Beginning July 1, Caltrain riders who purchase paper tickets from ticket vending machines will see an increase in the price of their ticket. Caltrain is increasing fares 25 cents for one-way tickets and 50 cents for Day Passes. The change is being implemented to encourage people to use Clipper®, the Bay Area’s regional fare payment system.

If at least 50 percent of the one-way tickets are paid for with Clipper by March 1, 2013, then Caltrain will not implement a second increase. Otherwise, beginning July 1, 2013, one-way zone fares will increase by 25 cents and Day Pass zone fares will increase by 50 cents.

Currently, 75 percent of all one-way tickets are purchased at ticket vending machines.

Also effective July 1, 8-ride Ticket customers will receive a 7.5 percent discount off the one-way fare, down from 15 percent. The ticket’s validity period will be cut in half to 30 days.
At the same time, the sales period for monthly passes and parking permits will be lengthened by six days, with the sales period ending on the 15th of each month.

All Monthly pass and 8-ride Ticket holders were transitioned to Clipper last year.

Before approving the changes, Caltrain actively sought comments on the plan, including holding four community meetings and a public hearing. Comments also were taken by telephone and email.