Next generation Clipper to set sail in December

The Clipper Executive Board today set a Dec. 10, 2025, date for the start of an eight- to 12-week process of transitioning Clipper® card customers to the next generation of the Bay Area's electronic fare-payment system.

Beginning Dec. 10, each of the nearly two dozen Bay Area transit agencies that accept Clipper for payment will accept contactless credit and debit cards in addition to plastic Clipper cards and mobile Clipper cards in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Other new and improved features, products, and services that will make transit-fare payment faster and more convenient include:

• Instant value: Clipper's transition to a cloud-based system allows for instant availability of added value or passes on plastic and mobile cards no matter how value is added — eliminating wait time. An improved auto-reload function allows customers to customize both the reloading amount and the schedule for reloading.
• Free and discounted transfers: Riders who use more than one transit agency in a single trip (e.g., Muni to SamTrans) will only be charged full fare on the first operator. A transfer discount of up to $2.85 will apply on any additional transit agency the rider uses within a two-hour window.
• Managing multiple accounts: Clipper's transition to a cloud-based system will enable families to manage multiple registered Clipper cards through the Clipper app.
• Apply for youth or senior cards online: The new Clipper system will give youth and senior riders the option to apply for their discount program online in addition to applying in person or by mail.

Because of the eight- to 12-week transition period needed to upgrade individual Clipper cards to the next generation Clipper system, not all features will be immediately available to all customers. For faster transition to the new system, customers may initiate the upgrade by logging into the Clipper website, using the Clipper mobile app or calling the Clipper customer service center to speak with an agent who can start the upgrade process.

The 'tap-and-ride' feature that allows riders to use a contactless bank card for fare payment includes mobile cards as well as traditional plastic credit or debit cards. Customers who use a mobile card on an iPhone are advised to turn on the Express Transit feature, and those who use a plastic credit or debit card are advised to remove the card from their wallet or purse before tapping.  

'Tap-and-ride' allows just one rider per card and will apply full adult fares only. Students, seniors and people with disabilities who already have a Clipper discount card are encouraged to keep using their existing Clipper cards.