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 across 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 16th. 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, Open  University, or International Gateway 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. If you have an existing card, check if it has 19 digits. If not, you will need to buy a new plastic Clipper card or add a mobile one. All previously SJSU issued 10 digit Clipper cards are ineligible for 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. Get your own 19-digit Clipper card. Transportation Solutions does not sell Clipper cards. Students can use a compatible physical card or set up a mobile card using our iPhone or Android guides.
  2. Complete the BayPass application. Submit the Transportation Solutions BayPass application using the 19-digit number from the Clipper card you want to use.
  3. Wait for approval. Allow up to two business days for Transportation Solutions to verify your eligibility and approve your application.
  4. Start using BayPass.

BayPass will be loaded directly onto the Clipper card you submitted. No separate BayPass or Clipper card will be issued.

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 CityBus
    • SMART
    • SolTrans
    • Sonoma County Transit
    • Tri Delta Transit
    • Union City Transit
    • Vine
    • VTA
    • WestCAT
    • Wheels
Agencies not covered

The services below are not included with Clipper BayPass.

BayPass does not provide free travel, free access, or other benefits for these services.

Some services may offer separate student discounts outside of BayPass. Where available, we’ve linked to more information below.

 

How to Use BayPass

Use BayPass the same way you would normally use a Clipper card. Tap your physical Clipper card or mobile Clipper card when boarding transit or entering a station. BayPass will cover eligible rides on participating services.

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

Still having an issue or don’t see your question here?

Complete the BayPass Support Form and provide as much information about the issue as possible. Transportation Solutions will review your submission and follow up with next steps.

Can I get a Clipper card from Transportation Solutions?

No. Transportation Solutions does not sell, issue, or distribute Clipper cards for BayPass. Students must obtain their own compatible 19-digit physical or mobile Clipper card.

Will SJSU give me a new Clipper card after I apply?

No. BayPass is loaded onto the 19-digit Clipper card submitted with your application. No separate BayPass or Clipper card will be issued.

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 16th previously assigned SmartPasses will be deactivated. To avoid a lapse in your transit benefits, we recommend applying for the BayPasses as soon as possible. 

 

My Clipper Card only has 10 digits. What do I do?

You will need to get a new Clipper Card that has 19 digits. The BayPass does not work on 10 digit Clipper Cards.

How do I complete the BayPass Application?

Submit the Transportation Solutions BayPass Application using the 19-digit number on your Clipper Card.

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.

 

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

Transportation Solutions aims to process BayPass applications within 2 business days of submission. 

 

My BayPass application was approved. What happens next?

BayPass will be loaded onto the 19-digit Clipper card submitted with your application. Allow 1–2 business days after approval for BayPass to appear on your card. You do not need to pick up a card from Transportation Solutions.

I entered the wrong Clipper card number. What should I do?

Submit the BayPass application again using the correct 19-digit Clipper card number. Your most recent application will be used.

 I got a new Clipper card. How do I move my BayPass?

Submit the BayPass application again using your new 19-digit Clipper card number. Your most recent application will be used.

Can I submit the BayPass application more than once?

Yes. If you need to correct or change your Clipper card, submit another application using the correct 19-digit card number.

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. 

 

 I recently paid my IRA Fee. Do I need to apply again?

No. If you already submitted a BayPass application, you do not need to apply again. Eligibility records are updated 1–2 times each week.

How do I check if I paid the IRA Fee?

In MySJSU, go to Finance → Account Inquiry → Activity and look for “Instruct Related ActivitiesFee.”

I recently enrolled or paid my fees. Why am I showing as ineligible?

Eligibility records are updated 1–2 times each week. If you recently enrolled or paid the required IRA Fee and already submitted a BayPass application, no additional action is required.

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.

 

I moved my physical Clipper card to my phone. Do I need to update my BayPass application?

If your mobile card has a different 19-digit Clipper card number, submit the BayPass application again using the new number.

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

Students can set up a mobile Clipper card using our step-by-step iPhone or Android guides.

 

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.

 

 I purchased a new Clipper card, but it says “Record Not Found.” What should I do?

The card may not have been properly issued by the retailer. Contact Clipper Customer Service or return to the retailer where the card was purchased before applying for BayPass.

My 19-digit Clipper card number is being rejected. What should I do?

Double-check that the 19-digit card number was entered correctly. If you recently purchased a physical card, try adding it to your Clipper account. If you receive a “Record Not Found” error, the card may not have been properly issued by the retailer.

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 loaded, BayPass can be viewed on your Clipper card through the Clipper app, your mobile wallet, or a Clipper ticket machine. You can then use that card or phone to ride participating transit services.

 

What happens if my card is lost or stolen?

Contact Clipper to report and replace your lost or stolen card. Once you have a new 19-digit Clipper card number, submit the BayPass application again using your new card.

 My Clipper card is blocked. What should I do?

Contact Clipper Customer Service for help with a blocked card. Transportation Solutions cannot unblock Clipper cards.

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 BayPass still does not work, complete the BayPass Support Form. Be prepared with backup fare payment when riding transit.

 

Still having an issue or don’t see your question here?

Complete the BayPass Support Form and provide as much information about the issue as possible. Transportation Solutions will review your submission and follow up with next steps.