The end of BART's paper tickets: Here's what you need to know before your next trip

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- BART riders will no longer be able to use paper tickets as fare payment starting on Nov. 30, as the system transitions to Clipper only.

The change is happening as BART rolls out new fare gates that won't accept the old paper/magstripe tickets, and as preparation for the launch of the next generation of Clipper.

"Come Thursday November 30, your paper tickets will no longer work to get into the BART system," said BART spokesperson Chris Filippi.

Your only way in after Thursday will be via Clipper card.

"Anyone who comes to a BART station can get a clipper card. We offer it at all of our vending machines that are here at the stations," Filippi said.

BART has switched to the Clipper-only fare payment system because Clipper has been designated the Bay Area's all-in-one transit card administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

But if you have leftover paper BART tickets they aren't worthless, yet. BART is telling ticket holders to go online for instructions on mailing in your leftover tickets. If they add up to more than $1, BART will send you a check in the mail.

There is no deadline for requesting a refund.

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It's the start of a big transition for BART which still is only operating at 45% of pre-pandemic levels on weekdays.

To avoid the fiscal cliff they're facing, BART is eligible for $350 million in state and regional bailout transit funds if they improve fare evasion.

To qualify, they're starting to install new fare gates.

The first prototypes will be installed in West Oakland before the end of the year.

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We're getting a first look at BART's new fare gates. The agency shared a photo on social media of the new prototype built to prevent fare evasion.

Even more changes are coming in 2024. At some point, you won't necessarily have to have a clipper card. Instead, you'll be able to scan your phone to use Apple Pay, Google Pay or scan a credit card to swipe your way into a BART station.

Information about obtaining refunds is available here.

You can learn more about the Clipper Card here.

Bay City News contributed to this report

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