— The last monthly Lifeline stickers will go on sale in late July and be valid for the month of August. After September 1, the Lifeline pass will be part of Clipper START.
Apply for your Clipper START card now (processing may take up to 30 days).
— With Clipper START you will have more options to purchase a Lifeline pass and will be eligible for discounts up to $1.40 when transferring to other Bay Area transit agencies.
Using Your Lifeline ID Card
Your physical Lifeline card will be valid through September 2026. (After that, the Lifeline program will be moved to Clipper START.) In order to access the Muni Metro Station faregates you must display your ID card to a Station Agent for access to the Metro system. If no agent is present, you may proceed through the faregate closest to the station agent booth – it will open automatically.
The ID card with valid monthly sticker affixed serves as proof of payment. On surface level vehicles, you may enter the back door or, when boarding the front door, display your ID card to the Operator. Stickers are valid through the 3rd day of the following month.
Muni’s Lifeline program is moving to Clipper START
The Lifeline discount monthly pass program is moving to Clipper START. Any customer who wants to continue with the Lifeline program should do these two things by September 1, 2026:
- Apply for a Clipper START card
- After you get your card (please allow 30 days for processing), buy the Lifeline monthly pass:
- In person:
- any Clipper retail vendor location
- Muni Metro Clipper vending machine
- Online at clippercard.com/reload
- On your phone via the Clipper app
Lifeline is moving to Clipper START on September 1, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply for Clipper START?
A: There are two ways to apply to Clipper START (Please allow 30 days for processing):
- Apply online at clipperstartcard.com
- Pick up a paper application at SFMTA Customer Service Center, 11 S. Van Ness Avenue. After you complete it, mail it back to the address listed in the application.
Q: Are Lifeline stickers going away?
A: Yes, the last stickers we plan to sell are for August. By September 1, 2026, you should be using Clipper START for your Lifeline monthly pass.
Q: Will I automatically qualify for Clipper START if I already have a Lifeline pass?
A: Yes, you will automatically qualify if you are a current Lifeline customer. During the application process, you will be asked to privide your current Lifeline card number which will verify your eligibility.
Q: Why is the Lifeline program moving to Clipper START?
A: The Clipper START program will allow for more flexibility for customers with low to moderate incomes. You’ll get a 50% discount on any transit system where Clipper is accepted!
Q: Is the price increasing?
A: No. the cost will not increase. The Lifeline pass will still cost $43 — a 50% discount from the price of a regular Muni monthly pass — for the entire calendar month.
Q: Where will I buy my Lifeline pass after I get my Clipper START card?
A: After you receive your Clipper START card in the US mail, you can purchase a Lifeline monthly pass by several different methods:
- In person at any Clipper retail vendor location or Muni Metro Clipper vending machine
- Online at clippercard.com/reload
- On your phone via the Clipper app
Q: How do I get a single ride discount?
A; You can load funds onto your Clipper START card in person, online or on your phone. Then you tap when you board any system where Clipper is accepted and you’ll get your 50% discount.
Q: Once I get my Clipper START card, do I have to tap it when I board?
A: Yes. You will now have to tap your Clipper START card when you board. (This is different than the old Lifeline program, where you just showed your pass when asked.)
Call Clipper START Customer Service with questions at 855.614.9149.
Transit Citation Dismissal
If you are applying for a Clipper START card for the first time and your application is accepted, your last transit citation issued within 30 days of enrollment is eligible for dismissal. Please provide a citation or ID number from the citation when applying. Please protest your citation and submit your Clipper START approval notification. Please be sure the submitted supporting documents include your name and date of approval.
Replacements/Refunds
No refunds, exchanges or replacements are issued for monthly stickers.