1. Who Can Buy a Bear Pass?
Faculty, staff, post-doctorates, visiting scholars, and other select UC employees are eligible to participate in the Bear Pass program. We just need to verify your employment status. If current employment information is not available, you must ask a Payroll representative to complete and sign an Employment Verification Form.
Complete the Bear Pass Form.
2. How Much Does a Bear Pass Cost?
The Bear Pass costs $408 per year and is pro-rated, based on the enrollment date. The Bear Pass is free to those who currently have an annual parking permit!
3. How Do I Pay for a Bear Pass?
You can buy the Bear Pass only in the P&T Customer Services office.
If you are a full time/career employee or on casual employment status through the end of the fiscal year, you can have the Bear Pass fee deducted from your paycheck. You can enroll in the automatic payroll deduction payment method through WageWorks. A $34.00 fee will be deducted from your paycheck each month. For more information, please visit the Pre-Tax Payroll Deduction Payments section. You’ll also need to complete these steps.
1. Sign a release and have your picture taken.
2. AC Transit will mail your Bear Pass to the address on the application.
4. What If I Want to Cancel?
To discontinue your participation in the program, you can cancel the annual Bear Pass by completing the following steps.
- Complete the Bear Pass Cancellation Form.
- Return the form, along with your Bear Pass, to the Parking and Transportation Office.
If you are paying by Payroll Deduction, your deductions will be canceled when the form and pass are received.
Be sure to cancel your Pass before the 10th of the month to ensure that deductions discontinue immediately. If you miss this deadline, deductions will discontinue the following month; and there is no cash refund available for the interim period.
If you have prepaid for the year by credit card, your card will be credited for the remaining value.
If you have prepaid for the year by cash or check, you will receive a check for the remaining value. It takes 3 to 6 weeks for the refund check to be delivered to your home address.
5. What If I Lose My Bear Pass?
If you need to replace your Clipper Card (Bear Pass) for any reason, such as loss, damage or theft, call Clipper Card Customer Service: 1.877-878-8883. Note: Clipper may charge a replacement fee. You will be responsible for commute expenses until you receive your replacement card.
6. Additional FAQs
Q. I live outside the AC Transit East Bay service district — can I buy a Bear Pass?
A. Yes. All employees, regardless of where they live, can buy a Bear Pass.
Q. Can visiting scholars or post-doctorates purchase a Bear Pass?
A. Yes. Select university affiliates are eligible. Contact P&T office to be sure. You must have a valid Cal ID Card to enroll.
Q. What payment methods can I use for purchase?
A. Participants eligible for payroll deduction will be required to pay by enrolling in WageWorks, which provides pre-tax benefits; all others pay up-front for the year by cash, check or credit card.
Q. How long can I use the Bear Pass?
A. The annual Clipper Card (TransLink) is valid from July 1st or date of purchase through June 30 each year.
Q. Can I purchase the Bear Pass with pre-tax dollars?
A. Yes. Employees purchasing a Bear Pass on payroll deduction will pay with pre-tax dollars. Depending on your tax bracket, pre-tax payment provides a 12–46% savings off the already discounted price.
Q. If I enroll in the Bear Pass Program, can I still purchase transit tickets and receive the $10 per month transit subsidy?
A. Bear Pass holders are not eligible for any monthly subsidy on purchases of other transit tickets.
If you are enrolled in the pre-tax transit payroll deduction program you still have the option to purchase transit tickets with the pre-tax benefit.
Q. Can I apply the $10 per month transit subsidy toward my Bear Pass?
A. No. Bear Pass is already subsidized, so additional subsidies are not available.
Q. What if I only need the Bear Pass for part of the year?
A. Some employees use different transportation methods during the year. For example, some employees commute by bus during the rainy season and bicycle the rest of the time. While the Bear Pass is an annual transit pass (valid June–July), the fee is pro-rated monthly. Employees in the above circumstance could purchase the Bear Pass during the rainy season and cancel the pass when primarily commuting by bicycle, paying only for the months used.
Q. If I enroll in the Bear Pass Program, can I still keep or purchase a parking permit?
A. Yes. You can have a parking permit AND a Bear Pass.
Q. Is there a discounted Bear Pass price for senior or disabled employees?
A. No.
Q. Where can I get information on AC Transit bus routes and coverage?
A. www.actransit.org or www.511.org.
