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1/1/24 update: the Clipper START discount for people with limited income has increased to 50%.

BART is participating in the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s new means-based fare program by offering a 20% discount per trip to adult riders age 19-64 whose household incomes are no more than twice the federal poverty level.

The Clipper START program also offers discounts of 50% off fares for Muni, Caltrain and select Golden Gate Transit and Ferry routes*.

Clipper START is an 18-month pilot program initiated by Bay Area transit agencies and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) that uses the Clipper transit fare payment system to reduce the cost of transportation for adults whose household incomes are no more than twice the federal poverty level (for example, $52,400 for a family of four). This can be an important benefit, as transportation costs are a significant burden on many households, particularly during the current economic climate

“MTC has a long history of serving low-income residents through community-based planning and other programs,” said MTC Chair Scott Haggerty. “Clipper START is really expanding that commitment to make transit more affordable to a wider group of people. We’re excited to see how many will take advantage of this pilot program.”

Applicants to the pilot program can provide a copy of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or Medi-Cal card, a county benefits eligibility letter, their Muni Lifeline card number or a copy of their last federal tax return to demonstrate their eligibility. Once approved, they will receive a personalized Clipper card that must be loaded with cash value before use.

The Clipper START discounts are automatically applied whenever the card is used on participating transit agencies. Clipper START is not a transit pass—it is a program that offers discounts for single rides on Muni, BART, Caltrain, and Golden Gate Transit and Ferry. The card also can be used just like a standard Clipper card to pay for fares on any agency that accepts Clipper.

Anyone interested in Clipper START can learn more about the program and apply online at clipperstartcard.com. The website walks you through the application process, tells you what documents you need to upload, and allows you to save your progress and return later to complete your application.

To learn more about Clipper START and apply online, visit clipperstartcard.com

Find answers to frequently asked questions here

*excluding local bus rides within Marin County, some East Bay bus fares, and Oracle Park and Chase Center ferry service.

On Friday, July 4th, 2025, BART will be running a Sunday schedule (8am-midnight). We will run five-line service until 8pm and then three-line service after 8pm.

Five-line service means all lines will be running including the Green and Red lines which provide direct service into San Francisco. Extra trains may be added to help people get home from fireworks. 

Parking will be free at all BART stations, except Milpitas and Berryessa/North San Jose stations, which has parking lots operated by VTA.

On Thursday, July 4th, 2024, BART will be running a Sunday schedule (8am-midnight). We will run five-line service until 8pm and then three-line service after 8pm.

Five-line service means all lines will be running including the Green and Red lines which provide direct service into San Francisco. Extra trains may be added to help people get home from fireworks. 

Parking will be free at all BART stations, except Milpitas and Berryessa/North San Jose stations, which has parking lots operated by VTA.