Experiencing Clipper issues? Please visit clippercard.com. Jan 31: New Caltrain schedule. Info: caltrain.com/status.
When participating in the GoPass on Clipper program, you will utilize a Clipper card as your proof-of-payment.
The GoPass is valid for the calendar year until Dec. 31 at midnight. Once your GoPass Provider enters your Clipper card serial number into Clipper's online portal, you must tap your card or smart device on the Clipper validator screen to load the GoPass within 180 days (Note: This counts as your tap on). When tapping, hold your card or smart device for at least several seconds. Also, be sure the validator is located on Caltrain's platform. Please see the FAQ's below on how to properly tap your Clipper card.
If your GoPass Provider or location-specific worksite (s) is no longer conducting business, or for any other reason ceases to participate in the GoPass program, your GoPass will not be valid. This also applies if you separate from your GoPass provider.
In either case, you can continue to use your Clipper card by adding cash value or other passes to your card; your GoPass, however, will be deactivated.
GoPass User FAQ's
How do I use my Clipper card?
Each time you board the train, you must tap your card or smart device by holding it flat against the Clipper card validator screen on Caltrain's platform before boarding (Remember your first tap will load the GoPass to your card). You must tap your card again when you get off the train.
When tapping, be sure to hold the card or smart device for several seconds against the screen.
When you tap on for the first time the GoPass will load and the screen should state:
Clipper 1 system: "Travel Ok. Pass Used. Ok to Dec. 31. New Pass Added" (date may change depending on the participant loading schedule).
Next Generation Clipper system: “Travel Ok.”
Each time you tap on successfully, you should hear one “beep.”
Be sure to tap on Caltrain's platforms because if the card is tapped on another transit operator's card reader it won't show up as a valid tap on Caltrain's system.
Pay attention to the taps.
Clipper 1 Card users - If you tap twice within minutes, the second tap will void the first tap and you will not have a valid tap to ride.
Next Generation Clipper Card users - If you tap twice within 30 minutes, the second tap will void the first tap and you will not have a valid tap to ride.
In the meantime, if the card isn’t working, you must purchase a ticket from the station ticket machine because valid fare is required before boarding; otherwise you will be subject to citation for fare evasion.
Should I register my Adult Clipper card
It is recommended that you register your Clipper card at www.clippercard.com. It allows for easier Clipper account management, e.g. report lost card, view account information, check account balance, transaction/trip history, automatic reloading, etc. As it relates to the new Next Generation system, you’ll be able to monitor if your card has been upgraded to be compatible with the new system. If the card is not registered, you will not have access to the benefits mentioned above and would need to contact Clipper Customer Service for support.
Do I need to purchase a new Adult Clipper card to use the new Next Generation Clipper system?
No. The current Clipper 1 cards will work in the new system as long as you tap your card before the system transition ends. We recommend tapping by the end of February.
What is the difference between the Clipper 1 cards and new Next Gen Clipper cards (Clipper 2)?
For physical cards, Clipper 1 cards have a 10-digit serial number and Clipper 2 physical cards will have a 19-digit serial number along with a CVV printed on it. For mobile cards, once the card moves into the new system, the mobile card will show a 19-digit serial number versus a 10-digit one when you look in your wallet or app. Note: 10-digit Clipper 1 physical cards will be transitioned to the new system and can continue to be used.
Does a Clipper 1 card keep its same 10-digit number after it migrates to the new Next Generation Clipper system?
Physical Clipper 1 cards will keep the same 10-digit card number when converted to the new system but mobile Clipper 1 cards are replaced with a 19-digit card number. All cards also are assigned a transit account number that registered customers can see in their accounts.
What is a Transit Account Number?
The Transit Account Number is the cloud-based account identifier and is automatically assigned to all Clipper card numbers (10 and 19-digits).
What if I don’t have an Adult Clipper card?
Please see your company GoPass administrator because each participating company manages this process at its discretion.
What if I’m under the age of 18 or a senior?
The GoPass may only be used on Adult Clipper cards, so you will need to use an Adult Clipper card. Be sure to obtain a separate Youth or Senior Clipper card if you plan to use it with cash value or passes from other transit agencies.
