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Proof of Payment

SFMTA.com/POP
We're all required to comply with Muni's requirements for "Proof of Payment." So, before you enter Muni's transit system or board vehicles, here are some rules to guide you.

Proof of Payment and All-Door Boarding Are In Effect on All Muni Rail Lines and Bus Routes

  • ​"Proof of Payment" is evidence that you have already paid your Muni fare for a particular trip.

  • You must have valid Proof of Payment when riding on a Muni rail line or bus route or while within the paid area of Muni stations. 
  • Your Proof of Payment must be valid for the duration of your entire trip within the Muni system, including time spent within the paid area of stations or waiting at station platforms. 
  • If you have Proof of Payment or your Clipper card is loaded with a valid pass or cash value, you may board a Metro streetcar by any door. 
  • If paying with cash, always take a transfer as your Proof of Payment.

Proof of Payment on Surface Metro Lines, Historic Street Cars and Bus Routes

If you use a Clipper card or Muni ticket:

  • You may board any door.
  • You must tap and hold your card or ticket to the Clipper logo on the Clipper reader every time you board.

If you already have a transfer, paper pass, MuniMobile, or other valid evidence of payment of appropriate fare:

  • You may board any door.

If you don't have a Clipper card, Muni ticket, transfer, paper pass or other valid evidence of payment of appropriate fare:

  • You must board by the front door.
  • On a multi-car train, you must board by the front door of the first car. 
  • You must pay the appropriate fare, take a transfer as your Proof of Payment and retain it for your entire ride. 

Proof of Payment on Cable Cars

If you use a Clipper card: 

  • It must be loaded with a valid Muni monthly pass or sufficient cash value.
  • Present the Clipper card to the cable car conductor on request.  The conductor will verify that you have a valid Muni monthly pass or collect the cable car fare.

If you use MuniMobile:

  • Activate a purchased mobile ticket prior to boarding. Show the active ticket screen to the conductor or any other SFMTA staff as proof of payment.

If you use a Muni Ticket or transfer:

  • You cannot use a Muni Ticket or transfer on the cable car.

If you already have a valid paper pass or Muni Passport:

  • You must show your valid evidence of payment of the appropriate fare to the conductor on request.

If you don't have a Clipper card with a Muni monthly pass, paper pass or Muni Passport:

  • You must pay the appropriate cash fare, take a fare receipt and retain it for your entire ride. 

How Is Proof Of Payment Policy Enforced? What Are The Penalties For Not Having Proof Of Payment?

Muni Transit Fare Inspectors may ask you for Proof of Payment on board any Muni rail line or bus route, or in the paid area of Muni Metro subway stations between the Embarcadero and West Portal stations.

If you are traveling without valid Proof of Payment you may be removed from the vehicle and issued a fine of more than $100.   

More information on paying or protesting a transit violation


MuniMobile Mobile Ticketing Proof of Payment (POP)

  • ​"Proof of Payment" is evidence that you have already paid your Muni fare for a particular trip.

  • Customers using MuniMobile must activate a purchased mobile ticket upon boarding, or upon entering metro faregates. Show the active ticket screen to station agents, operators or any other SFMTA staff as proof of payment.
  • Active tickets display the time of activation, duration of use and show an animated screen. When you tap the screen, the animation changes color, indicating it is a valid ticket.
  • If requested by a POP Officer or Fare Inspector, press the QR code on the lower right of the ticket to display a scanable QR code for further ticket details.
  • Mobile tickets are like any other fare payment method and must be available to display if requested by SFMTA staff. It is your responsibility to ensure your phone battery is charged and tickets have been downloaded and activated in advance of your ride.
  • For more information visit the MuniMobile FAQ