MTC Votes to Make Clipper® START Pilot an Ongoing Fare Product

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) today approved a resolution to transition the Clipper® START pilot program — which provides transit-fare discounts for lower-income adults age 19 to 64 — to an ongoing fare product that offers a uniform 50% discount for rides on all systems that accept Clipper for fare payment. 

While there is general agreement between MTC and transit agency staff to transition the pilot to an ongoing fare product, each transit agency’s program participation is subject to its respective governing board approval and other formal actions, such as any required federal Title VI evaluation.

Clipper START began as an 18-month pilot program initiated in June 2020 by MTC and four transit agencies to reduce the cost of transportation for adults whose household incomes are no more than twice the federal poverty level (currently $60,000 for a family of four). The discount can be an important benefit, as transportation costs are a significant burden on many households. An additional 17 transit agencies joined the Clipper START pilot in late 2020 and early 2021.

MTC and the transit agencies in July 2023 extended the Clipper START pilot through June 30, 2025. The addition of VTA to the pilot and the move to an across-the-board 50% discount in January 2024 from the previous range of 20% to 50% off boosted usage of the Clipper START card.

Previously transit agencies varied in which ones offered discount programs and by how much. With Clipper START, eligible riders can receive a uniform discount, no matter which transit system they use.

“I use my Clipper START 50% discount for everything. I use it to get to work. I use it to see my friends. I use it to explore the Bay Area and visit places I haven't seen before," said Clipper START user Lauren T. "And the 50% savings on transit helps me afford other essentials in my life, like materials I need for paramedic school.”

"I was paying about $150 a week to get to and from work. After I switched to Clipper START and got the 50% savings, it went down to $75 a week," said Clipper START user Keith M.

As of February 2025, enrollees in the Clipper START program have taken over 6 million trips in total.

Qualifying customers can use Clipper START for 50% off travel on:

• AC Transit
• BART
• Caltrain
• County Connection
• Dumbarton Express
• FAST
• Golden Gate Transit & Ferry
• Marin Transit
• Petaluma Transit
• San Francisco Bay Ferry
• SamTrans
• Santa Rosa CityBus
• SFMTA (Muni)
• SMART
• Soltrans
• Sonoma County Transit
• Tri Delta Transit
• Union City Transit
• Vacaville City Coach
• Vine
• VTA
• WestCAT
• Wheels

MTC and its transit agency partners encourage residents to apply for Clipper START today. More information about the program, qualifications and available discounts is available at clipperstartcard.com.