Clipper 2.0 – Next Generation
Tri Delta Transit joins the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), BART, and transit partners across the Bay Area in preparing for the launch of Next Generation Clipper (Clipper 2.0) — a major upgrade to the region’s contactless fare payment system. The new system officially goes live on December 10, 2025, beginning an 8–12-week transition period that will bring faster, more flexible, and more connected fare payment options to riders.
Clipper, managed by MTC and accepted by 24 Bay Area transit agencies, has been a cornerstone of regional travel for decades. It’s the Bay Area’s All-in-One Transit Card!
What’s New with Clipper 2.0
The upcoming Clipper 2.0 system represents an upgrade of the region’s fare network, including new hardware, software, and customer tools.
Its many improvements include:
- Cloud-Based System & Instant Value:
Stored value and passes will now be kept in the cloud rather than on the card itself. Riders will be able to use added funds instantly, eliminating current delays of up to five days when reloading online. - Tap and Ride Convenience:
Riders will be able to pay adult fares directly using contactless credit or debit cards or mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Pay—no Clipper card required. County Connection riders can tap their phone, watch, or card to board, joining BART as part of the Bay Area’s growing Tap and Ride network. - Seamless Interagency Transfers:
For the first time, passengers transferring between any Bay Area transit agencies will receive a transfer discount of up to $2.85 within a two-hour window. For example, a rider traveling from San Francisco State University to Diablo Valley College via Muni, BART, and County Connection will now receive transfer discounts across each leg of the trip—potentially riding County Connection for free. - Family Management (with registered cards):
Clipper’s new app will allow families to manage multiple Clipper cards from a single device. - Online Youth and Senior Cards:
Riders will soon be able to apply for youth and senior Clipper cards online, streamlining access to regional discounted fares.
Tri Delta Transit is currently: :
- Receiving all equipment necessary for the new system
- Training Customer Service and back-up staff on the Clipper terminal to perform the major functions needed, such as issuing a card, adding value, looking up records and more, so that we are ready to assist customers coming to our administrative office.
- All buses have been equipped with Clipper 2.0-ready card readers
- Tri Delta Transit, and other Bay Area agencies, have worked with MTC on an interagency transfer pilot, ensuring riders will receive discounts across agencies beginning in December.
What Riders Need to Know
- Card Upgrade Timeline: Beginning December 10, existing Clipper cards will be upgraded to the new system over 8–12 weeks. Riders can speed up the process by logging into clippercard.com, using the Clipper app, or calling Clipper Customer Service (877.878.8883) to initiate the upgrade manually. Usage of the Clipper card may also convert the card.
- Avoiding “Card Clash”: With multiple contactless payment options, riders should remove the card the rider chose to use on that ride, whether Clipper or bank card, from their wallet or purse when tapping to ensure the correct card is charged. Using the same card at the beginning, throughout, and the end of your trip is important to for many transfer situations.
Tri Delta Transit will be posting Clipper 2 tips in a social media outreach campaign to educate riders about these changes. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about Clipper 2.