Clipper Fare Payment System to roll out Next Generation model in August 2024

Sept. 19, 2023

The new system will serve as the backbone to provide many of the regional fare integration and accessibility features from the Bay Area Transit Transformation Action Plan.

The Clipper fare payment system is expected to roll out its Next Generation model in August 2024 if benchmarks are achieved.

“We want the transition to be as seamless and transparent as possible to users,” said Carol Kuester, director of electronic payments at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). “Customers won’t have to take any action at all.”

The new Clipper will accept major credit and debit cards from riders — known as open payments — making travel easier for locals and those visiting the region.

Testing of the new system is underway. Between now and summer 2024, Next Generation Clipper will be assessed to see that:
Value and passes load properly in near-real time on cards and phones.
Open payments functionality is working properly.
Funds flow from customer accounts and that operators are properly credited for trips take on their services.
Data is accurately reported in the Clipper back office.
Customer facing features, including the website, mobile app and customer service center touchpoints are working properly.

According to MTC, there are 4 million active Clipper accounts and 10 million users every month, with 95 percent of travelers reporting satisfaction with the system and another 97 percent saying they would recommend its use to those they know.

Clipper serves as the fare payment system for riders on 24 Bay Area transit services. Next Generation Clipper is being delivered in coordination with the region's transit operators, which have been participating and providing input on the system's design, installation and testing.

The new system will serve as the backbone to provide many of the regional fare integration and accessibility features from the Bay Area Transit Transformation Action Plan. The new Clipper will make it easier to offer incentives and promotions offered through employers, universities and other organizations.

Customers have already been using features from the next generation design such as use of Clipper in mobile phone wallets. Over a quarter of Clipper transit trips are now taken using a mobile card. The MTC notes on some busy weekends, nearly half of all new cards customers acquire are on mobile versus plastic cards.

“I’m excited about the flexibility that is coming,” said Carol Dutra-Vernaci, MTC commissioner and member of the Regional Network Management Committee.