New electric Caltrain schedule starts Sept. 21. Info at Caltrain.com/go.
Program Overview
Join Caltrain in Empowering Communities. Partner with Caltrain for the Pass Forward Program!
At Caltrain, we’re committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the transportation they need. We’re thrilled to have launched our Pass Forward Program (formerly known as the GoPass Donation Program), aimed at providing low-income and marginalized communities with essential transit access.
Through the Pass Forward Program, passes are donated to a network of qualified community-serving organizations who then distribute to their service users. Recipients of the GoPasses are able to ride the Caltrain at no personal cost over the course of the calendar year.
To bring this vision to life, we’re looking for dedicated nonprofit partners to help us administer this transformative program. If you are a community-serving organization that believes the Pass Forward Program aligns with your mission and could help you advance it, we invite you to consider applying to become a Pass Forward partner.
As a partner, you'll play a key role in:
- Administering Passes: Oversee the distribution and management of at least 250 passes annually.
- Providing Training: Educate participants on how to effectively use their pass.
- Managing Applications: Operate a webpage to host pass surveys, applications, and activate passes in a web portal.
What We’re Looking For:
- Dedicated Administrative Resources: Ensure efficient operation of the Pass Forward Program, including distribution and support.
- Experienced Staff: Have a team skilled in managing community programs and providing necessary training.
- Web Portal Capability: Facilitate an online application process to make access easier for participants.
Why Partner with Us?
- Make a Tangible Impact: Help remove transportation barriers for individuals in need.
- Enhance Community Support: Provide vital services that promote mobility and opportunity.
- Collaborate for Change: Work with Caltrain to drive meaningful progress in our community.
Ready to make a difference?
If your organization has the dedication, expertise, and resources to team up with Caltrain to manage the Pass Forward Program, we want to hear from you! Apply now to become a partner and help us bring greater mobility and opportunity to those who need it most.
Please note that while Pass Forward participants will receive passes free of charge, we are currently unable to provide financial support to our CSO partners for their administrative work. However, we are open to supporting organizations seeking external funding. We recognize and greatly value the important work our partners do for the community.
Together, we can create a more connected and equitable community. Join us in this important initiative and help us transform lives through accessible transportation.
Apply below, or contact us at GPDP@caltrain.com for additional information.
THE APPLICATION CYCLE FOR THE 2024 CALENDAR YEAR IS NOW CLOSED. ORGANIZATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR CONSIDERATION IN 2025.
The application should take about 45-60 mins to compete.
These include introductory questions and then organization specific questions. The Pass Forward Program project team will evaluate each organizations application for eligibility.
Testimonials
I ride from Redwood City to Cal Ave daily. I love the ease, and calmness of the train. it's fast and economical. No worries about traffic or gas prices or wear and tear on my car. I've convinced my coworker to use the program as well. Let's keep helping the environment and enjoying the ride!"
Kimberly Koch, Dion Health
Kimberly Koch, Dion Health
"When I have to drive to work from Belmont I wish I was on the train. The Belmont Caltrain station is conveniently down the hill and then when I go home I get exercise biking up the hill. Plus it's fun taking the train home on Friday afternoon because people are happy it's the weekend."
Rene Rivera Rosales, Sheraton
Rene Rivera Rosales, Sheraton
"The train from San Jose is faster than driving. Not being in bumper-to-bumper traffic reduces the stress of my commute."
Alan Kayser, Palo Alto Bicycles
Alan Kayser, Palo Alto Bicycles
"The benefits of having a transit pass are that I can avoid traffic and it's fast. Taking transit saves me money so I have more to take care of my family."
Geraldo Valencia, Whole Foods
Geraldo Valencia, Whole Foods
Pass Forward Program FAQs
For our Community-Serving Organizations (CSOs) participating in Pass Forward:
How can our members sign up?
You can find an in-depth guide to our sign-up process here.
How do we determine if someone is eligible to receive a pass?
