The Clipper Card (formally known as Translink)  is a transit payment system that operates using prepaid cards, not unlike the more widely familiar FasTrak system — which uses digital transponders in cars — for paying toll fees. Riders tap the card against a special electronic card reader installed in transit stations and participating vehicles to deduct toll payments from their Clipper accounts. The system is in use across the Bay Area on all AC Transit, Dumbarton Express and Golden Gate Transit buses, and Golden Gate Ferry routes, with plans to include all Caltrain, BART and Muni trains and buses in Spring 2008. The company touts the system as a convenient way for commuters to avoid having to use different tickets, passes and transfer receipts for each transit company. The system is capable of deducting payments according to various discounts, including transfers.

Clipper Card

Local transit agencies that accept Clipper card as fare payment:

Long-term plans for Clipper include the following California transit providers:

  • Alameda/Oakland Ferry
  • American Canyon Transit
  • Benicia Breeze
  • Cloverdale Transit
  • County Connection
  • Dixon Transit
  • Fairfield-Suisun Transit
  • Healdsburg In-City Transit
  • Petaluma Transit
  • Rio Vista Delta Breeze
  • Santa Rosa CityBus
  • Sonoma County Transit
  • Tri Delta Transit
  • Union City Transit
  • Vacaville City Coach
  • Vallejo Transit
  • VINE (Napa County)
  • WestCAT
  • WHEELS
  • Yountville Shuttle

You can make a miniature version of your Clipper Card by giving it a glorious acetone bath! (Tutorial video here)

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