Caltrain riders face uniform pricing next year as Caltrain removes the Clipper fare cut amid rising demand
San Mateo County, California – In the new year, Caltrain riders will notice a big change. The agency plans to remove its long-standing 55-cent Clipper fare cut on January 1, 2026. The change will make all ways to pay for fares the same price, which will affect both single-ride fares and Monthly Passes. Monthly Passes are based on the cost of 24 one-way travels across selected zones.
Caltrain is currently providing more service than it ever has before, which makes this decision even more important. The railroad has been carrying more people than ever since it switched to electric service. It now runs 104 trains on weekdays and has added more trains on weekends. The switch to electric trains has helped keep ridership above one million for four months in a row. This is a remarkable rebound and shows that more people are relying on the system across the Peninsula.
Even while demand is going up, Caltrain is facing significant long-term financial challenges. Between fiscal years 2027 and 2035, the average yearly deficit is expected to be close to $75 million. Agency officials say that doing rid of the Clipper discount will bring in an extra $1–2 million a year, but they also say that this is only a small part of what is needed to keep things running smoothly.
Caltrain says that without additional sources of income, including a regional sales tax or other outside financial help, it may have to make drastic cuts to its budget. Some of those options are cutting back on service, shutting down stations, and lowering administrative costs. The agency is also trying to save money, find new ways to make money, and engage with state and regional partners to get more financing in the future and maintain the accomplishments gained through electrification.
As the new year approaches, Caltrain continues to advise riders to look over the increases in fares and look into different scheduling possibilities. You can get more information about services and prices by calling 1-800-660-4287 or going to the agency’s website.