The program aims to reach members of priority-equity communities who have historically faced barriers to accessing transit. Generally, this means individuals who make under $75,000 a year or who qualify for CalFresh or CalWorks. However, we don’t ask for any formal documentation and defer to our CSO partners to make a final decision on eligibility.
Can we get more passes if we distribute our initial allotment?
If you are interested in receiving additional passes, please reach out to the Caltrain team at GPDP@caltrain.com. We are open to providing additional passes based on a review of your pass distribution and usage, as well as on need and availability.
What happens once the GoPasses expire?
GoPasses expire at the end of every calendar year. The Pass Forward Team will reach out in the late Summer or early Fall, outlining the re-enrollment process for CSOs and their constituents.
What happens if someone loses a pass?
The CSO will need to update their tracking log for any reported lost passes.
If we are already administering other transit pass programs such as the SamTrans Way2Go Pass, can we utilize the same Clipper Cards?
Yes, if the Clipper Card is an Adult Clipper Card.
What happens if the GoPass User fails to tap their Clipper Card within 180 days of the pass being loaded through the Clipper portal?
The CSO will need to update its tracking log and Caltrain will re-upload the pass to the card.
The tracking log lists the expiration date. CSOs should notify all GoPass Users whose expiration date is approaching to tap their card.
Are we required to provide names or other potentially sensitive, self-identifying information about program participants?
If you are unable to provide Caltrain with names or other personally identifiable information, please contact passforward@caltrain.com
Can we contact Caltrain with any questions?
Yes, please email GPDP@caltrain.com with any questions.
For individuals who are GoPass recipients through the Pass Forward program:
How do I receive a GoPass from a participating Community-Serving Organization (CSO)?
The GoPass is not intended for individuals. If you are affiliated with a participating organization, please contact them for next steps.
Do I need to provide any documents, such as an ID or proof of income?
Caltrain does not require anything other than the completion of the enrollment survey. However, please contact your CSO administrator as each organization has its own requirements.
Who has access to the information I provided during the sign-up process?
The CSO and Caltrain have access to the information you provided. Caltrain doesn’t disclose personal information to third party entities. Please note, if you are unable to share personal identifying information, you can speak with your administrator for accommodations.
How soon can I begin using my GoPass after enrolling?
Please see your organization’s administrator. They will know when the GoPass is ready to be tapped and loaded to the Clipper Card.
Can I use an existing Clipper Card?
Yes, if it is an Adult Clipper card.
Can I put my GoPass on more than one Clipper Card?
No.
How do I use my GoPass to ride Caltrain?
Please see this guide for detailed instructions.
Can you use the GoPass on Mobile?
Yes, but when obtaining the Adult Clipper card on mobile for the first time, you will be required to load $3 in cash value. It requires you to load the cash value only when obtaining the card on mobile. $3 cash value is not required to use the GoPass. Please note that Motorola phones are currently not supported.
Visit https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/pay-with-phone for additional information.
Where can I ride to?
Everywhere Caltrain goes. The GoPass is valid for unlimited rides on Caltrain through any zone seven days a week.
Are there any limitations on the number of trips I can take using the pass?
No, there are no limitations on the number of Caltrain trips you can take.
What happens when my GoPass expires?
If your organization reenrolls in the Pass Forward program, you may be able to get access to a new pass at the start of the calendar year. Please see your administrator for additional information.
Can I bring a family member with me?
Family members must purchase their own tickets. GoPass users may have one child (ages four and under) travel with them free of charge. Additional children must travel with valid fare.
How can I recommend someone to be enrolled into the program?
Please refer them to your Pass Forward administrator.
Can I use the pass on other transportation systems, such as SamTrans?
No, the GoPass is only valid on Caltrain.
Is it possible to load cash value or other transit agency products to my card for riding other systems?
Yes, if you are using an adult Clipper Card. If you are a Youth, Senior or are using a discounted Clipper card, you will need to be sure to use that card on other transit systems in order to receive their discount. When riding Caltrain, only the Adult card with the GoPass should be used.
What should I do if I have any additional questions or concerns?
Your Pass Forward administrator is your best resource for any issues or comments as they arise.