General Program Information 

How long is the Student Transit Pass valid?  

The pass remains valid until high school graduation as long as the student stays enrolled in a participating Alameda County school. Even if a student transfers or graduates from middle to high school, they can still use their pass if the new school also participates in the program.

Who can I talk to about questions about the program?

Please contact your school with questions.  

Eligibility and How to Apply  

Who is eligible for a Student Transit Pass?

Students must be enrolled in a participating school. The list of participating schools and their eligibility are listed in the online application. 

• If your school has means-based eligibility, your household needs to qualify for the California Department of Education’s free or reduced-price meals program. 

• If your school has universal eligibility, you are eligible but remember, a parent, caretaker, or guardian’s signature is required for the application. 

How long does it take to receive the pass?

Passes will be delivered to schools once per month.  

Why was my application denied?

Applications will be denied for the following reasons:  

• You have an active Student Transit Pass. If you received your Student Transit Pass at another school, it will continue to work. If you need a replacement, follow these steps.
• Incorrect information was entered into the application like birth date and student ID.

Using the Pass

How do students use their Student Transit Pass?

To use, tap the physical pass on the reader when boarding a bus or entering a BART station. If it’s the first time using the card, it may require a few taps.

If the pass is on your phone, open the app or your phone’s wallet app and tap your phone to the card reader.

Can students add e-cash to the Pass?

Yes, the card is reloadable. Cash value can be added online, by phone, at participating retailers, transit agency ticket machines, Clipper Customer Service Centers, and Clipper Add Value machines. Value must be added to the pass to use it to travel on BART or other agencies. Students receive a youth discount at other agencies, not free rides.

Can the Clipper Card be synced to a phone?

Yes, you can transfer their physical card to their phone using Apple Wallet or Google Pay, or the Clipper app. After transfer, the physical card will be deactivated for transit use. Instructions are available at www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/pay-with-phone.

Pass Replacement and Troubleshooting

What if a Student Transit Pass is lost, stolen, or broken?

• For AC Transit and Union City Transit-served schools: Replace the pass online or by phone through Clipper Customer Service at 877-878-8883.
• For Wheels-served schools: Replace the pass online at alamedactc.org/programs-projects/studentpass or contact your school administrator.

A student’s Clipper card is not working. What should I do?

• Ensure you’re tapping the card correctly.
• Check for physical damage (cracks or holes).
• Confirm the card hasn’t been transferred to a mobile app.
• Ask the driver whether the fare payment system is set to local routes.
• If issues persist, contact your site administrator for a replacement.

What do common error messages on the Clipper card reader mean?

• Invalid: The card is defective or has been uploaded to the mobile app.
• Low Funds: The Student Transit Pass was not detected. Contact your site administrator to reactivate your pass.
• Touch Card Below: Tap the card on the sensor again.