Page 8 - Sonoma County Gazette July 2017

Be Ready to Ride SMART!
Get 50% Discount on fares with Senior Clipper Card
Sonoma and Marin residents are eagerly anticipating the launch of the new Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) train service. The rst phase of the new passenger rail service, from San Rafael to Santa Rosa, is expected to start operations this summer.
SMART will offer free rides to all when the service begins and discounted rides to adults from July 5 to September 4. SMART riders will be able to use Clipper®, the Bay Area’s reloadable transit card, to pay their fares. SMART is encouraging everyone who wants to ride to be ready for the train by getting a Clipper card and adding value.
If you are 65 or older, you can get a 50 percent discount o regular adult fares if you have a Senior Clipper card. The Senior Clipper card also guarantees discounted fares on connecting bus services o ered by Golden Gate Transit, Marin Transit, Petaluma Transit, Santa Rosa CityBus and Sonoma County Transit, and all other Bay Area transit agencies.
Take Advantage of Discounts
Apply for a free Senior Clipper card by mail, email or fax by downloading an application at clippercard.com/discounts. This site also identi es locations where you can apply for a card in person and a list of documentation you can provide to demonstrate your eligibility, such as a passport, state ID or driver’s license.
Adding Value and Using Your Card
Once you have a Clipper card, you can add cash value (accepted by all participating transit agencies), a SMART 31-day pass or a combination.
If you apply in person at a transit agency, you can add value at the same time. Otherwise, you can add value at clippercard.com, by calling 877.878.8883 or at participating retailers (visit the website for a list).
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Once SMART starts service, you can also add value at one of the ticket machines located on every SMART station platform or at the SMART ticket o ce in Petaluma. Make sure you have a valid pass or a minimum of $1.75 in cash value on your card ($3.50 for adults) before you board.
For detailed fare information, visit sonomamarintrain.org.
To use your card, locate the Clipper card reader on the platform. Tag your card by holding it at to the Clipper logo on the card reader. Wait for the beep and green light, and then board the train. You also need to remember to tag o – by tagging your card again – when you get o the train. This ensures you are charged the correct fare.
Senior Clipper cards are automatically registered when they are issued, which means that your balance is protected if your card is lost or stolen – Clipper will replace your card and restore your balance for a small fee. Clipper encourages seniors to set up an online account to manage their cards. Just call Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883 for assistance.
For more information about Clipper, visit clippercard.com.
Your Money is Protected