AC TRANSIT IMPLEMENTS NEXT STEP IN FARE PLAN ON JULY 1

All-new 'Fare Required' debuted on 500+ buses, riders see the message long before boarding

OAKLAND, Calif. - The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) would like to remind our valued East Bay riders and communities that a fare adjustment will take effect on Wednesday, July 1.

This is the second phase of a $0.25 fare adjustment approved by the Board of Directors in March 2025. The change completes AC Transit's first increase in fares since 2019.

What's Changing Beginning July 1

In July 2025, the local adult cash fare increased by $0.25, from $2.50 to $2.75, and the Transbay cash fare by $0.50, from $6.00 to $6.50.

Every Fare Matters

We are working every day to ensure that every rider pays their fair share. Alongside the July 1 fare adjustment, AC Transit has launched a multilingual outreach effort focused on reducing fare evasion through fair and equitable enforcement. The "Fare Required" message is being delivered across broadcast and digital platforms, onboard buses, at bus stops, and on the head signs of more than 500 coaches throughout our fleet, providing additional visible reminders to riders as the head signs display each bus line number and destination.

While fares cover only a portion of the cost of operating our bus network, they remain an important source of revenue. When fares go unpaid, those dollars are lost and must be made up elsewhere through budget reductions, reserve funds, or additional funding sources.

Over time, persistent revenue losses can make it more difficult to maintain the existing service levels, invest in improvements, and ultimately meet the growing demand for AC Transit services.

The Best Deal on the Bus

AC Transit accepts Clipper, Clipper Mobile, and contactless Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards for adult fares. For riders looking to stretch every transportation dollar, AC Transit continues to encourage the use of Clipper.

Clipper not only makes boarding faster by eliminating the need for exact change, but it also opens the door to discounted fares, transfers, and savings that put money back in riders' pockets.

Income-qualified riders enrolled in Clipper START receive a 50 percent discount on single rides. Youth, seniors, and riders with disabilities also enjoy the same 50 percent savings, making AC Transit one of the most affordable transportation options in the region.

Learn more about AC Transit's discounted fare programs and how to apply here.