Individuals using BART will soon have the option to pay their fares with credit or debit cards at the entry gates, as reported by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
The contactless payment function will be available starting the week of August 18, according to theClipper Executive Board. Accepted cards are Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Payment methods also include Apple Pay or Google Pay using a phone or watch.
As the new feature is introduced, there may be certain challenges individuals with Clipper cards might encounter, including "card clash."
Jason Weinstein, the director of Clipper at MTC, clarified duringa July 28 meetingThat card conflict occurs when a Clipper reader identifies more than one card.
The method for preventing card conflict varies depending on whether individuals use a physical Clipper card or a digital wallet. Those with a plastic Clipper card should take it out of their wallet or purse to prevent the fare gate reader from picking up other cards.
For individuals with an Android device, the reader will prioritize charging the Clipper card, according to Weinstein. iPhone users have the ability to modify the "express transit card" setting within the wallet app to choose which card is utilized.
If the express transit card feature is enabled for Clipper, the BART fare gate reader will prioritize Clipper even if you have open payments active, according to Weinstein. To use a credit or debit card instead, iPhone users can disable the express transit card option for Clipper.
During the meeting, Denis Mulligan, the general manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, raised potential concerns about allowing only tap-to-pay on BART. Mulligan mentioned that BART riders transferring to a bus or other transportation systems would still need a Clipper card, and credit card holders would not receive their usual discount, such as when switching to Clipper for a transfer.
The latest payment option is intended for BART passengers traveling from an airport or for those who don't use the system often. Weinstein mentioned another potential benefit could be reducing the number of plastic cards required.
Plans are in place to introduce the credit card payment option to additional public transportation systems in the Bay Area.