San Francisco Muni Single-Ride Fares Rise to $2.85 in Second 2025 Increase

San Francisco's Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has implemented its second fare increase of 2025, with new rates taking effect on July 1. The adjustment sees the adult single-ride fare for those using Clipper or MuniMobile apps climb to $2.85, a 10-cent increase. This move is part of the agency's strategy to address significant financial challenges.

The latest fare hike follows an earlier increase on January 1, 2025, marking the first adjustments since 2019. As "The Voice of San Francisco" reported in a tweet, > "Muni fares are on the rise again for the second time this year, which includes a smaller discount for passengers who use Clipper or the MuniMobile app to pay for single-ride fares." The discount for digital payments has been reduced from 25 cents to 15 cents.

Beyond the standard adult fare, seniors, people with disabilities, and Clipper START participants will see their single-ride fares increase by five cents to $1.40. The all-day Muni pass now costs $5.70, up from $5.50, while the iconic cable car single-ride fare has jumped from $8 to $9. Adult monthly passes also increased by $1, reaching $86.

These increases are a direct response to the SFMTA's pressing budget shortfalls. The agency faced a $50 million deficit at the start of the current fiscal year, necessitating a 2% reduction in service on some Muni routes. Officials project an even larger shortfall of $322 million by next summer, underscoring the severity of the financial strain.

The fare adjustments were approved as part of the SFMTA's two-year budget for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. While the agency aims to minimize the impact on riders, advocacy groups like San Francisco Transit Riders have voiced concerns, arguing that the city should avoid balancing Muni's budget on the backs of commuters.

The SFMTA's challenges are reflective of broader issues facing Bay Area transit. Several other agencies, including Golden Gate Transit and Caltrain, also raised fares on July 1. State legislative efforts are underway to provide funding to transit systems, potentially staving off further service cuts, with a regional ballot tax measure slated for November 2026 to secure long-term operational funds.