Mayor Lurie Launches Tap to Pay Across Muni System, Making It More Convenient Than Ever to Use Public Transit

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today launched a tap to pay option throughout the Muni system, allowing riders to access public transit with just a credit or debit card for the first time. With people from across the region and country visiting San Francisco throughout the holidays and major events like Super Bowl 60 and the FIFA World Cup coming in early 2026, tapping to pay will make it easier than ever to ride Muni. The upgraded regional system represents a partnership between the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), with the program now launching across all Bay Area transit agencies, following Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) announcement of tap and ride in August. 

A strong and reliable public transit system is a critical component of San Francisco’s recovery, and as the city makes strides towards an economic recovery, Muni ridership is close to pre-pandemic levels. To further surge the city’s comeback, the mayor unveiled his “Heart of the City” plan, with more than $60 million committed to the Downtown Development Corporation to foster a downtown where people live, work, play, and learn. Now, crime is down nearly 30% citywide and more than 40% in Union Square and the Financial District, more downtown office space is being leased, Union Square retail vacancy is dropping, and workers are returning to the office more quickly in San Francisco than in any other major city. With the addition of tap to pay, an efficient, accessible transit system will drive the next phase of San Francisco’s recovery.

“As a city, we are moving in the right direction, and our economy is coming back. But that progress relies on a stable transit system,” said Mayor Lurie. “With the launch of Muni Tap to Pay, our public transit will be more accessible than ever. This upgrade is a major win for San Francisco and the Bay Area as we gear up to host visitors for Super Bowl 60 and the FIFA World Cup.”

Starting today, customers can pay to ride transit using contactless payment methods, including physical cards as well as cards that have been added to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. Customers will still be able to use physical Clipper cards and mobile Clipper cards that have been added to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.

Muni customers will also gain new access to products previously available only at limited physical sales locations, including the lifeline monthly pass and the one-day Muni only pass. 
“This regional upgrade makes riding Muni easier than ever,” said Julie Kirschbaum, SFMTA Director of Transportation. “Tapping to pay with a mobile device or physical card gives our riders more choice, more convenience, and eliminates the barriers created by older technology.” 

The new system is a product of unprecedented cooperation among the region’s transit operators. This announcement is part of the Next Generation Clipper system, which is designed to deliver more reliable, flexible, and customer-friendly fare options across the Bay Area. Beginning today, customers will experience:

• Adult single rides can now tap to pay with contactless credit or debit cards
• Real-time value loading, replacing delays of up to five days
• Online applications for senior and youth Clipper cards
• Account tools allowing families to manage multiple cards within a single profile

The region’s 1.2 million monthly Clipper users will be seamlessly transitioned to the new system over the next four months. The transition will prioritize discount customers—including seniors, youth, people with disabilities, and low-income riders—as well as agencies experiencing the most significant fare changes. 
Tapping to pay is the first step in a broader regional modernization effort that will enable: 

• A new mobile app supporting group travel and special event fares
• Fare capping, allowing riders to pay as they go until reaching a daily or monthly limit
• Flexible fare policies to encourage off-peak and weekend ridership
• Expanded tools for regional fare integration 

As part of the transition, SFMTA’s Muni Metro Clipper ticket vending machines will no longer accept credit or debit cards beginning December 10 and SFMTA is expected to save more than $7 million by transitioning away from the machines to the new tap to pay system.
At the completion of the transition, all riders transferring between Bay Area transit systems will receive a free or reduced transfer, saving up to $2.85 per transfer. A rider traveling round-trip between Oakland and downtown San Francisco via BART and Muni could save more than $1,500 per year.

“Riding the bus should be as easy as buying a cup of coffee, and now it is,” said Senator Scott Wiener. “Getting tap to pay off the ground is a great step to ensure Bay Area residents get the world class transit they deserve.”

“We’re excited to finally launch the long-awaited transition to the next generation of Clipper,” said Sue Noack, Pleasant Hill Mayor and MTC Chair. “Right away, riders will be able to use a contactless debit or credit card on every Bay Area transit agency that accepts Clipper. Millions of individual Clipper cards will be upgraded to the new system over the next eight to 12 weeks. This will allow more and more customers to take advantage of other features such as free and discounted transfers, instant availability of added value, managing multiple accounts through the Clipper app, and the ability to apply for youth or senior discount cards online.”