Eco Pass: Employer FAQ
Q: How do I use my Eco Pass Clipper card on bus and light rail?
A: Arrive early and locate the Clipper card reader at the front of the bus or on the light rail platform near the ticket vending machine. Tag your card by touching the Clipper logo on the reader, making sure to hold the card flat long enough until a single beep is heard and a green light is displayed. After tagging, be sure to have the Clipper card and your employee ID available upon request of a fare inspector.
Q​: Do I need to "tag off" from light rail similar to Caltrain?
A: No. On VTA, you need only to tag prior to riding on light rail. Tag on again only after a two hour period has elapsed between trips.
Q: I would like to purchase an Eco Pass but my employer is not participating in the program, am I eligible to participate?
A: No, you are not eligible to purchase an Eco Pass, only employers can purchase an Eco Pass. Employers enter an agreement with VTA to provide Eco Passes to all of their full-time employees.
Q: I don't plan to use my Eco Pass. Can I give or sell it to someone else?
A: No, the Eco Pass is nontransferable and is only for the use of the employee to which it is given. Anyone who alters, defaces, transfers or duplicates the Eco Pass with the intent to evade the payment of a fare is in violation of the California Penal Code 640 and may be punishable by a fine up to the maximum allowed by law.
Q: Can Eco Passes be purchased only for those employees that are interested in using public transportation?
A: No, all employers are required to purchase one Eco Pass for every full-time permanent employee at a given work site. The deeply discounted prices were structured to offer employees a cost-effective way to provide transit passes as an employee benefit.
Q: What VTA services does the Eco Pass cover?
A: The regular Eco Pass is valid on all VTA service and includes all buses and light rail, including 12 VTA Express Bus Lines which provide fast, direct transportation to major Silicon Valley employment centers. The express Eco Pass is valid on all VTA service, as well as Highway 17, the Dumbarton Express and Monterey-Downtown San Jose Express service.
Q: What does an Eco Pass look like and how should it be displayed to VTA Fare Inspectors?
A: An Eco Pass is a smart card similar to the size of a credit card that can hold multiple transit agency passes and cash. Upon request of a VTA fare inspector, present your valid Clipper card along with your employer issued staff identification.
Q: I have employees who may be eligible for Paratransit service. Is there also a discount for this service and who should they contact for more information?
A: Employees that have a Eco Pass receive a 50% discount for Paratransit service. To receive additional information contact Outreach at (408) 436-2865 (TTY Only: (408) 436-0155).
