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Ambassador Sequoia Taylor talks with a customer on a train 


The word “ambassador” derives from the Latin ambactus, which dates to the 14th century and means servant or minister.

BART Police’s Transit Ambassadors mark their first anniversary on the job today. They are public servants, ministering to the needs of passengers on BART train – offering free face masks, giving safety tips, helping with directions, connecting those in crisis with services.  

And they are making a difference.

“Having additional uniformed personnel has been received very well by our riders and employees,” said Deputy Chief Angela Averiett, who heads the Bureau of Progressive Policing and Community Engagement, a new unit created by Police Chief Ed Alvarez last year. “They are the face of BART out there interacting with the public.”

Since the start of the program, Ambassadors have made more than 12,000 educational contacts, the highest number of any type of contact. They checked in with nearly 10,000 people on platforms and handed out more than 1,000 masks to members of the public who needed one. In only a fraction of contacts, 132, did they need to contact a Police Officer for assistance.

The Ambassadors are part of a larger shift within BART Police to find new approaches using unarmed personnel to respond to people in crisis, such as mental health emergencies, drug overdoses or the unhoused population. With additional crisis intervention specialists yet to be hired, there will be an infusion of 40 additional positions in total, all devoted to train presence.

Ambassadors Brandon Fenwick (foreground) and Sequoia Taylor walk a train car

“With just that one piece of the Ambassadors, that alone is a huge accomplishment,” Averiett said. “I can’t wait to see the impact in our system when we have all of these positions in place.”

Like a diplomatic corps, the Ambassadors speak a multitude of languages – Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Cambodian, Farsi – and they are dedicated to communication, education and presence.

Ambassador Brandon Fenwick’s Spanish language skills proved lifesaving one day when he and his partner persuaded a man who was experiencing a mental health crisis to get out of the trackway at Glen Park Station.

“The Millbrae train was just 1 minute out, and he didn’t speak any English,” Fenwick recalled. “We were able to get him out of the trackway just in time.”

Fenwick was part of the original group of 10 Ambassadors who started their work on Feb. 10, 2020.

Ambassadors Fenwick and Taylor give a mask to customer and ask him to wear it

Fidel Escario said he wanted to be an Ambassador because the job involves working closely with the public and has an immediate positive impact.

“We help people and answer their questions,” he said. “If they don’t have a mask, we give them one. We see a lot of things.”

The Ambassadors are trained in de-escalation and anti-bias techniques and carry radios to call for backup from a BART Police Officer if needed. Escario recalled one situation on a train when a man was exposing himself and cursing at Ambassadors; they radioed for backup and Officers arrested the man.

Ambassador Sequoia Taylor checks the platform during a stop at Coliseum Station

Sequoia Taylor joined the ranks of the Ambassadors just last month in January 2021.

“I grew up in Oakland,” said Taylor, who has seen firsthand the issues that can result from disproportionate policing impacts in Black and brown neighborhoods. “You’ve got to treat people with respect. You can convey so much just with how you carry yourself, your demeanor.

Two of the original Ambassadors have moved up into other positions within the BART Police Department, showing the path of upward mobility that can be available for workers starting in the entry-level Ambassador roles.

“We have a lot of good interactions with riders,” Fenwick said. “They’ll say ‘thank you’ or give us a thumbs-up.”

The Ambassador Program won an Innovation in Public Safety Award from the national foundation Transit Center in 2020.

BART wants to make getting to and from its stations safer and more accessible and we want your input. We're launching Safe Trips to BART, a systemwide action plan to improve roadway safety. It builds upon existing or ongoing planning work led by local and regional agency partners and complements ongoing efforts led by BART, such as the Safe Routes to BART  grant program, other station access studies and projects, and the Transbay Corridor Core Capacity Program.

The goal of Safe Trips to BART is to identify investments that could reduce or eliminate traffic deaths and severe injuries, such as transportation infrastructure improvements on roadways in and around BART station areas and BART service improvements that encourage more people to take transit instead of driving.

