In case you missed it, there have been some nice upgrades to the Bay Area’s transit system!
If you take Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), AC Transit, Muni, or a variety of other local transportation options, you may be aware of the Clipper card system. You know, the little blue card you have to fish around for every time you want to go to Oakland.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) recently launched a new Clipper card option that may be a game changer for those of us who just have too many cards to keep track of – as of April 15, Clipper card is now supported on iPhone and Apple Watch! Clipper has also released a new mobile app to help manage your card and account.
That’s right, all you need is your iPhone to cruise through BART fare gate readers. Simply add your Clipper card to your phone through Apple Wallet, and load cash value whenever you need to with Apple Pay. You will need an iPhone 8 or later with the latest version of iOS.
You are correct! From Daly City to Dublin and everywhere between, you can now transfer your Clipper card on your iPhone and tap your phone to take transit. Android is coming very soon. @BayAreaClipper https://t.co/Ci7SYLWWgd
— SFBART (@SFBART) May 4, 2021
Clipper card support for Android is coming soon, so stay tuned if you’re part of the green text bubble clan. In fact, Clipper is now looking for Android users to test the new Clipper app.
You can even use Express Mode on iPhone or Apple Watch, which allows you to quickly scan your device without having to even wake or unlock it. Be warned that once you transfer the Clipper card’s value to your phone, you can no longer use the physical Clipper card to pay for transit.
TIP: To tag your iPhone or Apple Watch, simply hold it near the Clipper reader every time you board a bus, train, or ferry (including when you transfer). There’s no need to open an app. Just tag your phone and go! Learn more at: https://t.co/J2LhvclofH #TipTuesday pic.twitter.com/2dgUeXEpQV
— Bay Area Clipper (@BayAreaClipper) May 4, 2021
The Clipper card works with 24 Bay Area transit agencies, including BART, AC Transit, Caltrain, Muni, the Golden Gate Ferry, Wheels, Dumbarton Express, and much more. Whether you’re traveling by train, bus, or ferry, you can now enjoy tap-and-go travel with Clipper card on your iPhone.
This isn’t the first welcome upgrade that SF’s public transportation has bestowed upon us. SFMTA is finishing up their Subway Renewal Program, which will feature WiFi and cell service in the tunnels, improved signage, smoother tracks, and more!
[Featured image: @coyah.hunt via Instagram]