Get 50% off transit with Clipper START

CALIFORNIA, USA — Clipper START is a discount program that makes Bay Area public transit more affordable—and the discount just got bigger!

Clipper START now offers 50% off single-ride transit fares on all Bay Area transit agencies. Discounts on bus, BART, train and ferry fares are available to eligible Bay Area residents ages 19 to 64 years old who meet certain household income levels.

Clipper START is free—there are no costs to apply or be a part of the program. As a discount program, Clipper START helps low-income Bay Area travelers save money each time they take transit. After riders tap their Clipper START card, they immediately receive 50% off the single-ride fare. 

To apply for this program, applicants just need to have their documents ready as proof of identity and income. Both digital and paper applications (included in the Clipper START brochure) are available. Once approved for the START discount program, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), administrator of Clipper START, mails participants a personalized Clipper START card within 30 days.

Using the Clipper START card is easy. First, it must be loaded with cash value either online, in person or over the phone. Once value is loaded, the Clipper START card can be used for any transit ride in the Bay Area.

START riders will instantly receive 50% off fares when tapping on. Riders must tap on all transit agencies, including AC Transit, BART and Muni. Riders also need to tap off for BART, Caltrain, Golden Gate transit buses, Marin Transit, Ferry and SMART.

For income levels, the online application and answers to frequently-asked questions, go to clipperstartcard.com.