Photo by SFMTA Photography Department
The “Next-Generation Clipper” system launched on December 10, introducing major upgrades, including ‘tap-to-pay’ features, to reduce costs for riders and modernize fare payment across the nearly two dozen Bay Area transit agencies that use Clipper.
Transportation Authority Vice Chair Danny Sauter (District 3) and members of our staff joined San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, Senator Scott Wiener, Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, as well as leadership from Metropolitan Transportation Commission, BART, and SFMTA, to celebrate the launch of Clipper 2.0 at Embarcadero BART/Muni station on the launch day.
The tap-to-pay program is an 18 to 24-month pilot program funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. This initiative represents a significant step toward making regional transit more affordable and seamless.
What’s New?
- Riders may now pay transit fares systemwide using a contactless credit or debit card. Bay Area riders have been able to use contactless cards on BART since August, and now this convenience extends to all participating transit systems, including Muni, Caltrain, Golden Gate Transit, VTA, and more.
- Key new features include free or discounted transfers, up to $2.85 off subsequent rides within two hours, and instant availability of funds added to Clipper accounts, eliminating prior delays of several days.
- A new mobile app supporting group travel and special event fares, as well as new family accounts that enable users to manage multiple Clipper cards under one profile, allowing parents or caregivers to add value to dependents’ cards.
What You Need to Know
The transition to Clipper 2.0 is happening gradually. With approximately 5 million Clipper cards in circulation, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission is upgrading them in batches.
How to upgrade your card now:
You can speed up your card's upgrade by logging into clippercard.com, using the Clipper app, or calling customer service at 877-878-8883.
How to check if your card is upgraded:
When you tap an upgraded Clipper card, readers will display "TRAVEL OK" without showing your balance. Non-upgraded cards still display the account balance. Mobile wallet users (Apple Wallet, etc.) also need to upgrade their accounts.
Legacy Muni Metro Clipper vending machines no longer accept credit or debit cards due to outdated equipment. However, monthly passes can still be purchased online, through the app, or at retailers. For those who prefer in-person transactions, BART ticket machines at major downtown stations accept credit and debit cards for loading Clipper cards. New stand-alone Metro station ticket machines at Muni stations accept cash or cards for single or all-day passes.
Resources
Mayor Lurie Launches Tap to Pay Across Muni System, Making It More Convenient Than Ever to Use Public Transit (press release)