Clipper Card Snafu: San Francisco Commuters Ride Free Like It's 1945!

A Glitch in the Matrix or Just Tuesday?

Well folks looks like even in the 21st century things can go a little haywire. Word on the street (or you know the internet) is that the Clipper card system in the Bay Area took a dive this Tuesday. That's right the very system that keeps those trains buses and ferries running smoother than a freshly greased Howling Commando's weapon decided to take a day off. The Bay Area Clipper folks put out a call on X (formerly Twitter still kinda weird to say) that the system was down across the board. Made me think of the old days when a subway token was the height of technology!

Free Rides: A Blast from the Past!

Now I've seen my fair share of battles and technological marvels but watching commuters stroll onto buses and through BART stations without paying? That’s a new one. Apparently many transit operators just waved folks through like it was a goodwill tour of the city. It's a little like when Peggy Carter would let me sneak into the movies – good times simpler times. But hey a free ride is a free ride right? Though I hope nobody tried to pay with a handshake and a promise because I don't think that would have worked even in my day. 'I can do this all day,' but I can't ride for free all day without a working system!

BART's New Gates: From Fortress to Open Door?

Speaking of BART those new fare gates they've been installing? Kinda makes you wonder if they were feeling a bit lonely this Tuesday. All dressed up and nowhere to stop folks. They started putting those bad boys in late last year and they were supposed to be fully operational by the end of this year. Looks like someone forgot to tell the Clipper card system that. I tell ya sometimes technology feels like fighting Hydra – cut off one head and two more pop up.

Numbers Don't Lie (But Sometimes They're Confusing)

Now here’s a head scratcher: The MTC says there were 1.35 million unique Clipper cards used in May which is apparently a record since before the pandemic. But BART’s ridership is still down compared to 2019. What does it all mean? Maybe folks are just really dedicated to having a card? Or perhaps everyone's just taking scenic routes on foot these days. It's like trying to understand Stark’s explanations for his tech – a whole lotta numbers and jargon and you’re still not sure what’s going on.

Clipper 2.0: The Future is Delayed (Again)

Ah Clipper 2.0 the system that promises to be customer focused cost effective and dare I say revolutionary. But it’s been delayed more times than I’ve been frozen in ice. They say it'll have mobile compatibility better communication and expanded sales options. Sounds fantastic but until it’s actually here it’s just another promise like Howard Stark promising to fix my suit's… well let's not get into that. One thing is for sure let's hope it doesn't take as long to deploy as it did for Bucky to get his metal arm!

San Francisco Mayor Weighs In

And of course San Francisco's Mayor Daniel Lurie is keeping a close eye on things especially on the local economy. I can tell you one thing a good economy is as important as a strong shield. Let's hope they get this Clipper situation sorted out. After all a city that runs smoothly is a city that can focus on bigger threats like you know world domination attempts. 'Avengers Assemble!'...but maybe after we figure out these fare gates!