SFMTA Increases Time Limit for a Single Ride Fare to Two Hours

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which manages all ground transportation in the city, including the Municipal Railway (Muni), today reminded riders that the time limit for single ride fares has increased from 90 minutes to two hours.  The SFMTA also reduced the cost for pre-paid passports and introduced a new Day Pass (no cable car) which will cost just five dollars, and ensures that all discount fares are set at 50 percent of the full adult fare.

“These fare changes are meant to improve customer convenience and incentivize pre-payment, which speeds up service, lowers costs and encourages ridership,” said Ed Reiskin, SFMTA’s Director of Transportation.

The former time limit for a single ride fare was 90 minutes. This “transfer” had been in place for decades and was intended to allow customers sufficient time to complete a single trip when required to transfer between multiple Muni lines to reach their destination. During the SFMTA budget process, a number of requests were raised to increase this time limit to a full two hours and allow customers the ability to complete round-trips for shorter errands, such as medical appointments, shopping or dining.

“We're very excited the 2-hour transfer is in full effect, and are grateful for the SFMTA for making it happen so quickly. Extending the transfer makes transit more affordable for folks who have multiple stops, or for running errands and getting to appointments. It also makes the fare more competitive with private transportation options, and is fairer for riders with longer rides and more transfers,” said Rachel Hyden, Executive Director of the San Francisco Transit Riders.

More details on other fare changes:

Day Pass (no cable car): The new Day Pass is a great deal for only five dollars. Look for "Day Pass (no cable car)" on the MuniMobile ® app; it is good for unlimited trips on Muni buses, trains and historic streetcars. For a low price, you can keep the Muni rides going all day long. From your morning commute to a night game with extra innings, you’re covered with the new Day Pass valid through 11:59 p.m. Download the MuniMobile ® ticketing app on your phone, then buy the new pass that’s making it easier to get there and back. Just be sure to activate your pass when you board.

Pre-paid Passports: In order to encourage the pre-payment of fares, the SFMTA Board approved a nine to 45 percent fare decrease for our one, three and seven-day Visitor Passports when purchased using MuniMobile or Clipper. Visitor Passports are great for tourists because they include unlimited cable car rides.

Discount and Low-income Monthly Passes: SFMTA adopted a policy that all discount fares - including passes for Youth, Seniors and People with Disabilities, as well as the adult Lifeline Pass, should be set at 50 percent of the full adult fare.

For the remainder of transit fares, they continue to be adjusted by a formula every year under our Automatic Fare Indexing Policy and as approved by the SFMTA Board of Directors as part of the fiscal year budget. The table below is a breakdown of this year's key fare changes.

Single-ride fares have not changed. The pre-paid single-ride adult fare is $2.50, to pay cash at the farebox it’s $2.75. The pre-paid single-ride reduced fare is $1.25, cash at the farebox costs $1.35.

These fare changes are part of the agency’s budget for the next two fiscal years, which began on July 1. For more Muni fare information and for details on approved fare changes for both years, please visit our Fares page.

A reminder to all Muni riders: Clipper and MuniMobile are the fastest, most convenient ways to have your fare at hand. And once you get your Clipper card, be sure to register it and set up autoload payment so you never have to worry about refilling it. Both Clipper and MuniMobile offer discounted tickets compared to cash prices.