Every Bay Area Transit System Will Accept Tap to Pay on Dec. 10
Big changes are hitting Bay Area transit on December 10, 2025 as Clipper 2.0, Tap and Ride, goes live across all 24 transit agencies at once. Riders get faster payments, simpler transfers and the long awaited ability to tap a credit or debit card anywhere in the region.
The biggest upgrade is that Clipper will now store your balance in the cloud. That means money you add online or in the app appears instantly on your card instead of days later. You can also tap a contactless credit or debit card or a mobile wallet to ride BART, Muni, AC Transit, Caltrain, VTA, Golden Gate Transit and every other Clipper agency. It works everywhere on day one. Riders who qualify for discounted fares should still use their Clipper card since bank cards always charge the full adult fare.
Transfer discounts are also finally happening. If you switch between agencies within two hours you will get up to 2.85 off each connecting ride. A trip like AC Transit to BART to Muni becomes noticeably cheaper and regular commuters could save hundreds over a year.
Clipper’s app is getting a boost too. Families can now manage multiple registered cards from one account and youth and senior riders can apply for discounted cards online instead of in person.
Your current Clipper card will continue to work normally on December 10. The system will automatically upgrade your card sometime in the next 8 to 12 weeks. If you want the new features right away you can request the upgrade yourself starting December 10 through the Clipper app, the website or customer service at 877 878 8883. Simply using your card may also convert it. Once upgraded your card reader will show Travel OK instead of displaying your balance. You can check balances in the app, online or at station machines.
One important tip for the new system: avoid card clash. If you carry multiple tap enabled cards remove the one you actually want to use. Tapping a wallet can accidentally charge the wrong card and can mess up your transfer discounts. Use the same card for every part of your trip.
Agencies across the Bay have already installed the new readers and trained staff and will be rolling out rider tips throughout December. BART was the first to offer tap to pay earlier this year but December 10 is when the entire region joins in and transit finally starts feeling a bit more modern.
Upgrades like mobile group tickets and expanded paratransit options are still in the works but for now Clipper 2.0 brings the biggest change riders have seen in years.
Read more at Tri Delta Transit, BART and KQED
Related Story: BART Finally Goes Contactless: Pay With Your Credit Card Starting Aug. 20 – 8/14/2025
