Navigating BART Fares: A Guide to Student Discounts and Eligibility

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) provides various discount programs to make transportation more affordable. While there isn't a specific BART student discount, several options are available to youth and low-income individuals who may be students. Understanding these options and how to access them can significantly reduce travel costs.

Youth Discounts on BART

Youths aged 5-18 are eligible for a 50% discount on BART fares by using a Youth Clipper card. Children aged 4 and under ride free. This discount can provide significant savings for students who regularly use BART to commute to school or other activities.

Obtaining a Youth Clipper Card

To obtain a Youth Clipper card, visit the Clipper website or call Clipper Card Services at 1-877-878-8883 for information on how to apply. You can search for locations where you can apply and immediately receive a discount card by selecting "Staffed Locations" under "Location Type" for Youth and Senior card services.

Transitioning to Digital Youth Clipper Cards

Youth riders can transfer their existing plastic Youth Clipper card to their phone and pay fares with their mobile wallet. The Clipper app can also be used to manage your account.

Clipper START Program for Low-Income Adults

Low-income adults earning 200% or less of the federal poverty level are eligible for a 50% discount through the regional Clipper START program. This program can be particularly beneficial for college students or adults pursuing further education while managing financial constraints.

Applying for Clipper START

Bay Area residents must meet certain income requirements to apply for the Clipper START program. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Clipper website.

Using Digital Clipper START Cards

Those enrolled in the Clipper START program can transfer their plastic Clipper START card to their phone. However, it is essential to keep the physical Clipper START card as proof of eligibility in case a fare inspector or bus driver requests it.

Other Discount Options

Clipper Access Card for Persons with Disabilities

The Clipper Access Card, formerly known as the Regional Transit Connection (RTC) Card, is available to qualified persons with disabilities. This card entitles you to a reduced fare on fixed-route transit, rail, and ferry systems throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, providing a 62.5% discount.

Eligibility for the Access Card

There are two types of eligibility for the Access Card: Basic Eligibility and Medical Certificate Eligibility. Information on how to apply for either type of eligibility can be found on the Access Eligibility webpage under 511.org.

Renewing or Replacing an Access Card

Information on how to renew or replace a Clipper Access Card can be found on the Renew or Replace an Access Card webpage under 511.org. You can also visit the BART Customer Services Center as a walk-up to submit an application.

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High-Value Discount (HVD)

Adult Clipper cards can receive a 6.25% discount on cash value rides by purchasing $48 worth of value for $45 or $64 worth of value for $60. This High-Value Discount (HVD) applies only to BART rides. To purchase an HVD ticket online, set up Autoload or use a transit benefit program.

BART/Muni Adult "A" Fast Pass

The "A" Fast Pass is available on the Clipper card and is valid for a calendar month. It allows for unlimited rides on SFMTA/Muni vehicles and BART between the Embarcadero station and Balboa Park station in San Francisco. Note that BART trips outside these stations are charged full fare.

Group Sales for School-Sponsored Field Trips

Students on a school-sponsored field trip for an educational purpose are eligible for a 62.5% discount fare when purchased in advance through Group Sales.

Clipper Card: The Bay Area's All-in-One Transit Card

Clipper is the Bay Area’s all-in-one transit card accepted on various transit systems in the region. It's essential to tag your Clipper card at the fare gate when entering and exiting a station to ensure the correct fare is deducted.

Obtaining a New Clipper Card

If you need a new Clipper card, save $3 by using Clipper with Apple Pay and Google Pay on your phone or Apple Watch. The $3 new card fee is waived when you use Clipper on your phone.

Paying with Clipper via Phone

Clipper is available through Apple Pay and Google Pay. Funds added using these platforms are immediately available for use. Each rider needs their own digital card, and multiple cards can be added to a phone's digital wallet.

Setting Up Clipper on Apple Pay

Requires iPhone 8/Apple Watch Series 3 or later.
Open the Wallet app and press the plus “+” icon.
Select Transit Card.
Select “Clipper card” from the list.
Add funds.

Setting Up Clipper on Google Pay

Requires Android 5 or later.
Open the Google Pay app and scroll down to the “Discover” section.
Click the “Ride Transit” link.
Click on “San Francisco, CA - Clipper.”
Add funds.

Hold your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android phone near the round Clipper reader on the fare gates until you get an "OK" message.

Adding Value to Your Clipper Card

All BART stations have Clipper Card loading machines that accept cash, coins, and dollar bills (excluding $50 and $100 bills). Some machines also accept credit and debit cards. You can also add value through your phone's wallet if you use Clipper on your phone.

Understanding BART Fares and Payment Methods

BART fares are calculated according to the distance traveled. Weekly and monthly passes are generally not available, except for the BART/Muni "A" Fast Pass. To find the cost of a particular BART trip, use the BART Fare Calculator.

Tap and Ride

BART offers Tap and Ride, allowing riders to pay with contactless bank cards. As of December 10, 2025, nearly two dozen transit agencies that use Clipper have joined BART as Tap and Ride systems.

Excursion Fare

Entering and exiting at the same location within a three-hour window is considered an "excursion," and you will be charged the excursion fare, which is $7.55. If you need to exit a station without riding the train, see the Station Agent first to avoid being charged.

Transfer Discounts

Transfer discounts are calculated automatically using Tap and Ride or Clipper. The Next Generation of Clipper offers automatic transfer discounts beginning December 10, 2025. Riders will receive a discount of up to the highest local single ride fare on Clipper, currently $2.85, when transferring between agencies.

Key Considerations for BART Riders

Proof of Payment: Whether using Clipper or Tap and Ride, remove your physical Clipper card or bank card from your wallet or purse when you pay. Proof of payment is required.
Minimum Balance: You need a cash value balance of at least $2.40 on a regular Clipper card, $1.20 on a Youth Clipper card, and 90 cents on a Senior or RTC Clipper card to enter a station.
Clipper Customer Support: While Clipper is used to pay for BART, it is not a BART product. For any issues related to Clipper, contact Clipper Customer Support.

Navigating the Next Generation of Clipper

On December 10, 2025, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission launched Next Generation Clipper to streamline fare payment across the agencies that use Clipper. The implementation involves upgrading individual Clipper cards to the next generation system.

Additional Resources

Clipper Customer Service: For questions about Clipper cards and accounts.
BART Customer Services Center: Located at Lake Merritt BART Station, open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:45 pm.
511.org: For information on the Clipper Access Card and other transit resources.

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