What happens if the TransLink card reader says I don't have enough money on my card for my ride?

If your fare exceeds your available e-cash balance, you can complete your trip as long as you have at least $0.01 on your card. You will need to add value before you can use your card again. Your new card balance will automatically be reduced by the amount you owe. If your card has no e-cash on it, or if your Fast Pass® has expired, your TransLink card will be rejected and you will have to pay your fare in cash. Setting up Autoload ensures that you never run short on fares!

Do I need to tag my card even if I have a monthly pass?

Regardless of whether you use e-cash or a monthly pass, you must tag your card to a Muni vehicle or station entry gate every time you board. Your tag is your proof of payment.

Should I ask for a transfer when I board a Muni vehicle? How can I prove that I paid?

TransLink will automatically calculate the 90-minute transfer period on Muni, so you are not required to carry a paper transfer. You must tag your card each time you transfer and enter a vehicle so that the card reader can confirm the transfer period is still in effect. The card reader will beep and show a green light to indicate that your transfer is valid. Transit fare inspectors have handheld card readers and conduct random checks of TransLink customers to ensure that they have tagged their cards properly. The handheld card reader only confirms that you have proper payment; it does not affect your card balance.

I use the elevator or handicap/emergency exits to enter the station platform. Where do I tag my card?

All Muni stations have TransLink card readers located on poles outside of the station booths or next to the elevator in the Embarcadero, Montgomery or Powell BART/Muni stations. Tag your card on the TransLink card reader on the pole as proof-of-payment when entering the Muni or BART platform.

I see card readers on the back doors. Do I still have to board through the front?

SFMTA currently requires customers to board through the front doors. Please continue to board and tag your card at the front door of all Muni vehicles.

I have questions about using my senior, youth or RTC TransLink card.

Please visit TransLink FAQ for further information on using your discounted fare category TransLink card.

Can I use my card to pay the fare of someone traveling with me?

TransLink cards are for individual use only. Each customer five years of age or older must have his/her own card. TransLink cards also have a feature that stops you from tagging more than once on the same bus or Muni Metro fare gate within a 10-minute time frame. This feature was built in to protect you from accidentally tagging and being charged twice.

Can TransLink be used on cable cars?

No. The cable cars are not equipped with TransLink card readers. The SFMTA is currently exploring how to equip the cable cars to accept payment via TransLink. If you normally use a Fast Pass to ride the cable cars, we recommend that you continue to purchase the paper Fast Pass until further notice.

Can I use my TransLink card on other transit systems?

TransLink is accepted on Muni, BART, Caltrain, AC Transit, Dumbarton Express, and Golden Gate Transit and Ferry. You can load e-cash or a transit pass from these agencies. See Fares and Passes.

Will I still receive the transfer discount with my TransLink card when transferring between Muni and BART or Golden Gate Ferry?

When transferring from BART to Muni within an hour of using your TransLink card, you will qualify for two $0.25 discounts on Muni buses, light rail vehicles and historic street cars within a 24-hour period following your initial transfer to Muni.

Golden Gate Ferry customers will receive one free transfer to Muni within 2 hours of tagging their card at the Ferry Terminal, and a second free transfer that is good for 24 hours following the first Muni transfer.

Remember, you must tag your card to the card reader in order for the system to calculate your transfer fare discount.

When can TransLink be used on other agencies?

Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and SamTrans will begin accepting TransLink in 2010, with other agencies to follow.