Next Generation Clipper

Marin Transit is working on exciting new changes to Clipper in 2026!

In 2026, Clipper will become a much more useful option for Marin Transit riders, offering new discounts, new payment options, and other rider benefits. 

Benefits of the Next Generation Clipper system available now: 

• Marin Local 31-Day Passes: Marin Transit’s local 31-day passes are now available on Clipper. Paper 31-day passes will be no longer be sold after March 31, 2026. Paper passes will still be valid for use on Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit in Marin County through July 2026. Learn more here. 
• Contactless Bank Card Payments: Use a plastic or mobile contactless bank card—Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover—to pay adult transit fares.
• Online Youth and Senior Cards: Riders will be able to apply for youth and senior Clipper cards online, streamlining access to regional discounted fares.
• Free and Discounted Interagency Transfers: All riders using Clipper will get a discount of up to $2.85 when transferring from one agency to another. This means riders will get a free ride on Marin Transit when transferring from any other agency and will get a $2.85 discount when transferring to any other agency.

Benefits of the Next Generation Clipper system available soon:  

• Single Tap: With Next Generation Clipper, there is no need to tap on/tap off on Marin Transit buses and no risk of overpayment!
• Frequent Rider Maximums: Frequent riders using Clipper to pay their fare will have access to “fare maximums” for daily and monthly travel. For example, if an adult rider takes three trips or more in one day, their fare will be capped at $5 and they can take unlimited rides for the rest of the day; if an adult rider takes 23 trips in a month, their fare will be capped at $40 and they will ride for free the rest of the calendar month.  The maximum fares can be found on the fares page. Note: Unlike the 31-day pass that riders purchase upfront and that is valid for local trips on Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit, only trips on Marin Transit count towards the Marin Transit fare maximum.
• Instant Value: When you add value to your Clipper card through the Clipper website or mobile app, it will be available immediately.
• Clipper Balance Transfers: Combine value—transferring cash balances from one or more Clipper cards to a single card, using the Clipper website or mobile app.
• Improved Auto-Reload: You can choose when Auto-Reload automatically adds value to your card. Pick between balance-based (when a pass expires or the balance falls below $10) or time-based (on a regular weekly or monthly basis).
• Multiple Account Management: Manage someone else’s account or give someone else access to manage your account.
• Note: Clipper has four discounted fare options that will continue to be available under Next Gen Clipper: Youth, Senior, RTC (now called Clipper Access), and Clipper START 

What Riders Need to Know

• Card Upgrade Timeline: Existing Clipper cards will be upgraded to the new system throughout the first half of 2026. Riders can initiate the process by logging into clippercard.com, using the Clipper app, or calling Clipper Customer Service (877.878.8883) to initiate the upgrade manually. Usage of the Clipper card may also convert the card.
• Avoiding “Card Clash”: With multiple contactless payment options, riders should remove the card the rider chose to use on that ride, whether Clipper or bank card, from their wallet or purse when tapping to ensure the correct card is charged. Using the same card at the beginning, throughout, and the end of your trip is important to for many transfer situations.  
• Card Balance: Currently, when your Clipper card is scanned on a vehicle, the scanner will show the current balance of your card. Next Generation Clipper will no longer show card balance. You can find your balance in the Clipper app, in your mobile wallet, by visiting Clippercard.com or by scanning the card at a ticket machine.

More Information

To learn more about using Clipper with Marin Transit, visit  clippercard.com/marin-transit.