BART riders will no longer be able to use paper tickets as fare payment starting on Nov. 30, as the system transitions to Clipper only.
The change is happening as BART rolls out new fare gates that won’t accept the old paper/magstripe tickets, and as preparation for the launch of the next generation of Clipper.
Old paper ticket balances can’t be transferred to a Clipper card, but riders can obtain a refund for tickets with a value of $1 or more, or for multiple tickets that add up to more than $1, according to BART. There is no deadline for requesting a refund.
Information about obtaining refunds is available at https://www.bart.gov/tickets/sales/refunds .
BART has switched to the Clipper-only fare payment system because Clipper has been designated the Bay Area’s all-in-one transit card administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
In 2024, the next generation of Clipper will be rolled out to include open payment, which provides the option to tag a credit/debit card at a BART fare gate, including Apple Pay or Google Pay, without setting up a card on a phone in advance.
17 comments
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A new way to lose potential casual riders.
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Good job, BART!
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Starting 2024 non Clipper Card holders will be able to use a credit card to tap through the gate
Another reason not to ride BART. Does this mean inserting a credit card in the machine? It was such a nice way to get to work in SF in the 80s. Haven’t been on it in years, and don’t intend to.
The Clipper cards are connected to a credit card, which you use to transfer funds. At least that is how it worked when I used it as a pre-tax transfer incentive through my former job. It was more convenient than the paper tickets, especially if you had to also use Muni, which i often did for work.
When we began to pay for parking at Concord lot, it was also used for that. And while I did stop the automatic, pre-tax transfers during the pandemic, I ended up with so much money on the commuter credit card that I ended up transferring it before I lost it all, to the Clipper card. I never use it now, since I quit that former job in Oakland and solely work remotely. And while it would be more convenient to take BART to some of my current gigs in the city or to go to cultural events on the weekends, the last time I did (about 2 years ago) it was more unpleasant than usual, including the walk from the parking lot to the tracks. Really gone to seed.
So, I have a useless, high value Clipper card.
HEY BART … phase out those garbage useless fare gates. Just read last night two more overdose deaths on Fart (yes spelled correctly), one at Fruitvale station and one at Powell. A third person was revived at the Richmond station. No wonder hardly anyone wants to use this overpriced trash train.
Hmmm… but what about all those people that don’t pay at all by just jumping over the faregates?
Do you have to purchase the card separately then add money to it?
The card itself doesn’t cost anything. When you first purchase BART fare the machine gives you one.
Not exactly good for out of area visitors. Or people who have to show proof of riding for work reimbursements. A picture of the ticket was considered a receipt by many payroll depts.
The same machine that gave a paper ticket gives the plastic one. Your clipper card account keeps a running list of all purchases.
In other countries this works well. Of course, in other countries they run on time, are clean, way cheaper, more accessible, quieter …. So there I am willing to ride the trains. If you want an example, check out Singapore’s subway system.
Here, not so much. How did we get so messed up over here?
No, any many other countries you can buy an excursion ticket using cash. For a traveler, there is no need to expose your credit card to unknown systems that may well include unknown exchange rates and other fees. Cash is also useful for casual meals, tips, bus or cab fare, etc.
Many ignorant people behind the scenes at BART. Why do you think it’s going down the tubes?
They need to save money to pay expensive white collar salaries.
https://tinyurl.com/54um56ns
~100 managers, ~20 senior managers, ~20 directors, etc….
That’s the most top-heavy organization I’ve ever seen in 50 years in business.
And they can’t keep the stations or trains clean. They can’t keep them safe. They can’t stop the gate jumpers. They even refused to deal with their own inspector general who was/is empowered to find waste within the organization (as one of the duties). And the idiot voters continue to re-elect the board.
This agency is nothing more than an organized crime front. And I see the high speed rail as a copy of this.
It won’t start with chips in our heads at first of course. It’ll start with a washable bar code tattooed on your wrist. Then a permanent one. All your financials, your online shopping, social media, contacts, porn preferences…all of it. They’ll be no escape, no resistance. ‘Off the grid’ will have the same social consequences as illegals enjoy now. And they’ll have allies. Allies who say if you’re not doing anything wrong, there’s nothing to hide. 🫣
Argue me wrong.
More plastic in our lives, great!
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