Formerly known as RTC, Clipper Access is a Bay Area public transit card that provides discounted fares to riders with qualifying disabilities. Clipper Access riders receive a personalized Clipper card that can be used to pay for transit fares once loaded with value. Clipper Access cards are proof of eligibility for discounted fares on fixed-route bus, rail and ferry in the San Francisco Bay Area.
IMPORTANT UPDATES:
As of December 10, 2025, the Regional Transit Connection (RTC) program has been publicly rebranded to the new name, Clipper Access. Moving forward, cards provided for this program will have the new Clipper Access name and logo. Riders who have an active, unexpired RTC have no action to take. Riders can continue to use their active RTC card.
As of September 1, 2023 the RTC Central Processor has a new mailing address. If you are submitting your application by mail, please ensure you are sending it to the right address by checking the Renew or Replace an RTC Card page for the new address.
As of January 9, 2022 most application fees are waived. Only replacement applications have a fee of $3. People over 65 should apply for the Senior Clipper card, which provides the same discounts and never expires. You can apply at your local agency or by mail or email.
New name, same program benefits
Clipper Access provides the same discounts and benefits as RTC—with a new, improved name.
- Clipper Access users get the following fare discounts:
- 62.5% off BART
- 50% off other participating agencies
- Specific discounts and fare information can be found on each agency’s website.
- Clipper Access is a type of Clipper card. After your Clipper Access application is approved, you will receive a personalized plastic card in the mail.
- You may add cash value or passes to the card and use it to pay transit fares throughout the Bay Area.
- If you currently have an active RTC card, there is no action required.
Find out if you are eligible by visiting the Eligibility Page
Visit the Eligibility Page for more information. Clipper Access discounts do not apply to paratransit services; however, if you receive paratransit services in the Bay Area, you are eligible for a Clipper Access card. Apply using the Basic Application (PDF).
Forms and Applications
The drop-down menu below includes forms and information for new applications, renewing or replacing your card, replacing a defective card, applying for an attendant card, and updating your contact information.
All forms are available below in the following languages:
- English
- Spanish
- Traditional Chinese
- Tagalog
Click the buttons to navigate each section.
Clipper Access Applications
New Applicants
You can apply for a Clipper Access card with either a Medical (中文, En Español, aplikasyon) or Basic (中文, En Español, aplikasyon) application. There is no fee to apply. Learn more by reading the Information Sheet for New Applicants (中文 ,En Español , aplikasyon).
Renew or Replace an Existing Card
You can renew your expiring or expired Clipper Access card (中文, En Español, aplikasyon) or replace (中文, En Español, aplikasyon) your lost, stolen or damaged Clipper Access card. Renewals are free. Replacement fee is $3.
Replace a Defective Card
Use this application (中文, En Español, aplikasyon) and take your card to your local transit agency for replacement. The linked local transit agencies can test a defective card.
Apply for an Attendant card
You can apply for an attendant card (中文, En Español, aplikasyon). There is no fee to apply.
Update Only
If you’d like to update your mailing address or contact information on file, please email clipperaccess@bayareametro.gov or go in-person to one of the Clipper Access processing locations.
