October News from Marin Transit

Marin Transit News

  • Fare Policy Changes: On October 5, 2026, the Marin Transit Board of Directors approved two changes to the District’s fare policies. The policy changes support the implementation of recommendations from a 2024 Fare Study and include:
    • Discontinuing free transfers for cash-paying riders: Starting January 1, 2027, riders paying their fare in cash will no longer receive a free transfer to another Marin Transit bus. Riders are encouraged to use Clipper to continue to have access to free transfers on local bus service and discounted regional transfers. Learn more about Clipper at marintransit.gov/clipper.
    • Discontinuing the paid Youth Pass product: Starting October 6, 2026, youth riders will no longer be able to purchase an annual youth pass. Youth that formerly purchased this pass will need to select another fare payment option. Students in all Marin County school districts can get a youth pass if they meet income guidelines for free or reduced-price meals.
    • Marin Transit is not changing the fare to ride the bus, and cash will continue to be an option for fare payment. Learn more about the upcoming changes at marintransit.gov/farepolicyproposal2026.
  • The Future of Fares on Marin Transit is Clipper: Clipper is the Bay Area’s transit fare payment system—and the best choice when you ride Marin Transit. Marin Transit riders using Clipper can save money in a variety of ways – reduced adult fares, free and discounted transfers, frequent rider maximums, and access to discount cards for eligible riders. Available on your phone or as a plastic card, Clipper is accepted on all Bay Area transit agencies. Add cash value or transit passes and pay fares with a tap! Find more information about Clipper on our website.
  • Upcoming Fare Free Days: Marin Transit offers fare free days on local bus service to highlight special days when transit is aligned with related environmental and congestion reduction efforts or supports other civic goals.

Community Partner News

  • Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) | SMART Board Advances Geyserville Station Project: The SMART Board of Directors has approved a resolution adding the proposed Geyserville Station to SMART’s program, marking an important step toward restoring passenger rail access to Geyserville for the first time in nearly 70 years. The decision follows strong community support gathered through public meetings, an online survey and discussions with local community groups. The project supports SMART’s ongoing efforts to restore passenger rail service from Healdsburg to Cloverdale and complete the voter-approved rail and pathway system.
  • Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) & Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District | Sail and Rail Pilot Program Ending November 30, 2026: The Sail and Rail fare product was established as a pilot program to allow SMART and Golden Gate Transit to evaluate the service before determining whether it should become a permanent offering. The $10 ticket combines a one-way trip on the SMART train with a one-way trip on the Golden Gate Ferry. Following the pilot period, the Sail and Rail program will conclude effective November 30, 2026. For future trips, riders are encouraged to consider using Clipper, which provides a $2.85 transfer discount on all inter- and intra-agency transfers.

Transit Tip of the Month:

  • The Future of Fares on Marin Transit is Clipper! Clipper is the Bay Area’s transit fare payment system—and the best choice when you ride Marin Transit. Clipper is available on your phone or as a plastic card. Add cash value or transit passes and pay fares with a tap! Clipper also offers a variety of discounts to save you money on Marin Transit, making it easy to get around for less. Learn more about Clipper and discount cards on our website.