How does the GoPass load to the Clipper card?
The GoPass will load when tapping on the Clipper validator on Caltrain’s platform for the first trip. If you are using a card that is in the Next Generation Clipper system, the GoPass should automatically be in your account.
What if I forget to tap the Clipper card before boarding the train?
You will be subject to notice of violation, citation or fine because you must present valid fare on the train. It is a requirement that you tap on and off.
What if I forget to tap off at the destination station?
You should always tap on at the beginning of your trip and tap off at the end of the trip at all times when riding Caltrain to avoid notice of violation, citation or fine for non-valid fare when the conductor or enforcement personnel perform fare check.
Do I have to have cash value on the Clipper card?
No cash value is required to load and use the GoPass onto a physical Adult Clipper card (please note other transit agency products may require a minimum cash value be on the card).
Can you use the GoPass on Mobile?
Yes, but when obtaining the Adult Clipper card on mobile for the first time, you will be required to load $3 in cash value. It requires you to load the cash value only when obtaining the card on mobile. $3 cash value is not required to use the GoPass. Please note that Motorola phones are currently not supported and some transit agencies require the use of a physical card. Once you convert your physical card to mobile, you can no longer use your physical card. It will be invalid. Visit https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/pay-with-phone for additional information.
Can I load the GoPass on my personal Adult Clipper card?
Yes, but if the card becomes lost and you have other agency products on it, those products can’t be replaced. Cash value can be transferred to the new Clipper card for a nominal fee.
What if the Clipper card reader isn’t working to tap on or off?
Please use another functioning device or purchase a ticket before boarding to avoid notice of violation, citation or fine for non-valid fare.
What if my Clipper card becomes lost or stolen?
If your card has been lost or stolen, notify your GoPass Provider administrator and immediately contact the Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883 to block your card. Please have your card serial number in hand when you call. Always identify yourself as a GoPass User and provide the name of your GoPass Provider. Clipper will block your card to prevent misuse and protect any value on the card at the time of your call. DO NOT request a replacement.
Obtain a new Clipper card through a Clipper retailer or from Clipper directly (unless your GoPass Provider issues Clipper cards). Let your GoPass Provider administrator know the new Clipper card number. If you had cash value on your Clipper card, you may call Clipper Customer Service to transfer the value to your new card for a $5 fee. Note: No other products can be transferred.
Please take care of your Clipper card because a GoPass cannot be issued as a replacement on a lost or stolen card a third time.
What if my Clipper card is damaged or defective?
If your card just doesn’t work, notify your Provider's GoPass administrator and call Clipper Customer Service to check your card’s status and, if necessary, block your card. DO NOT request a replacement. Clipper may ask you to mail your card to Clipper and include a Clipper Defective Card Form, or you can visit an in-person Customer Service Center to check your card. When calling Customer Service, please have your card serial number in hand when you call. Always identify yourself as a GoPass User and provide the name of your GoPass Provider. Clipper Customer Service will instruct you on what to do next.
Obtain a new Clipper Card through a Clipper retailer or from Clipper directly (unless your GoPass Provider issues Clipper cards). Let your GoPass Provider administrator know the new Clipper card number.
If you had cash value on your Clipper card, you may call Clipper Customer Service to transfer the value to your new card for a $5 fee. Note: No other products can be transferred.
Until you have your new card with a valid GoPass loaded on it, you will need to purchase a ticket before boarding the train. There are no refunds on the GoPass or for the ticket you purchased while waiting for your new card. Be sure to tell your GoPass Provider’s administrator to load the pass on your replacement card.
GoPass Use Acknowledgement
GoPass Use Acknowledgement
- I understand that as a GoPass User, I am eligible to receive and use a GoPass of my participating company or educational institution location-specific worksite(s) enrolled in the program.
- I understand that I must tap my Clipper Card or applicable smart device on a Clipper Card standalone validator on Caltrain’s platform to load the GoPass within 180 days and tap the Clipper Card or applicable smart device each time before I board a train and after getting off the train in order to demonstrate that I have a valid fare. If I fail to tap on or off, I will be subject to citation and I will be responsible for paying any fines related to such citation.
