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.

Here are some frequently asked questions:

How can you pay for transit?

You can tap and pay with a plastic Clipper card.
You can tap with your phone and pay using your mobile wallet. There are two ways to pay using your Apple or Google wallet—a mobile Clipper card or a contactless bank card you already have in wallet.
You can add a mobile Clipper card directly from your phone’s wallet, or you can add one using the Clipper mobile app. If you have a plastic Clipper card you’d like to add to your phone, you
can also do this through the mobile app.
You can tap and pay with a bank card as long as it has the contactless symbol.

How do I use my plastic Clipper Card?

To use your plastic card, locate the Clipper reader and tap it by holding it flat against the Clipper screen reader or target. The Clipper reader will be inside the door of a bus or streetcar; at the
Muni or BART fare gates; on the Caltrain, SMART or VTA platform; or at the ferry terminal. On the cable car, the conductor carries a handheld card reader. If you are traveling on a transit service
that charges based on distance or zones (BART, Caltrain, Golden Gate Transit, San Francisco Bay Ferry, SMART and Sonoma County Transit) you will need to tap your card again at the end of
your trip.

When I tap my card, what do the beeps and lights mean?

A single beep and a green light mean you paid for your ride.
Two beeps and a yellow light mean you paid, but your remaining balance is less than $2.
Three beeps and a red light mean your card wasn’t accepted. Tap again or use another payment method.

Can two people use the same card at the same time?

No, every rider needs their own Clipper card, contactless bank card, or mobile Clipper card to pay for transit.

What does it mean that Bay Area transit agencies now accept contactless payments?

Just like you would use a plastic or mobile Clipper card, now you can tap on to transit using a contactless bank card to pay for your trip. This payment option is available across all transit agencies
in the Bay Area with Clipper 2. Just remember to take the card out of your wallet so it’s not next to another card that may be charged.

There are a few things to know before you pay with a contactless bank card:

Riders using a contactless bank card will be charged the adult fare.
Plastic bank cards must be contactless enabled. Contactless-enabled cards have a contactless symbol on either the front or back of the card.
Each rider must pay with their own card or mobile device.
Riders must use the same card or device to tap in and tap out if riding BART.
Discounted fares through Clipper Youth, Clipper Senior, Clipper Access and Clipper START programs are NOT available through contactless bank card payment. Riders must use their discount program-issued Clipper cards to receive these discounted fares.

Why should I register my Clipper Card?

Registering your Clipper card protects your card balance and allows you to set up an online account. If you ever lose your card, we’ll replace it and restore your value for a $3 fee. It’s also
required if you want to set up Auto-Reload. Registration is easy, and it’s free. Clipper is committed to protecting your privacy. Learn more about our privacy policy

Notable Change:

Currently with your Clipper card, when scanned on a vehicle, the scanner will show the current balance of your card. Clipper 2 Next Generation will NO LONGER do that. You can find your balance in the Clipper app, in your mobile wallet, by visiting Clippercard.com or by scanning the card at a ticket machine.