On August 20, BART introduces “Tap and Ride,” allowing contactless credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay, for fare payment. This simplifies the previous process where riders had to purchase a Clipper card at stations or set up a Clipper account on their phones. With this new system, riders can pay by simply tapping their credit or debit card at the Clipper reader when entering and exiting the faregates.

Currently, the “Tap and Ride” scheme is available only on BART and for full adult fares. Riders planning to transfer to other transit systems should continue using the Clipper card or app. Those eligible for discount fares should apply for senior, youth, or disabled (RTC) discount Clipper cards, which require verification.

With “Tap and Ride,” there are some changes for current Clipper card users. Previously, Clipper users could tap with their wallet. Now, riders should remove their Clipper card and tap separately if other cards are in their wallet to avoid interference with the readers. For those using Clipper on Apple Pay, “Express Mode” should be selected so transit fare payment defaults to the Clipper card automatically. Like the Clipper card and previously the magnetic BART fare card, each rider should use a separate card or phone to enter and exit the fare gates. The same card or phone must be used for both entry and exit.

Additionally, with contactless card payment, riders have a 30-minute window to tap out of the same station to avoid an excursion fare in case of service disruptions. This feature is not available with Clipper until the Clipper 2.0 system fully rolls out.

“Tap and Ride” open payment is a highly anticipated feature promised by the Clipper 2.0 project, which aims to modernize a fare payment system based on aging 2000s-era technology. Those features will eventually be rolled out to other transit agencies. Beyond the Bay Area, the State of California is assisting other transit agencies statewide accept contactless card payments through the California Integrated Travel Project.