While Safe Trips to BART is a system-wide action plan for roadways, the project will identify some Focus Station Areas for individualized action plans and tailored infrastructure improvements. The final plan will enable BART, cities, and counties to apply for funding to implement recommended improvements at Focus Station Areas, other stations, and for the BART system at large. The development of this plan is funded by the US Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All program.

Get Involved: Provide comments on the action plan, sign up for project email updates and learn more about Safe Trips to BART by visiting www.bart.gov/safetrips

BART will participate in the Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill Thursday, October 19, 2023 to test our emergency response systems and to help raise public awareness of the importance of having a plan and being prepared.

At 10:19 am, BART staff will trigger our ShakeAlert early warning earthquake system to ensure it is functioning and working correctly. Once triggered, trains will automatically slow down to 27 mph. Then all trains will come to a very brief stop. BART will also make a systemwide public announcement encouraging riders to be prepared for earthquakes. BART will also test our internal communications systems to notify employees and the Operations Control Center will observe earthquake alarms and our train control systems to ensure they are working properly.

ShakeAlert Early Warning Earthquake System

BART is an early adopter of the ShakeAlert system which is connected to seismic stations located throughout Northern California. When the alarm is triggered, the system sends a speed restriction command to trains. This system removes human response time and can even slow trains down before the shaking occurs depending on how far away the quake is centered.

BART Adds Inspections to ShakeAlert Drill

For the first time in recent years, BART is adding simulated damage inspections to its ShakeAlert drill. Shortly after ShakeAlert is triggered Thursday, about 60 engineers will divide into teams and fan out to all 50 stations to conduct structural assessments. The engineers will inspect walkways, support structures, elevators, escalators – anything that could sustain damage in a powerful earthquake. The simulation is designed to identify areas for improvement and to exercise “muscle memory” for BART’s earthquake response. 

Emergency Response Plan

BART has an Earthquake Emergency Response Plan and we hold several drills a year to ensure staff is trained and ready to respond. In the event of an earthquake, riders should listen for instructions from BART personnel. Employees are trained to evacuate the public from dangerous areas.  Following an earthquake, BART trains are held in place (except for trains in the Transbay Tube and BART Caldecott Tunnel) until it is determined it is safe to move the train to the nearest station where riders will be off-boarded.

Earthquake Safety Tips

Where will you be and what will you do when the next big earthquake hits? Taking time to consider these questions now could help if you ever do find yourself in an earthquake.

LISTEN FOR INSTRUCTIONS

That’s one reason why the first guideline in a BART emergency is to follow instructions from BART personnel. The BART Operations Control Center is in constant communication with trains and Station Agents and is in the best position to manage emergencies and provide direction for the public.

ON A TRAIN

If you’re on a train during an earthquake, Train Operators will follow BART’s established emergency plan and provide you with important information. Sit down or grab a handhold to avoid injury. If an evacuation is necessary, emergency response personnel will coordinate.

IN A STATION

If you’re in a station during an earthquake, back away from the edge of the trackway. If you’re in the station concourse, don’t proceed to the platform. Instead, prepare to evacuate the station under the direction of BART personnel.

TRY TEXTING

No matter where you are, emergency experts recommend using text messaging instead of cell calls to communicate with family and loved ones in an emergency. Cell networks can be overwhelmed if everyone’s trying to call at the same time; text messages can be more efficient.

Earthquake Safety Program

BART has spent the last decade retrofitting vulnerable high traffic portions of the original system to make it safer in a large quake. The Earthquake Safety Program is funded in part by Measure AA, a $980 million general obligation BART bond approved by voters in 2004. The Program focused on upgrading portions of the original system not only for life safety but also to ensure that we can return to operation shortly after a major earthquake.

   
In December 2016, The BART Board of Directors awarded a $313 million contract to install a steel liner inside the Transbay Tube and the installation of a new water pumping system.