- I understand that the GoPass will expire on December 31 at midnight or at the end of the academic year at midnight and that use of an expired GoPass is subject to citation and I will be responsible for paying any fines related to such citation.
- I understand that I may not sell or transfer the GoPass to any other person. I also understand that allowing the use of my GoPass by anyone other than me is not permissible and may result in my GoPass being revoked.
- I understand that if my GoPass becomes lost or stolen, I must notify my GoPass administrator immediately so that the GoPass can be blocked. If my User status changes for any reason and I am no longer with the participating company, educational institution, or location-specific worksite(s), I understand that my GoPass will be revoked and I will be responsible for purchasing the appropriate fare when riding Caltrain.
- I understand that if my company, educational institution, or location-specific worksite(s) is no longer conducting business, or for any other reason ceases to participate in the GoPass program, my GoPass will no longer be valid. If I continue to use an invalid GoPass, it will not be accepted as fare on Caltrain and such use will be subject to citation and I will be responsible for paying any fines related to such citation.
- If my invalid use of a GoPass results in citation(s) or fine(s), I agree that the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board will have absolutely no liability for any loss or injury caused or alleged to have been caused by such invalid use.
GoPass Organization FAQ’s
We are in the process of signing up, what happens next?
GoPass employers, residential complexes, and educational institutions (“Organization”) may purchase Adult Clipper cards for its GoPass Users or Organization may require its GoPass Users to obtain their own Adult Clipper cards directly from any authorized retailer. Bulk orders for Adult cards can be made in the Clipper ITB portal once the Organization is set-up in the system.All GoPass Users should register their Adult Clipper card at clippercard.com if they haven’t done so. Before you can add the GoPass via Clipper’s online portal, the GoPass User must have completed the GoPass survey and provided their Clipper card serial number. A new question on the survey asks the GoPass User if they would like to use their own Clipper card and allow for entry of their Clipper card serial number. The confirmation email sent to the GoPass Organization administrator will include the Clipper card serial number if entered.
The GoPass Organization’s administrator will use the Clipper portal to add and block GoPasses on User’s Clipper cards. Caltrain staff will provide training and a reference manual.
The GoPass will be available to load or be blocked in five-10 business days or 1 hour depending on the online portal being utilized after the user’s Clipper card serial number is added or removed from the portal. The GoPass User must tap their card to a Clipper card reader on Caltrain’s platform on the first ride. On all future trips, the user must tap on when boarding to validate fare and tap off.
GoPass Users are responsible for misuse of the Clipper card and should be reminded of the use acknowledgement as indicated in the survey.
How do I use Clipper’s online portal?
Caltrain will provide training and a reference manual. It will only provide one training so the GoPass Organization is responsible for training additional administrators. The Portal requires one primary administrator. The primary administrator may add a secondary or multiple administrators depending on the portal being used. It’s best to have permanent staff be set up as the primary administrator. Clipper will send the primary and any additional administrators login information directly and from there they can set up their password and security questions. If you have multiple worksites, the administrator email addresses must be unique for each site.
What if the GoPass User doesn’t have a Clipper card?
The GoPass Organization may order Adult Clipper cards through the Clipper ITB portal. Cards take approximately 5-10 business days to be delivered. The GoPass Organization may also ask the user to obtain the physical or mobile card themselves and provide the administrators with the Clipper card serial number once they receive the card.
- Can the GoPass User load the GoPass on their personal Clipper card?
Yes. The GoPass User may use their personal Clipper card but if the card becomes lost and the GoPass User has passes for other transit agencies on it, those passes can’t be replaced. Cash value can be transferred to the new Clipper card for a nominal fee.
What if users are under the age of 18 or a senior?
The GoPass may only be used on Adult Clipper cards, so the GoPass User will have to use an Adult Clipper card. GoPass Organizations should advise those under 18 years of age or Seniors to obtain a separate Youth or Senior Clipper card if they plan to use it with cash value or passes on other transit agencies.
How do we use the Clipper online portal to manage the GoPass on Clipper cards?
You begin by uploading a CSV file with the GoPass User Clipper card serial numbers to add the GoPass to or to block the GoPass. On the upload screen, depending on what portal is being used, you will see a selection for adding or deleting the GoPass or you will update the Member Status column in the CSV file. Clipper or Caltrain staff will provide training prior to the program start date. We recommend training a minimum of two staff.
