Ditch the Plastic, Embrace the Tap: How to Pay for BART with Your Phone (and Look Cool Doing It)
Let's face it, carrying around a plastic card in the age of smartphones is like rocking a pager – totally 90s. But fear not, fellow San Franciscan (or curious visitor), because BART has embraced the future, and that future involves using your phone to breeze through those fare gates like a boss. Yes, you can ditch the crumpled dollar bills and the never-ending quest for the elusive Clipper card – your phone is your new ticket to ride (literally).
But First, a Word About Clipper (We Can't Escape It Entirely)
Clipper is still the main man (or woman) when it comes to BART fares. Think of it as the all-powerful transit overlord, but instead of demanding tribute in the form of virgins, it just wants you to pre-load some cash onto a digital card. Here's the good news: you don't need a physical Clipper card anymore. You can add Clipper right to your phone's digital wallet – Apple Pay or Google Pay, they both play nice with BART.
How to Make Your Phone Your BART BFF (with Pictures, Just in Case)
Step 1: Download the Right App (Unless You're Apple Pay Savvy)
Android users, this one's for you. You'll need to download the Clipper app from the Google Play Store. Apple Pay users can skip this step and head straight to Step 2.
Step 2: Add Clipper to Your Digital Wallet
Apple Pay folks: Open your Wallet app and tap the "+" sign. Select "Transit Card" and then choose "Clipper card" from the list. Easy peasy.
Android peeps: In the Clipper app, follow the prompts to add a new Clipper card.
Step 3: Load Up on Fare Goodness (Because Free Rides are a Myth)
This is where the magic happens. You can add money to your Clipper card using your debit card or credit card – both the app and Apple Pay allow for this. Just choose how much BART-riding freedom you want to purchase and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 4: Conquer the Fare Gate Like a Tech Ninja
Now comes the moment of truth. Hold your phone near the round Clipper reader on the fare gate (don't worry, it's clearly marked). If you're using Apple Pay with Express Mode enabled, you won't even need to unlock your phone – just a quick tap and you're in. For everyone else, a little jiggle with your phone might be required, but the fare gate will give you a friendly "OK" message when it reads your payment. Voila! You're officially a BART-riding phone whiz.
Bonus Tip: Don't Forget to Exit!
Yes, this might seem obvious, but in the excitement of your newfound technological prowess, you might forget to tap your phone again when you exit the station. The fare gates have a good memory, and they will deduct the appropriate fare based on your entry point.
So there you have it! Paying for BART with your phone is a breeze, and it's sure to impress your fellow riders (or at least make them wonder why they're still fumbling with cash). Now go forth, conquer your commute, and remember – with great technological power comes the great responsibility of not tripping over your own shoelaces while staring at your phone.
