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Bay Area Begins Next-Gen Clipper Rollout With Tap-and-Ride, Instant Reloads and Transfer Discounts

MTC is shifting riders to a cloud-based fare system over the next 8 to 12 weeks across more than 20 Bay Area transit agencies.

Overview

  • Contactless bank cards and mobile wallets are being accepted across agencies during the rollout, alongside existing physical Clipper cards.
  • Riders pay full fare on their first agency, then receive automatic discounts up to $2.85 on the next leg, with free rides when the second fare is below that.
  • Instant value reloads and improved auto-reload replace prior multi-day delays for funds to appear in accounts.
  • Family account management is debuting in the app, though the initial phase applies to adult fares and concession riders should continue using eligible Clipper cards.
  • Officials say the transition will be gradual; riders can upgrade via the Clipper website and are advised to tap with a single bank card to avoid unintended charges.