Ride Plus, SamTrans' baby in the realm of on-demand microtransit, is gearing up to upend the convenience game this Sunday decidedly. After doling out freebies since its inception, the service will finally start charging for rides in Half Moon Bay and parts of East Palo Alto and Menlo Park. It's just in time to truly test whether its ridership is loyal or just in it for the free pass, a fact noted by SamTrans.

In a world where cash is as passé as flip phones, Ride Plus is introducing the Clipper payment system, your new best friend for an uninterrupted commute. It's been a sweet honeymoon with no fares since last June, so expect to quickly shell out some bucks to enjoy that seamless door-to-door service. December's report card glowed with nearly 3,700 trips, a hefty step up from 2,800 in September, according to SamTrans General Manager/CEO April Chan. "We're so happy that Ride Plus continues to attract more passengers and we believe the trend will continue," Chan was quoted in the announcement. 

Standard fares clock in at $2.25, a meager $2.05 if you're Clipper-equipped, while youths and the discount-eligible ride for $1.10, or an even dollar with Clipper. Forget about fumbling for change; the app has you covered, available for iPhone and Android diehards. Or go old school and ring 650-238-5880 to book your ride. Much like the famed city, the service doesn't sleep, operating seven days a week, morning until nighttime in East Palo Alto/Belle Haven and during daylight hours in Half Moon Bay.