Listen to our podcast (or read the transcript) about our efforts to improve earthquake safety at BART.

Visit Shakeout.org for simple safety steps during earthquakes.

BART Prom is sold out. There will be NO tickets available at the door.

Next Stop: Prom night. Break out the taffeta, tease up that hair, and dust off your dancing shoes. BART is hosting its first-ever prom at Rockridge Station. Skip the pricy stretch limo and take a ride that’s even longer: a BART train. All ages are welcome. Bring a date or don’t! 

On Saturday, June 6, from 6pm to 10pm, the Rockridge Station parking lot will transform into a fully decorated dance hall for BART Prom: Enchantment Under the C Line, an all-ages, 1980s-themed celebration with an under-the-sea twist. Whether you missed your prom, just want a do-over, or younger kids in your house want to experience a prom, this is your stop. 

Buy tickets on Railgoods.com ($15) 

The night will feature DJ Billy Vidal (6pm to 8pm) and live 80s cover band Sixteen Scandals (8pm to 10pm). The BART Prom Court will be crowned at 8pm (more info on how to enter to win below).  

Every ticket includes entry to the event, unlimited punch, a BART boutonniere or corsage, and a printed prom photo keepsake.  

What to expect 

The event space will be transformed with rad decorations that blend prom-night sparkle with under-the-sea flair. You can expect: 

• A DJ and live band performing throughout the night  
• A prom photo booth with a printed keepsake 
• BART boutonnieres and corsages -- included with ticket purchase 
• Punch bowls and water 
• Two additional photo stations for taking your own pictures 
• Food available for purchase 
• BART merchandise for sale from Railgoods.com (6pm to 8pm) 
• Coat check
• Fully accessible 
• Some seating provided 
• Extra restrooms 
• Police presence and First Aid 

BART Prom Court Contest 

A BART Prom Court will be crowned during the event, just like a traditional prom!  Winners receive special BART-themed crowns and free entry to the event. 

To win the coveted crown, post your BART promposal on social media by June 3 and tag BART (see handles below). Staff will select three finalists, and the public will vote for the winners via an Instagram poll before the event.  

Instagram:@sfbayarearapidtransit | Bluesky: @bart.gov  | X: @sfbart  | Facebook: facebook.com/bartsf | YouTube: youtube.com/bartable | TikTok: @sfbart 

What’s the C Line?  

That’s how BART staff internally refer to a section of the Yellow Line, and for one night, we’ll venture “under the C” to celebrate. The 1980s inspiration comes from a defining era for BART, when service expanded, ridership surged, and new train cars and infrastructure helped shape the system riders know today (and who doesn’t love an 80s prom?). 

Dress code  

80s-inspired, any generation of prom attire, under-the-sea themed, or any creative look that fits the vibe. Outfits must be appropriate for an all-ages event. 

Accessibility info 

One elevator is used to travel between the street, the concourse, and the trains at Rockridge Station. Access the elevator at street level just outside the station on College Avenue between Miles Street and Keith Avenue. View the elevator and Station Agent booth locations. Staff will be on hand to assist patrons.  

To reach the check-in area, enter the parking lot via the Miles Avenue driveway and travel through the parking lot toward the station entrance. Check-in will be located in the first row of the parking lot adjacent to the College Ave. sidewalk. Staff and signage will help direct you. 

If you have questions or would like to request special accommodations, contact Michelle Robertson, BART Communications, at [email protected]. 

Code of Conduct  

To ensure a safe and welcoming environment, all attendees must follow BART’s Customer Code of Conduct and event rules: 

• No drugs or alcohol 
• No smoking or vaping 
• No harassment of any kind  
• No inappropriate exposure 
• No vandalism or destruction of property  
• No outside food or drinks 
• No weapons 
• No moshing 
• No animals except service animals or those in training  
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times 

Failure to follow these rules will result in immediate removal from the event.