CityBus offers a number of ways to pay for your ride. Be sure to check our fares page to see all options and their costs. This page will help you navigate the different machines CityBus uses to collect fares.
Paying with Cash or Using a Pass
To ensure correct payment and that passes are valid CityBus uses a mechanical payment system called, a farebox. The diagram below should help you pay your fare correctly and quickly, even on your first time using the bus.
Pay Using Clipper
If you are using Clipper just tap your card or phone if your card is on your mobile device. Machines are located at the front door of the bus either to your left or right as you enter. The machine will look like the picture. White lights will show when you initially tap letting you know the system is processing.
Payment Valid Screens
If your card works you will see green lights and a message like the one in the picture. The message will also include the fare amount you paid and your current balance. CityBus does not require you to tag off, but other operators do like Sonoma County Transit.
You may also see yellow lights which indicates you have a low balance of funds on your card.
Payment Not Valid Screens
In a case where the screen looks like the picture showing red lights your fare was not accepted. Be sure to read the screen to see why the system did not accept your payment. The most common reasons are insufficient funds or you removed the card from the reader too quickly.
