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    1. Technology
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    Eleven transit agencies join Clipper START

    Jan. 26, 2021
    The pilot program delivers discount fare for riders with lower incomes.
    Related To: Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)
    MTC
    Mtc 6010472cc7f0e

    The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) announced 11 more Bay Area transit agencies have joined the Clipper START® program, which allows lower income adults age 19-64 to receive fare discounts ranging from 20 percent to 50 percent on most transit systems around the region. 

    Riders with Clipper START cards now receive a 50-percent discount on SamTrans fares, and 20-percent discounts on AC Transit, County Connection, Fairfield and Suisun Transit (FAST), Napa VINE, SolTrans, Tri Delta Transit, Union City Transit, Vacaville City Coach, WestCAT and Wheels fares. 

    Clipper START was inaugurated in July 2020 with 50 percent off fares on Muni, Caltrain and select Golden Gate Transit and Ferry routes; and 20 percent off Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) fares. Six additional transit agencies joined the program in November 2020, with Marin Transit, San Francisco Bay Ferry and SMART offering 50 percent fare discounts; and Petaluma Transit, Santa Rosa CityBus and Sonoma County Transit offering 20 percent off fares. 

    Clipper START is an 18-month pilot program initiated by Bay Area transit agencies and the 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. 

    As MTC Chair Scott Haggerty noted at the time of Clipper START’s rollout last summer, "MTC has a long history of serving low-income residents through community-based planning and other programs. 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 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 the 21 participating systems. The card can be used just like a standard Clipper card to pay for fares on any agency that accepts Clipper. 

    Riders interested in Clipper START can learn more about the program and apply online. The website guides customers through the application process, details what documents customers need to upload and will save applicants’ progress to allow them to return later to complete the application if necessary. 

    MTC over the last several years has worked with its longtime Clipper card contractor, Cubic Transportation Systems, to develop the pilot program and to make application, verification and ongoing account maintenance (such as a lost card) a simple and straightforward process for lower-income riders.