THE TRANSITION TO NEXT-GENERATION CLIPPER BEGINS DECEMBER 10

Tap-and-ride using credit or debit cards is now available on AC Transit and across the Bay Area

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) is redefining how the East Bay commutes. Beginning Wednesday, December 10, AC Transit and nearly two dozen Bay Area transit agencies are taking a major step toward seamless regional travel. For the first time, riders can now tap a contactless Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover credit or debit card to pay the adult fare – no cash, no hassle. Riders can also use contactless bank cards stored in their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. This tap-and-ride feature marks a region-wide leap toward more flexible ways to board.

Tap-and-ride is part of Next-Generation Clipper – an evolution of the fare-payment system riders already trust. In fact, the familiar Clipper experience is not going anywhere; it’s instead getting better. AC Transit riders can still tap their plastic or mobile Clipper card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, now with several new features that simplify every trip.

• AC Transit Free and Discounted Transfers: As part of the Next-Generation Clipper rollout, riders will enjoy one free local-to-local transfer within two hours of their first trip. Plus, under the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) pilot program, riders transferring between participating transit agencies within two hours will automatically receive fare discounts of up to $2.85, helping stretch every dollar further.
• AC Transit Fare Capping: Riders no longer need to pre-purchase weekly or monthly passes. When using a Clipper card or contactless bank card, the system automatically tracks spending and caps charges once the pass value is reached, making all additional rides free for the rest of the week or month.
• Instant Value: Clipper’s new cloud-based technology means no more waiting or re-tapping; value or passes added to plastic or mobile Clipper cards appear instantly. Whether reloading via the app, website, or retail locations, funds are ready right away. The improved auto-reload allows riders to choose how much value to add and when it replenishes automatically.
• Managing Multiple Accounts: The enhanced Clipper app is ideal for parents adding value to a child’s card, or riders managing both personal and commuter accounts in one place. Through the app, users will be able to manage multiple registered Clipper cards under a single account.
• Apply for Youth or Senior Cards Online: Youth and senior riders can now apply for their discounted Clipper cards online, in addition to existing in-person and mail-in options. This new online process simplifies enrollment, shortens wait times, and makes it easier for eligible riders to receive their discount before their first trip.

December 10 marks the start of a soft-launch period for the systemwide upgrade to Next-Generation Clipper. As cards are upgraded in phases, availability may vary for riders during the transition. To accelerate the process, registered riders may upgrade their existing Clipper account now by logging into clippercard.com or by using the Clipper mobile app. All others should call Customer Service at (877) 878-8883. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., to guide users through the upgrade.

The Clipper Customer Service Center currently offers assistance in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. Beginning Wednesday, it will expand its accessibility by introducing a language line, providing translation support in nearly any language.

Importantly, riders using a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card should remove it from their wallet before tapping the Clipper reader on the Tempo platform or aboard the bus to avoid incorrect charges.

With tap-and-ride, fares are charged at the adult rate only; discounts are not available with contactless bank cards. Additionally, riders should be certain their credit or debit card is chip-enabled, and if using a mobile wallet, select the desired card before tapping. For iPhone users, enable Express Transit for instant, one-tap boarding. Riders should also tap in and out with the same card for their entire trip, and each rider must use their own card to pay.

Riders with discount Clipper cards – including Youth, Seniors, Clipper Access (formerly Clipper RTC), and Clipper START cards – must use their existing cards to receive discounts.