Marin Transit Fare Policy Change Proposal - Summer 2026

Background

In February 2024, the Marin Transit Board of Directors approved the recommendations of a Fare Collection Study completed by the District. Recommendations included 1) a transition to Automated Passenger Counters (APCs) for official ridership counts, 2) replacement of Genfare Odyssey validating fareboxes (GFI) with mechanical drop fareboxes, and 3) promotion of Clipper as the District's primary fare collection method. 

The APCs were implemented on all District buses in 2025. In July 2026, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) successfully transitioned all active Marin Transit’s riders’ Clipper cards to the Next Generation Clipper system, effectively kicking off a comprehensive marketing and education campaign to encourage and incentivize riders to transition to Clipper. The marketing and education campaign is now underway. 

To complete the transition to Clipper as the primary fare collection method, fare policy changes are needed to encourage and incentivize the shift to Clipper and align with operational needs. Learn more here. 

Proposed Changes 

Marin Transit is considering two changes to its fare policy: 

  1. Discontinue free transfers for cash-paying riders: If adopted, riders paying their fare in cash will no longer receive a free transfer to another Marin Transit bus. Riders will have to pay the full fare when boarding their next trip. Riders can still pay the fare in cash but will not receive a free transfer. 

    Riders using Clipper, and open-loop payment (credit/debit cards) to pay their fare will have access to free transfers and discounted regional transfers. Clipper is the best way to pay your fare. Visit marintransit.gov/clipper to learn more about how to get a Clipper card!

  2. Discontinue the paid Youth Pass product: If adopted, youth riders will no longer be able to purchase an annual youth pass. Youth that formerly purchased this pass will need to select another fare payment option.

    Fare Payment Options for Youth include:

    - Use Clipper: Clipper is the best way to pay your fare! Youth riders using Clipper can access the daily and monthly fare maximums. Once the daily or monthly maximum is met, all additional trips are free.  

    - Take Advantage of Fare Promotions: All youth (18 and under) ride free during the summer (June, July, August).

    - Demonstrate Eligibility for the Free Youth Pass: Eligibility is based on income. Students in all Marin County school districts can get a youth pass if they meet income guidelines for free or reduced-price meals. With a Youth Pass, Marin Transit local routes in Marin are free!

Note: Marin Transit is not currently changing the prices we charge to ride the bus and cash will continue to be an option for fare payment. For more information on Marin Transit fares, click here. 

Public Hearing

In July 2026, the Marin Transit Board of Directors set a public hearing to receive public comments on these proposed fare policy changes. The public hearing will be held on Monday September 14, 2026 at 9:30am. Riders and community members are encouraged to attend and share your comments on the proposed changes. Information about the hearing can be found here. 

Comments are also accepted in advance of the public hearing. All written comments must be received no later than Friday, September 11, 2026 and may be submitted:

The public comment period will close on September 14, 2026. The Marin Transit Board of Directors is expected to take action on the proposed changes at the October 5, 2026 meeting. 

Upcoming Meetings & Events

All Marin Transit public meetings are conducted in accessible locations. Copies of documents are available in accessible formats upon request. If you require Translation Assistance, American Sign Language Interpreters, Assistive Listening Devices or other accommodations to participate in this meeting, you may request them by calling 415-226-0855 (voice) or contact the California Relay Service by dialing 711 to connect to the telephone listed above. Requests must be received no less than five working days prior to the meeting to help ensure availability.

Past Meetings & Events

News

Marin Transit Fare Policy Change Proposal Public Hearing

In July 2026, the Marin Transit Board of Directors set a public hearing to receive public comments on proposed fare policy changes to discontinue the free transfers for cash-paying riders and discontinue the paid Youth Pass product. Learn more about the proposal here. Join us at the public hearing to learn more about the proposed fare policy changes, ask questions, and provide comments. Information about the hearing can be found here. 

Comments are also accepted in advance of the public hearing. All written comments must be received no later than Friday, September 11, 2026 and may be submitted:

The public comment period will close on September 14, 2026. The Marin Transit Board of Directors is expected to take action on the proposed changes at the October 5, 2026 meeting. 

Read more