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Clipper START is a pilot program offering 20% to 50% discounts off single-ride fares

Clipper START is a pilot program that offers single-ride transit fare discounts for eligible low-income individuals in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Among a number of participating transit agencies, Clipper START discounts are available on:

  • BART (20% discount)
  • Muni (50% discount)
  • Caltrain (50% discount),
  • Golden Gate Transit and Ferry (50% discount).

Additional agencies have joined the program, and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) expects 11 more bus systems serving Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, San Mateo, and Solano counties to join the Clipper START program in early 2021.

How it works

Launched in July 2020, Clipper START is an 18-month pilot program that is available to anyone, including non-Stanford affiliates, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements. Eligible participants apply and provide proof of identity and income.

Among the four qualifications, participants must have an annual household income of 200% of the federal poverty level or less (for example, as of December 2020, $52,400 or less for a four-person household would qualify).

Once approved, participants will receive a personalized Clipper card printed with their name and the discount pre-loaded. Cash value will need to be loaded on the card, either online or at these locations, to ride participating operators. The card calculates single-ride fare discounts automatically when it is used.

If you have questions about the program, or would like to promote this option among your employees and contractors, you can contact us at commuteclub@stanford.edu or through the Clipper START Interest Response form.