In mid-2009, AC Transit discontinued sales of paper transbay tickets, making 31-day passes available only on TransLink. 10-ride transbay tickets were also discontinued; customers who had been using these tickets should purchase e-cash for their TransLink cards. E-cash allows you to pay your fare on a per-ride basis by deducting the correct amount for your trip each time you ride, and makes it easy to use your TransLink card on other participating transit agencies. TransLink also allows you to automatically reload your pass or e-cash each month by using Autoload so that you're always ready to ride.

AC Transit customers can now use their TransLink cards on BART, Muni and Caltrain. To find out more, please click on the "Other Agencies" tab at the top of the page.

Using TransLink on AC Transit

No matter what you normally use to pay your fare, you can store it on your TransLink card. Whether it's an Adult 31-Day pass (local or Transbay) or a monthly RTC Discount pass, "e-cash", or both. TransLink instantly gives you the deepest discount possible, based on what vehicle you ride and types of value that are loaded on your card.

You use your TransLink card just as you would cash or a 31-Day pass. TransLink will automatically apply any appropriate discounts or transfers when you tag your card.

When you board an AC Transit bus, the card reader will either be attached to the pole on your left as you board or near the fare box. Tag your card by placing it flat against the TransLink logo on the card reader and holding until you hear the beep. The card reader will show that a 31-Day pass has been found or that e-cash has been deducted. It also will show the balance remaining or expiration date of your pass. TransLink will automatically deduct the correct amount for transfers.

However, please be sure to tell the bus operator when you ride a Transbay bus for local trips - they will need to switch the TransLink system to a local fare format to ensure that the correct amount is charged for your ride.

When using TransLink, you must pay your entire fare with your TransLink card. You cannot pay a portion with cash and a portion with your TransLink card.

If you wish to add value to your TransLink card at the AC Transit ticket office, it is located at 1600 Franklin Street in downtown Oakland. The ticket office, as well as San Francisco's Transbay Terminal, also offer self-serve Add Value Machines. For a map showing the location of the ticket offices and all other locations, click here. You can store up to $300 in e-cash and three 31-Day passes on your TransLink card at one time.

Please note: Bus operators are not able to fix TransLink card problems or issue a credit nor can they tell you the value on your card or when value was last added. In the event of a problem using TransLink, you will have to pay your fare with cash and then contact the TransLink Customer Service Center to get the problem resolved.