Fare Compliance
Paying Your Fare Keeps AC Transit Moving
Public transit works best when we all do our part. AC Transit connects people to jobs, schools, healthcare, and each other. When you pay your fare, you’re helping keep that connection strong—for everyone. Read on to learn more about why your fare matters.
Why Your Fare Matters
Fares & Revenue
Why do I need to pay a fare to ride AC Transit?
Fares are one of AC Transit’s essential sources of income. They help fund daily bus operations — drivers’ wages, fuel, vehicle maintenance, and customer service.
While fares cover only a portion of total costs, every dollar collected matters. When riders don’t pay, the agency loses revenue it cannot easily replace, which can lead to service cuts that hurt everyone who depends on the bus.
How much fare revenue does AC Transit collect, and how does it compare to total costs?
AC Transit’s adopted operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26 totals $606.3 million. Fare revenue is projected to account for approximately 7% of operating revenues — down from 12.6% before the pandemic in FY 2019–20. That means fares bring in roughly $40 million per year, with the remainder coming from federal, state, and local government subsidies, bridge toll revenues, and parcel taxes.
Why has the fare share declined? Ridership has not fully recovered from the pandemic. About one in five pre-pandemic riders has yet to return, which has significantly reduced farebox revenue even as operating costs have continued to rise.
In FY 2025–26, AC Transit projects a 9% increase in fare revenue compared to the prior year, driven partly by the July 2025 fare adjustment and gradual ridership growth.
What are the current fares?
As of July 1, 2025, AC Transit raised fares for the first time since January 2020:
- Local adult cash fare: $2.75 (up from $2.50)
- Transbay cash fare: $6.50 (up from $6.00)
A second $0.25 increase is scheduled for July 1, 2026, bringing the local cash fare to $3.00. Eligible low-income riders using the Clipper START program receive a 50% discount on AC Transit fares. Reduced fares are also available for youth, seniors, and riders with disabilities.
Fares were frozen for six years. The new adjustments are expected to generate $4.1 million in additional revenue in FY 2025–26, and $7.9 million by FY 2026–27.
What do my fares actually pay for?
Fare revenue is pooled into AC Transit’s operating budget, which covers:
- Wages and benefits for bus operators and other frontline staff
- Fuel, electricity, and vehicle maintenance for a fleet of 600+ buses
- Safety programs and paratransit services for riders with disabilities
- Customer service, trip planning tools, and real-time information systems
Fares also influence how much state funding AC Transit qualifies for. California’s State Transportation Assistance program allocates funds partly based on each operator’s prior-year fare revenues — so higher fare collection can unlock more government support.
If fares only cover 7% of costs, does my fare really make a difference?
Yes — every fare paid adds up. Across more than 40 million annual boardings, paid fares translate into tens of millions of dollars that directly support operations. AC Transit is currently navigating a $41.5 million budget shortfall, drawing on reserves to stay balanced. In that context, every dollar counts.
Widespread fare evasion also erodes the social norm of paying, which can discourage compliant riders and make the problem worse over time. When riders who pay see others who don’t, it can undermine confidence in the system and shift the financial burden onto taxpayers.
Fare Enforcement
Does AC Transit enforce fare payment?
Yes. AC Transit has adopted Ordinance No. 17, which authorizes Fare Compliance Agents and peace officers to issue citations for fare evasion. Enforcement applies to adult riders on all AC Transit buses.
If you board without paying, misuse a transfer or pass, or fail to show valid proof of fare payment when asked, you may be issued a Notice of Violation.
Repeat violations — a third offense or more — can result in ejection from the bus at the next stop and exclusion from AC Transit service.
What is the fine for fare evasion?
Under California Penal Code Section 640, fare evasion on a public transit system is an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $250, plus community service of up to 48 hours.
The fine far exceeds the cost of a fare. A $250 citation is roughly 91 times the price of a $2.75 local bus fare.
AC Transit, as authorized under California Public Utilities Code Section 99580, may also issue administrative civil penalties in lieu of criminal charges. These administrative penalties cannot exceed the $250 maximum set by state law.
If you cannot afford to pay a fine, you may request an initial review within 21 days or, in some cases, perform community service in lieu of payment. Late penalties and administrative fees can be added if a citation goes unpaid.
What counts as fare evasion?
California law and AC Transit’s ordinance define fare evasion to include:
- Boarding an AC Transit bus without paying a valid fare
- Misusing a transfer, pass, ticket, or token to avoid paying full fare
- Using a discount ticket (youth, senior, disabled) without valid proof of eligibility when asked by an AC Transit representative
What is proof of payment, and when do I need it?
Proof of payment (POP) is evidence that you have paid a valid fare for your trip. This can include:
- A Clipper card with a valid, recently tagged balance
- A valid paper transfer or pass issued for your trip
- A paid mobile ticket through an authorized app
If you are using a discount fare (such as a senior or youth discount), you must also carry acceptable proof of eligibility — such as a valid ID — and present it upon request from an AC Transit representative or peace officer.
Can I contest a fare evasion citation?
Yes. If you receive a Notice of Violation, you have 21 calendar days from the date it was issued to request an initial review from AC Transit or a designated third-party processing agency. If you are unsatisfied with the outcome, you may then request an administrative hearing within 21 days of receiving the initial review result. The hearing must be scheduled within 90 days of the request.
Discount & Assistance Programs
What if I can’t afford the fare?
AC Transit offers several programs to help make riding more affordable:
- Clipper START: Eligible low-income adult riders receive a 50% discount on AC Transit fares. In just the last three months of 2024, START riders saved over $136,000 through this program.
- Youth fares: Reduced fares are available for riders under 18.
- Senior and disabled fares: Discounted fares are available with valid eligibility documentation.
Visit the Fares page for more information about how to pay for your ride, including discounts.
Sources: AC Transit FY 2025–26 Adopted Budget; AC Transit Ordinance No. 17; California Penal Code § 640; California Public Utilities Code § 99580. Information current as of May 2026.