Notice of Public Hearing – Thursday, September 28, 2023, 9:00 am
County Connection is seeking public comment on a fare change proposal, which includes an increased discount for Clipper START and Youth Clipper from 20% to 50%, as well as the elimination of Express route surcharges on Clipper.
Clipper START & Youth Clipper Discounts
The Clipper START and Youth Clipper fare discounts on County Connection began as a pilot in January 2021. The Clipper START program provides a 20% discount off the Clipper single-ride fare for eligible low-income adults. Because the Clipper START program is limited to adults over the age of 18, County Connection implemented a similar 20% discount for riders using a Youth Clipper card. In order to increase participation, incentivize ridership, and create more consistency throughout the region, County Connection is proposing to increase the discount to 50% for both Clipper START and Youth Clipper.
Express Route Fares
Currently, riders using Clipper are charged an extra $0.25 on Express routes, and a 31-day pass that is valid on Express routes costs an extra $10. In an effort to simplify its fare structure, County Connection is proposing to eliminate these surcharges so that the fare for Express routes is the same as for Local routes and there is a single 31-day pass that is valid on all routes.
Summary of Proposed Changes
The table below shows a combined summary of the proposed fare changes.
| Clipper Card Type | Fare Product | Current | Proposed | |
| Local | Express | All Routes | ||
| Adult | Single Ride | $2.00 | $2.25 | $2.00 |
| Clipper START & Youth (6-18) | Single Ride | $1.60 | $1.80 | $1.00 |
| BART-to-Bus Transfer | $0.80 | $0.50 | ||
| All | 31-day Pass | $60.00 | $70.00 | $60.00 |
No changes are being proposed for cash fares, Senior Clipper, RTC, or LINK paratransit fares.
How to Comment
Comments can be submitted in writing via mail, email, or online, or at the scheduled public hearing. Written comments must be received by September 20, 2023.
- Add a comment on this post (see bottom of page)
- Mail your comment in writing to:
Director of Planning & Marketing
2477 Arnold Industrial Way
Concord, CA 94520 - Email planning@countyconnection.com
- Speak at the public hearing on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 9:00 am (in person or via teleconference):
- In person:
Gayle B. Uilkema Memorial Board Room
2477 Arnold Industrial Way
Concord, CA 94520 - Teleconference/Web link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85399133311
- By phone: 408-638-0968 (Meeting ID: 853 9913 3311)
- In person:
NOTE: It is anticipated that the Board of Directors will take action on the proposed changes at their regular meeting scheduled for September 28, 2023, following the public hearing. If approved, the proposed fare changes would take effect on January 1, 2024. The Clipper START and Youth fare discounts would remain a pilot program through June 30, 2025. However, the proposed Express route fare changes would be permanent.