Congressmember Mark DeSaulnier helps BART usher in a new era with Next Generation Fare Gates at Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Station
Congressmember Mark DeSaulnier, so often at the forefront of transportation improvements in Contra Costa County, helped commemorate the installation of Next Generation Fare Gates at all 12 BART stations in Contra Costa County with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Station on May 29, 2025. The event marked a major milestone in BART’s systemwide plan aimed at enhancing safety, accessibility, and the overall rider experience.
The Next Generation Fare Gates feature cutting-edge security and user-centered design elements, including enhanced reliability, better accessibility, and reduced fare evasion. With transparent barriers and faster processing technology, the new gates offer a seamless experience for all passengers, including those with mobility devices, strollers, and luggage.
Congressmember DeSaulnier, who provided leadership for the BART to Antioch extension during his time in the state legislature, noted the importance of investing in the future of BART in Contra Costa County.
"We know that these fare gates will make a tremendous impact for farebox recovery, safety, and the overall experience," Congressmember DeSaulnier said. "This is a significant project for the region, and I'm grateful to be a part of it."
This milestone was made possible thanks to critical funding contributions from partners such as the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), led by Executive Director Tim Haile. CCTA’s support underscored a strong regional commitment to modern, integrated transit solutions.
BART Board President Mark Foley and Director Matt Rinn, who represents Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Station, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of updating aging infrastructure and restoring rider confidence.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to showcase these fare gates, which are just one example of our new approach to safety and security on BART,” Rinn said. “Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Station is a big part of the community, and I appreciate the opportunity to showcase the station and what it’s all about.”
Metropolitan Transportation Commission chairperson Sue Noack, who is also the mayor of Pleasant Hill, noted the role of Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Station in connecting the surrounding community to the region, providing convenient and easy access to places of employment, recreation, and services. New fare gates across the system are increasing paid ridership and improving customer safety.
In his remarks, President and CEO of the East Bay Leadership Council Mark Orcutt stressed the importance of transportation to the region's economic well-being.
“The rollout of the Next Generation Fare Gates behind me represents something more than safety upgrades; it’s a strategic investment in regional economic competitiveness,” said Orcutt. “Transit moves people, and people move the economy. This is a visible step towards a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming experience for riders.”
As a BART rider, CCTA Commissioner and Contra Costa Supervisor Ken Carlson said he is "thrilled to have these new gates."
“CCTA is committed not only to our local transportation system, but the regional system at large, and I applaud BART and the efforts they’ve made to build trust in the community and to make the system more efficient and secure," he said.
With the successful completion of the Contra Costa County installations, BART reaffirmed its commitment to completing fare gate upgrades at all 50 stations in the system by December 31, 2025.
The installation of the new fare gates at Contra Costa County stations would not have been possible without the support of BART’s funding partners:
The California Strategic Growth Council / California Housing and Community Development (HCD)
Caltrans / California Transportation Commission
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority
The Federal Transit Administration
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission