Bay Area Transit Agencies Prepare for Next Generation Clipper Rollout
BART, alongside the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and regional transit partners, is preparing for the launch of Next Generation Clipper this December, marking a major upgrade to the Bay Area’s electronic fare system. Administered by MTC, Clipper will begin transitioning customers to the new platform starting Dec. 10, in an eight- to 12-week process approved by the Clipper Executive Board, chaired by BART General Manager Bob Powers.
The Next Generation Clipper expands the Tap and Ride system, first introduced by BART on Aug. 20, 2025. Riders across nearly two dozen Bay Area transit agencies will now be able to pay adult fares not only with Clipper cards but also with contactless credit, debit, and mobile payment methods.
Among the new features, the cloud-based system enables instant value for added funds or passes, eliminating previous wait times. Customers can also customize auto-reload schedules and amounts, streamlining fare management. Additionally, transfer discounts up to $2.85 will apply for riders connecting between multiple transit operators within a two-hour window, with immediate availability for contactless bank cards. Clipper card users will need to complete an upgrade to access these discounts.
Other improvements include the ability to manage multiple Clipper accounts through the app, and online applications for youth and senior discount programs. Customers are encouraged to begin the upgrade process via the Clipper website, app, or customer service center to take advantage of new features sooner, as the full rollout for all cards will take several weeks.
For Tap and Ride users, mobile cards should have Express Transit enabled on iPhones, while plastic credit or debit cards should be removed from wallets before tapping to avoid card clashes. Since its introduction, Tap and Ride has seen growing adoption, accounting for roughly 8% of weekday trips and 12% of weekend trips on BART, with SFO Station alone contributing nearly 30% of Tap and Ride activity.
Next Generation Clipper represents a significant step toward faster, more convenient fare payment across the Bay Area, making it easier for riders to connect seamlessly across multiple transit systems.
Image: BART