Credit card payments begin for Bay Area transit agencies; transfer changes for Clipper Card users

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A big change starts rolling out Wednesday for Bay Area transit riders and anyone who uses a Clipper Card.

You'll now be able to do contactless credit and debit card payments on all Bay Area transit agencies.

Also, if you use your Clipper Card, you can get discounted and free transfers between agencies. Riders will only be charged full fare for the first agency they use and if they transfer to a different agency, they will get a discount up to $2.85. If the fare of your next ride is below that, your ride would be free.

Clipper says their next-generation changes to a cloud-based system will make it easier and cheaper for riders.

Starting Wednesday, each of the nearly two dozen Bay Area transit agencies is beginning to implement the "Tap-and-Ride" change.

The transition could take up to 12 weeks to complete.

MORE: BART to roll out contactless payment: Here's what to know

Earlier this year, contactless credit and debit card payments were already rolled out for BART.

Some agencies, like AC Transit, are even offering a fare-capping feature that will lead to free rides.

The cloud-based system will allow families to be able to manage multiple registered Clipper Cards through the Clipper app.

It will also eliminate wait time for added value and improved auto-reload functions.

Here in the Bay Area, there are currently 20 public transit agencies that use the Clipper Card system.