Description
Easy payment options simplify how riders pay for transit by introducing contactless smart cards, mobile ticketing, and account-based fare systems. These systems improve convenience at boarding and reduce friction for transfers across modes and agencies.
Implementation Details
- Install and activate Clipper 2.0-ready card readers across all Marin Transit vehicles and facilities.
- Enable tap-to-pay acceptance of contactless credit/debit cards and mobile wallets on all vehicles and at stations.
- Migrate all Marin Transit pass products onto the Clipper platform.
Mitigation Potential
Improving payment options will subsequently improve the convenience of using transit. The perception of an easier and convenient mode of transportation will encourage people to rely less on private vehicles. While there are not clear methods for quantifying the reduction due to this strategy, this is an effective strategy to improve the convenience of transit for all riders.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Cash as a form of payment must be preserved throughout and beyond the Clipper 2.0 transition for users who lack smartphones, or are unfamiliar with digital payment system.
Funding Sources
Initial costs are not significant, but do require funding for upgrading and maintaining the payment collection technology. Funding sources include Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Capital Investment, and CMAQ grants.
Implemented in TAM Area
Current TDM Implementation
Marin Transit and SMART both support Clipper, which provides a cross-agency payment card that can be accessed physically or contactless. SMART also has an etickets app and supports Next-Gen Clipper for contactless bank payment.
TDM Benefit Locations
Expanding Next-Gen Clipper will increase the ease of payment across agencies. The new San Rafael Transit Center is an opportunity for different agencies to showcase easy payment options at multi-modal transfer points.