Once I upload the CSV file with the card serial numbers for the Clipper cards to which I am adding a GoPass, how long before the GoPass is available on those Clipper cards?
Clipper 1 10-digit cards that haven’t been upgraded to the new system - The GoPass will be available for loading in five-10 business days. Please be sure to tap your card to load the pass.
Next Generation Clipper 19-digit cards – Passes are typically ready for use in a couple hours. You may start to ride!
What happens if the GoPass User fails to tap their Clipper card to activate the GoPass within 180 days of the pass being loaded through the Clipper portal?
If the GoPass User does not tap the card to pick up the pass within 180 days of being entered into the portal, the action will expire. The GoPass Organization administrator will need to re-send the Clipper card serial number through the portal to have the GoPass added again. These should be done one-by-one as the user requests it and not entered as a batch or group in order to avoid duplication or issues with cards that have already picked up their passes. Also, the validity period should not be the same. It should be the current date through the end of the contract period, most likely ending at the end of the year on December 31 at midnight.
Once I upload the CSV file showing the Clipper card serial numbers to block, how long does it take before the GoPass is blocked?
It will take up to five business days or one business day depending on what portal is being used before the GoPass becomes invalid.
What if we accidently put in the wrong start date?
Clipper 1 Portal - Block the card in the portal and issue a new Clipper card. The system cannot accept requests to add two of the same passes to one card. Be sure before adding the new Clipper card the import status shows Complete and that you have waited 24 hours after that status is created.
Next Generation Clipper ITB Portal – Find the member and remove (block them). The next day, you may add them back in with the correct validity period.
What if we put in the wrong end date?
Clipper 1 Portal - Block the cards in the portal and issue new Clipper cards to GoPass users. The system cannot accept requests to add two of the same passes to one card. Be sure before adding the new Clipper card the import status shows Complete and that you have waited 24 hours after that status is created.
Next Generation Clipper ITB Portal – Find the member (or upload a new CSV with the Member status as AP) and update the activation and expiration dates.
- What if we have questions or difficulty using the Clipper online portal?
Email Caltrain’s B2B group at b2b@caltrain.com and someone will respond and, if needed, work with Clipper to assist you.
How does the GoPass load?
In the Clipper 1 system, the GoPass loads to the card when tapping on the card reader on Caltrain's platform for the first trip. In the Next Generation Clipper, the GoPass will be ready in the user’s account typically within a couple hours so the user can just tap, ride and go!
What if the GoPass User forgets to tap the Clipper card before boarding?
The GoPass User will be subject to notice of violation, citation or fine because they must present valid fare on the train. It is a requirement that they tap on and off.
- Does the GoPass User have to have cash value on the Clipper card?
No cash value is required to load and use the GoPass onto the Clipper card (please note other transit agency passes may require a minimum cash value be on the card in order for their passes to be used).
- What if we would like to obtain data regarding the usage of our users?
Email the request to Caltrain’s B2B group at b2b@caltrain.com and someone will work with you on sending you aggregate data staff bandwidth permitting. Please note that the Clipper program has very strict privacy regulations, which means that very little information on usage can be provided.
What is the process for renewing for the following year?
Organizations must re-enter Clipper card serial numbers into the portal with the new validity dates.
How do I access Clipper’s Institutional Portal online?
If you’re dealing with a 10-digit CSN = Use the Clipper 1 Institutional Portal
If you’re dealing with a 19-digit CSN = Use the new Next Generation Clipper ITB Portal
What happens if I forgot my login information in the Portal?
Clipper 1 Portal (10-digit Clipper Card Serial Number) – Email b2b@caltrain.com. Caltrain will work with Clipper to email a temporary password. The email takes you to the regular Clipper website so be sure to log in with the temporary password at the Clipper 1 Institutional Portal site.
Next Generation Clipper ITB Portal (19-digit Clipper Card Serial Number) = Use the new ITB Portal and click Forgot Password. Clipper will email a temporary password. Follow the prompts. The token will expire quickly so please check your inbox frequently.