tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post8003305331766266522..comments2024-02-19T09:05:53.444-08:00Comments on Akit's Complaint Department: Learn From the Expert - All You Wanted to Know about TransLink & Clipper CardsAkithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04905273274257369338noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-48853545650399184122011-03-14T21:42:03.939-07:002011-03-14T21:42:03.939-07:00Natalie: For Muni, yes, you should always tag your...Natalie: For Muni, yes, you should always tag your card every time you board. If the reader is busted, no, you don't have to tag, and the fare inspector can find out what fare media you have on your card.<br /><br />The main reason why you should always tag your card is because it's the only way a bus driver can identify who has proper credentials (e-cash or pass) to enter as he/she can hear the single beep confirming allowable entry onto the bus. At the metro gates, you have to tag because it's the only way to get in.<br /><br />As for boarding the metro at the surface, always tag so you don't get hassled during an inspection.Akithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04905273274257369338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-118883042312169472011-03-14T21:25:52.743-07:002011-03-14T21:25:52.743-07:00Apologies if I missed this, buy if I have a Fast P...Apologies if I missed this, buy if I have a Fast Pass on my clipper card, do I have to tag it when I board? If I don't and a fare inspector checks my card, will I get a fine? I'm assuming not because I have proof of payment (and we didn't have to show the paper pass) but would be interested in getting a definitive answer on this. If tagging isn't required I'll save myself and those behind me the time. Thanks.Natalienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-39684299821286620732011-02-10T10:44:58.789-08:002011-02-10T10:44:58.789-08:00That's not normal. Call Clipper for help.That's not normal. Call Clipper for help.Akithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04905273274257369338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-40466053988478251842011-02-10T10:21:24.722-08:002011-02-10T10:21:24.722-08:00I just found this guide, thanks! I have one proble...I just found this guide, thanks! I have one problem; I have muni pass A, BART HVD and some e-cash just in case. But when I got from muni to bart, bart deducts from my e-cash and not the HVD. Is this normal?adamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-31993413607613972422010-09-24T11:50:45.510-07:002010-09-24T11:50:45.510-07:00Thanks for this guide! Been using a fast pass sinc...Thanks for this guide! Been using a fast pass since kindergarten and I'm so resistant to change. Just finally got my clipper card today. Hopefully I wont be one of those people holding up the line because my card won't tag.Zellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-44622810815812387492010-08-25T18:52:36.404-07:002010-08-25T18:52:36.404-07:00Nick:
You'd better pray VTA will be ready in ...Nick:<br /><br />You'd better pray VTA will be ready in time. Also, Samtrans welcomes the 2+ zone Caltrain pass for local rides.Akithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04905273274257369338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-37401259631429403482010-08-24T15:25:25.393-07:002010-08-24T15:25:25.393-07:00I got a letter from CalTrain saying that they want...I got a letter from CalTrain saying that they want those of us getting monthly passes in the mail to transition to Clipper starting with October.<br /><br />The problem is that a 2+ CalTrain monthly pass gives local fare credit on VTA. But while VTA busses all have Clipper terminals installed on them, they're all covered with black trash bags that say "out of order."<br /><br />If VTA doesn't get their shit together by October, I an thousands of my fellow CalTrain monthly pass holders are going to be screwed.Nickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10500722547077537044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-63912161151245752042010-06-30T09:09:41.207-07:002010-06-30T09:09:41.207-07:00Thanks for the great summary! Regarding zone upgr...Thanks for the great summary! Regarding zone upgrades on Caltrain, my understanding is that Clipper does not currently support them. <br /><br />The "Clipper on Caltrain" guide (http://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/downloads/Clipper%20on%20Caltrain.pdf) instructs the user to purchase a paper zone upgrade.<br /><br />The "Mr. Roadshow" column on 5/18/10 (http://www.mercurynews.com/mr-roadshow/ci_15112762) addresses this issue specifically, stating: "Riders who have monthly passes stored on Translink can use their Translink card to travel further than their monthly pass zone, but they will be charged the full fare. They will not get the discount they are entitled to as a monthly pass holder. If you want to get the discounted fare, you need to purchase a paper ticket at the Caltrain ticket vending machine. This will not be changing in the foreseeable future."Gusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-27358430930821006532010-06-24T23:45:37.625-07:002010-06-24T23:45:37.625-07:00Mike,
Thank you for the clarification and your co...Mike,<br /><br />Thank you for the clarification and your compliments.Akithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04905273274257369338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-77595116939511799462010-06-24T23:22:18.084-07:002010-06-24T23:22:18.084-07:00This is a great collection of information.
One li...This is a great collection of information.<br /><br />One little clarification to the Caltrain fare policy: the fare that it deducts depends on your starting zone. If you start in zone 1 or 6, it deducts a 6-zone one-way fare (currently $11.25). if you start in zone 2 or 5, it deducts a 5-zone one-way fare, and if you start in zone 3 or 4, it deducts a 4-zone one-way fare.<br /><br />I was really confused the first time I used it and it deducted $11.25 in San Francisco but only $7.75 when boarding in Mountain View. But from Mountain View, the most I could travel is to Gilroy (4 zones).<br /><br />I also really like the 15 minute refund period. When the trains are hosed, you can tag off and find another way to go.Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00258490572969237544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-67730361852818094362010-06-18T17:08:11.906-07:002010-06-18T17:08:11.906-07:00Ah, I understand now. Sorry for the late reply but...Ah, I understand now. Sorry for the late reply but thank you so much for answering. <br /><br />Also thank you for continuing to update this blog with information :)Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08498124355952552148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-60422718208107517782010-06-12T23:47:19.747-07:002010-06-12T23:47:19.747-07:00Greetings Susan.
Here's the answer to your qu...Greetings Susan.<br /><br />Here's the answer to your question to the best of my knowledge:<br /><br />Let's assume this is June and you are using an "A" monthly Muni pass, and you have also pre-purchased your July "A" pass as well.<br /><br />When it reaches July 1-3rd, when riding Muni, the card reader will still show your June pass expires on July 3rd, but that's how the system works. Once it hits July 4th, the reader will then say the expiration of your July pass is now August 3rd.<br /><br />But, if you ride BART between the 1st and 3rd, the system will recognize that you have a monthly Muni pass covering the new month and will honor it as your local SF fare credit with no deduction to your e-cash balance.<br /><br />Basically, the system exactly mimics the same rules used by paper media, such as the 90 minute rule on paper Muni transfers.Akithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04905273274257369338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-35258961668038126422010-06-12T21:02:23.132-07:002010-06-12T21:02:23.132-07:00Thank you so much for taking the time to put this ...Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together. I and my non english speaking mom who is greatly confused about the whole process found it very informative. <br /><br />I might have gone temporarily blind but I didn't see anything addressing this issue i just saw over at a comment on the Sfist:<br /><br />"1) Fastpass does not reload until Muni grace period runs out on the 4th. Therefore need to use e-cash or a BART card to ride BART in the city from the 1st-3rd."<br /><br />A comment or email to me would be loved, thank you again and sorry if i missed it in the postSusanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08498124355952552148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-76070333115121352822010-06-11T09:13:29.855-07:002010-06-11T09:13:29.855-07:00You are right, I totally forgot about the Direct B...You are right, I totally forgot about the Direct Benefits program.Akithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04905273274257369338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714426597280694490.post-45921068802001071342010-06-11T08:50:12.098-07:002010-06-11T08:50:12.098-07:00One more annoying drawback with BART and Tranklink...One more annoying drawback with BART and Tranklink/Clipper:<br /><br />Direct Benefits allows small companies to get pre-tax transit directly from Translink. CommuterCheck, WageWorks, etc. cost companies a minimum of several hundred dollars a month, so since I am the only transit-riding person in my office, this is my only option. Problem is, you can't get BART High-Value tickets through Direct Benefits, only e-cash. <br /><br />The HVD tickets offer a measly 6.7% discount, and pre-tax transit in my case saves about 16%. But stupidly, there is no way to get both of these discounts if you have a small employer. <br /><br />My calls and emails to both Translink and BART have been ignored.jr195https://www.blogger.com/profile/02285165465749881578noreply@blogger.com