AC TRANSIT ELIMINATES PAPER BART-TO-BUS TRANSFER TICKETS BEGINNING MONDAY, OCTOBER 19

Transfer riders should now use Clipper Card or the all-new AC Transit Mobile App

OAKLAND, Calif. – As the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) Board of Directors voted unanimously, during its September 23 public meeting, to eliminate the paper BART-to-bus transfer tickets. The Board sought to develop a seamless option, for cash-paying riders that both reduce travel delays and fosters easier access to affordable fares. The paper transfer tickets will be eliminated beginning Monday, October 19.

Cash paying riders are now encouraged to use Clipper Card when transferring between AC Transit bus lines and BART service. Riders maintain the same automatic bus transfer discount, applied when using paper tickets, but are now eligible to receive additional fare discounts only available through Clipper Card.

Under past practices, cash-paying riders were required to take a paper ticket from a dispensing machine, present half to the Bus Operator on their first bus trip away from BART, and the second half on their next bus trip toward BART. By eliminating the paper transfer tickets, we demonstrably reduce travel delays and interactions between Bus Operators and riders, which promotes social distancing and a healthier commute.

Additionally, the new Tempo Line 1 ticket vending machines and fare collection system are neither able to accept the paper transfer nor apply the discount. What’s more, newly open BART Stations do not have transfer ticket-dispensing machines and BART ultimately plans to eliminate them at all stations.

The Board of Directors strictly complied with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations and Board Policies required for the consideration and approval of a fare equity analysis before the elimination of any fare media. The Title VI analysis concluded eliminating the paper transfer ticket would not result in any discriminatory impacts on populations protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

AC Transit riders may order an adult Clipper Card online, select a sales and service location for cash purchases or purchase in-person the temporary AC Transit downtown Oakland Customer Service Center. Riders, who order online and set up automatic reloading, receive their card free.

Youth, seniors, and riders with disabilities can receive reduced fares passes with a discount Clipper Card.

Ticket dispensing machines will undergo phased removal over the coming months.