Please note: SamTrans for BIS on bus line 46 does not require a Clipper Card. This is a dedicated bus line for BIS students and only requires a pass to be shown that can be obtained from the BIS front office. If you take any other bus line on SamTrans or intend to ride any Bay Area public transit (i.e. CalTrain, BART, SF MUNI, Santa Clara lightrail), we highly recommend getting a Youth Clipper Card. 

 

 

Clipper Cards are a wonderful way to pay for public transit fares around the Bay Area, including SamTrans, CalTrain, BART, and MUNI.  

 

Youth Clipper Cards are available to people under 18 years old, and are specially coded so the transit machines know to discount the fares for kids.  They look like adult cards, so it's recommended to use a Sharpie or marker to put the child's name or initials on the physical card.  Youth Clipper Cards may be obtained in several ways; visiting a Staffed Location in San Carlos is the most direct and immediate method.

 

The Youth Clipper Card application, information about the discount program, and ways to apply for and obtain the Youth Clipper Card are posted to Clipper Card's Discount Information (https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/discounts.html) page.  Clipper Card also has a FAQ for Youth and Senior Clipper Cards (https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/youth-senior-cards.html).

 

In addition to providing a completed application, one must also provide proof of the child's age; accepted proofs of birth date are listed on the FAQ page.  If applying in person, please remember to bring the completed application and proof of age.

 

 

For those who prefer to complete the application process in person and immediately receive the Youth Clipper card, the closest Staffed Location is in San Carlos.  

 

SamTrans Headquarters

1250 San Carlos Ave
San Carlos, CA 94070
Phone: 800-660-4287

 

The staffed window is generally open Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Please keep in mind the window may be closed for break periods throughout the day.  Please call ahead to verify business hours and scheduled break times.

 

Remember to bring the following for each child applying for a Youth Clipper Card:

 

It is recommended to wait a full day or two before attempting to add a newly acquired Clipper Card to an online Clipper account.  Once the card is added to an online Clipper account, one may manage the Clipper Card's balance including establishing an "Autoload" setting to top-up the card's value.

 

Parents may choose to add a Youth Clipper Card to their own online Clipper account or add the Youth Clipper Card to a separate online Clipper account for their child.