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It’s time to Switch!

Clipper cardThe way to pay a fare on Muni is changing.

The monthly paper passes are transitioning to the Clipper card and, after 30 years, new faregates have replaced the old turnstiles in all Muni Metro stations. New Muni Ticket Vending Machines have also been installed in Muni Metro stations.

How do these changes affect fare payment?

1. Customers will need to get a Clipper card or use their Regional Transit Connection (RTC) Discount Photo ID card to load their monthly Muni pass.   

  • October 2010 was the last month for the paper version of the “A” Muni/BART Fast Pass and the RTC disabled sticker.
  • March 2011 was the last month for the paper version of the “M” Muni only pass.
  • May 2011 was the last month for the paper version of the Senior and Youth pass.

Attention Lifeline customers: The Muni “L” pass is not yet available on the Clipper card. You do not need a Clipper card. Please keep using your paper “L” pass until further notice.

2.  Muni monthly passes and/or products of other participating transit operators as well as cash value may be loaded to the Clipper or RTC ID card through any of the following:

3. The faregates will only accept the Clipper card or a Limited Use Muni Ticket.  Temporarily, the faregates will also accept the paper passes.

4. In the Metro stations, customers, who want to pay their fare with cash, will either need to load cash value to a Clipper card prior to entering the faregates or purchase a Muni Limited Use Ticket available only at the Muni Ticket Vending Machines.

5. Customers with paper transfers from surface vehicles or with Muni Passports will enter through the faregate nearest the Station Agent booth.  Customers must have proof of payment prior to entering this faregate.

6. BART/Muni discount transfers are only available on the Clipper card. BART stations no longer offer paper discount coupons.

More answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ)

More on Clipper

The Clipper card is a convenient and secure way to manage your Bay Area transportation fares and transfers in an easy-to-use, all-in-one, reloadable card.

View above video at YouTube® with automatic play

Accessible transcript of the above video

The Clipper card is accepted on all Muni vehicles (including cable cars for monthly pass customers), BART, AC Transit, Caltrain, SamTrans, VTA, and Golden Gate Transit and Ferry. Eventually, the card will be accepted on all Bay Area transit systems.

How to get a Clipper Card

In order to make this transition easier, the Adult Clipper card will be free (usually a $5 card fee) with the minimum purchase of a $5 fare.  Clipper cards will be free with purchase of a fare for a limited time, so get a Clipper card and start reloading it now before the fee is reinstated. 

Seniors and youths will always receive free Clipper cards. RTC cards come with Clipper card compatibility.

Adults

To receive an Adult fare Clipper card, visit a Clipper retailer, Clippercard.com, call 877-878-8883 or go to a Muni Metro station Ticket Vending (TVM). Visit Clippercard.com for more info.

RTC/Disabled

Clipper information for customers with disabilities

Seniors

Senior Clipper information page

Youths

Youth Clipper information page

More Clipper card information

Visit Clipper at clippercard.com for additional information.

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For Muni route, schedule, fare and accessible services information anytime: Visit www.sfmta.com or call 311.

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