SJSU Clipper® BayPass

Bart Train
Overview

Clipper BayPass is an unlimited transit pass that provides free access to all bus, rail, and ferry services across the Bay Area, including VTA, BART, Caltrain, AC Transit, and more. BayPass is provided to all full and part-time SJSU students as part of their IRA fee, as approved on May 5th, 2026, and will be available to all students starting August 15, 2026. 

With BayPass, students can use participating transit services for everyday travel across Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area. The pass can be used for trips to campus, work, internships, appointments, errands, and destinations throughout the region. 

As a university that helps power Silicon Valley, SJSU benefits when students can move more freely through the region. BayPass helps make that connection more practical by giving students access to the transit network that links San José with the rest of the Bay Area.

Eligible students must obtain their own 19-digit physical or mobile Clipper card and submit their application to Transportation Solutions. 

All previously assigned VTA SmartPasses deactivate on September 1st. It is recommended that all eligible students submit their BayPass application at their earliest convenience. 

If you require assistance, please call (408) 924-7433 or email transportation@sjsu.edu. 

 

Eligibility

  • Must be an enrolled SJSU student who has been charged the mandatory enrollment fees. See the Bursar Office for a list of these fees. Students who are exempt from fees, including Special Session or Open  University students, are not eligible for the BayPass.
  • Possess a 19-digit card physical or mobile Clipper card.

BayPass is not transferable and may only be used by the student assigned to the pass. 

 

Clipper Card Required

You will need a 19-digit Clipper card to activate your BayPass.

You can use:

  • Your own personal 19-digit Clipper card
  • A 19-digit mobile Clipper card.

Validity

BayPass begins on August 15, 2026 and renews automatically if a student is enrolled at the beginning of each semester. 

BayPass is valid on participating Bay Area transit services that accept Clipper, including participating bus, rail, and ferry services across the region.

How to Get BayPass

  1. Purchase or obtain a physical or mobile 19-digit Clipper card. See Clipper's website for how to get one.  

  2. Complete the Transportation Solutions BayPass application to connect your pass to your Clipper card. 

  3. Wait two business days for the Transportation Solutions team to approve your application and activate your BayPass. 

 

Where to use your Clipper BayPass

Agencies covered by Clipper BayPass

  Clipper BayPass allows for free travel on these agencies:

    • AC Transit
    • BART
    • Caltrain
    • City Coach
    • County Connection
    • Dumbarton Express
    • FAST
    • Golden Gate Ferry
    • Golden Gate Transit
    • Marin Transit
    • Muni
    • Petaluma Transit
    • SamTrans
    • San Francisco Bay Ferry
    • Santa Rosa CityBusSMART
    • SolTrans
    • Sonoa County Transit
    • Tri Delta Transit
    • Union City Transit
    • Vine
    • VTA
    • WestCAT
    • Wheels
Agencies not covered

Clipper BayPass does not allow free travel or any benefits for these services. Discounts are provided for ACE, Highway 17 Express, and Capitol Corridor. 

 

How to Use BayPass

Tap your Clipper card or mobile Clipper card when boarding transit or entering a station. Some agencies also require you to tap off at the end of your trip. This may apply on services such as BART, Caltrain, ferries, and some bus trips. You must tap your card for every ride. BayPass does not remove the requirement to tap.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

When does BayPass start?

BayPass starts for SJSU students on August 15, 2026. You can fill out the application to be the first to get it.

 

I am an Open University student, staff, or faculty member. Am I eligible?

No. Open University/Special Session students and University staff and faculty are not eligible for the BayPass at this time.

 

Do I need to pay each time I ride?

No. BayPass provides free unlimited rides on participating transit services that accept Clipper.

 

I already have SmartPass. Do I need to fill out the application?

Yes, starting September 1st previously assigned SmartPasses will be deactivated. To avoid a lapse in your transit benefits, we recommend applying for the BayPasses as soon as possible. 

 

I am a new student. Do I need to apply?

Yes. New students and students without an active SmartPass will need to complete the BayPass application form.

 

Can I apply for a BayPass before August 15th?

Yes! Complete the BayPass application as soon as possible. The Transportation Solutions team plans to review all early applications with the goal of activating eligible Bay Passes on August 15th. 

 

How long will it take for my BayPass to activate once I submit my application? 

If you submit your application after August 15th, Transportation Solutions aims to process BayPass applications within 2 business days of submission. 

 

Why do I need a new Clipper card?

The BayPass operates on the Next-Generation Clipper network, providing additional cybersecurity features and enabling students to add the BayPass to their mobile devices. A Next-Generation Clipper card is required to access these new features. Previously issued Clipper cards are not compatible with this new system. 

 

Which types of Clipper cards cannot be used with BayPass?

Youth, Senior, RTC, and START Clipper cards, as well as any 10-digit Clipper cards, are not compatible with BayPass. 

 

Can I use BayPass with a mobile Clipper card?

Yes. BayPass can be used with either a physical Clipper card or a mobile Clipper card.

 

How do I get a 19-digit Clipper card on my mobile wallet? 

A mobile Clipper card can be obtained from the Clipper App on Google Play or the Apple Store.

 

Where can I get a physical, 19-digit Clipper Card? 

A physical 19-digit Clipper card can be obtained from the ticket vending machines at Caltrain stations, or at the VTA Downtown Customer Service Center. Find a location here.

You can also log into your Clipper account and order a new physical 19-digit Clipper Card.

 

Do I have to have my Clipper card registered?

No, but registering your card with Clipper is recommended to help protect your pass if your card or phone is lost. You can register your card on Clipper's website

 

Can I have a BayPass on more than one Clipper card?

No, BayPass can only be on one Clipper card at a time.

 

Where can I use my BayPass?

You can use your BayPass to ride agencies on this list for free:

    • AC Transit
    • BART
    • Caltrain
    • City Coach
    • County Connection
    • Dumbarton Express
    • FAST
    • Golden Gate Ferry
    • Golden Gate Transit
    • Marin Transit
    • Muni (cable cars not included)
    • Petaluma Transit
    • SamTrans
    • San Francisco Bay Ferry
    • Santa Rosa CityBus
    • SMART
    • SolTrans
    • Sonoma County Transit
    • Tri Delta Transit
    • Union City Transit
    • Vine
    • VTA
    • WestCAT
    • Wheels
How do I know BayPass is active?

Once BayPass has been added to your Clipper card, you will be able to tap your card or phone to ride on participating transit services.

 

What happens if my card is lost or stolen?

If your Clipper card is registered, it is easier to replace your card and protect your pass. Contact Transportation Solutions for support instructions

Can I share my BayPass?

No. BayPass is assigned to one student and cannot be shared.

 

What if I forget my Clipper card or phone?

You will need to pay the regular fare another way. BayPass only works when you have the active Clipper card or mobile Clipper card with you.

 

What if my BayPass does not work?

Try holding your card or phone flat against the reader for one or two seconds. If possible, try another reader. If it still does not work, contact Transportation Solutions for support. Be prepared with backup fare payment when riding transit.