BART's Impact: Millbrae Station uplifts the city's economy and community

Millbrae Station collage

Read more stories and see interactive maps about BART’s impact at bart.gov/impact.

BART's Impact

Local businesses and residents benefit when they’re located near BART stations.

With the BART’s Impact series, we’re looking at one BART station at a time to understand how a single station can transform the economy, social fabric, and culture of a city. If one station alone can impact an area so profoundly, imagine all fifty BART stations taken together.  

BART stations are not simply destinations – stops on a line to get you from A to B. BART stations create destinations and with that, a livable and thriving Bay Area for all. 

Case Study: Millbrae Station 

Millbrae Station is an essential gateway to the Peninsula and the point of convergence for BART, Caltrain, and SamTrans.  

Millbrae rail service began in 1864 with the historic 17 Mile House station. Nearly 140 years later, Millbrae Station opened for business. Now thousands of passengers pass through the station each day on their way to work, activities, and experiences.  

The area around the station has transformed significantly since the transit hub opened in 2003. In 2023, BART’s Millbrae Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) project – the Gateway at Millbrae Station – opened for business, transforming what was once a BART parking lot into a mixed-use space beside the station. In addition to increasing much-needed housing stock in the area, the development has added jobs, increased city revenue, and created a walkable and inviting public space with art, restaurants, and events. 

“The Bay Area economy needs BART to thrive. BART plays a key role in connecting people to San Mateo County's businesses, jobs, restaurants, and cultural experiences. San Mateo County is grateful for our ongoing partnership and collaboration with the BART.” 

- David Canepa, President of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors

BART spoke to some of the businesses at the Gateway and ventured further afoot to talk to businesses near the station. From a hot Pilates studio to a local lobster destination, we asked business owners the same question: Why is BART essential to your bottom line and your community’s well-being?  

View a larger version of the interactive map by clicking here.