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The County of San Mateo has added a translation feature developed by Google Translate to assist web visitors in understanding information on this website in a variety of foreign languages. Please be aware that Google Translate, a free third party service which the County does not control, provides automated computer translations that may not give you an exact translation. The County cannot guarantee the accuracy of translations through Google Translate so translations should not be considered exact and only used as a rough guide. Anyone relying on information obtained from Google Translate does so at his or her own risk. The County disclaims and will not accept any liability for damages or losses of any kind caused by the use of the Google Translate feature.

Caltrain station with two trains on either side of the platform.
EMPLOYEE COMMUTER BENEFITS
Clipper BayPass for County Employees

Clipper BayPass for County Employees

Free, unlimited transit across the Bay Area for regular County employees. Sign up with your Clipper card to get started.

Overview

Clipper BayPass is an unlimited transit pass that provides free access to bus, rail, and ferry services across the Bay Area, including BART, Caltrain, SamTrans, Muni, and more. Starting November 2026, BayPass is available to regular San Mateo County employees as part of their commute benefits. To get it, you just register your Clipper card through a short sign-up form.

With BayPass, employees can use participating transit services for their commute, as well as everyday travel across the region: errands, appointments, and trips beyond the workday.

Eligibility

  • Must be a regular San Mateo County employee.
  • Extra-help, temporary, and seasonal employees aren’t eligible for BayPass, but can still earn Commute Cash on days they take transit.
Note: BayPass is not transferable and may only be used by the employee it’s assigned to.

How to Sign Up

1. Have a Clipper card ready. You’ll need your Clipper card number to sign up. If you don’t have a card yet, see How to Get One below.

2. Submit the BayPass sign-up form with your Clipper card number.

3. We’ll load BayPass onto your card. Once it’s active, you can confirm it in the Clipper app or at a Clipper ticket machine.

Sign up for baypass

Don’t Have a Clipper Card? Here’s How to Get One

We recommend getting your own Clipper card so you can sign up for BayPass right away. Any standard adult Clipper card works, and there are a few easy ways to get one:

  • On Your Phone

    Add a new Clipper card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, or set one up in the Clipper app. Your card number is available right away.

    Step-by-step instructions

  • In Person

    Buy a card at retailers like Walgreens, at Clipper ticket machines in transit stations, or at the SamTrans office in San Carlos. Pick up same day.

    Locations

  • Online

    Order a plastic card at clippercard.com and it will be mailed to your home.

Can’t get a card yourself? The County can provide a Clipper card to employees who don’t have one, but this will take a long time. Getting your own card is the quickest way to start using BayPass. If you need a County-provided card, email commute@smcgov.org.

Where You Can Use Your BayPass

  • Covered

    • AC Transit
    • BART
    • Caltrain
    • Golden Gate Transit & Ferry
    • Muni
    • SamTrans
    • SMART
    • VTA
    • San Francisco Bay Ferry
    • Marin Transit, SolTrans, WestCAT, and other regional operators
  • Not Covered

    • ACE (Altamont Corridor Express)
    • Capitol Corridor / Amtrak
    • Muni cable cars
    • Parking at transit agency facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

I already have a Clipper card. Do I still need to sign up?

Yes. Submit the BayPass sign-up form with your Clipper card number so we know which card to load BayPass onto.

Do I need to pay each time I ride?

No. BayPass provides free, unlimited rides on participating transit services that accept Clipper. Just tap your card or phone as usual.

What if my card is lost or stolen?

Contact Clipper to report and replace your card. Once you have a new card, reach out to commute@smcgov.org so BayPass can be moved to your new card.

Can I share my BayPass with a family member?

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

I’m in the Courts department. Do I get BayPass?

No, Courts employees aren’t part of the BayPass rollout. You can continue using the previous $150/month Transit Subsidy for mass transit, vanpool, or paratransit instead.

I’m an extra-help, temporary, or seasonal employee. Am I eligible?

Not for BayPass at this time, but you can still use Commute Cash to earn $8/day for walking, biking, transit, or carpooling.

Still have a question?

Email commute@smcgov.org .

Contact Us

Questions about your BayPass, eligibility, or getting a Clipper card? Reach out to commute@smcgov.org.

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