plight. They told me I wasn't allowed to use my phone until I followed through with their request. I told them I wanted to talk to a supervisor, refusing to sign anything or hand over my ID until the police or the supervisor arrived. I further made inquiries to use my phone, and they forbade me until they both felt 'unsafe' as they couldn't authenticate my identity (or the one I was calling for that matter). I repeatedly identified myself so they had no reason to be afraid of me, let alone someone in a different state, but they didn't care. I was placed in handcuffs, stripped of my ID, patted down, and searched. I was scared. I wanted to use my phone but they still refused until I signed the piece of paper. I refused, and told them I shall not cooperate until the police or supervisor had demanded this from me. I also told them they have no reason to keep me shackled since they had searched me and found no contraband. Thus, they have no reason to believe that I posed any further danger. They then backpeddled, stating that they weren't going to cut me loose until I signed the pink slip. What does one have to do with the other? If they were so afraid of me, why should those feelings abate simply by me signing something? It shouldn't, right? The female officer told me if I would have initially stated I was not from San Diego, but rather Los Angeles, things might have gone down differently. To my recollection, I did state as much by giving them my TAP card as well and telling them I'm not from around here (and flashing them my ID). It still wasn't enough. After waiting for about a half-hour, I talked with the supervisor and explained to him my side of the story. He gave me the confusing rundown of how there are two sides of the Metropolitan Enforcement: Security/State Troopers (of which, Troopers had agency and can issue citations as de facto officers). It was not made clear to me until I was on the bench and handcuffed when the female officer produced her identification (from a pouch nevertheless - as it wasn't visible). Normally, in Los Angeles and almost any other public transportation the metro bus or train, Metrolink and Amtrak, the County Sheriff has jurisdiction. These 'officers' appeared to be your run-of-the-mill- normal security guards, which is why I didn't initially comply with their initial order to "produce my ID". Their outfits were dubious and suspect, and lacked a well-defined badge. After hearing my side of the story, the Supervisor told me he'd have a word with his overzealous underling, but that I had to sign the piece of paper if I didn't want to spend the night in jail. I did just that, and was let go, but was slapped with two costly infractions - of which that I cannot afford. To add insult to injury, they still made me buy the fare to get back on! I had told them originally that if indeed my TAP card wasn't a valid form of payment that I would be more than happy to make an alternative cash payment so I can be in compliance with the ordinance. read more

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