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BART now takes American Express for credit card purchases

American Express has been added to the approved credit cards accepted on the BART system. The American Express card may be used to purchase tickets at all logoed ticket vending machines throughout the system as well as for purchases at the Customer Services Office located in the Lake Merritt Station. For more

BART Board awards Oakland Airport Connector contract in historic vote

Project animation on BARTtv

The struggling Bay Area economy just received a big boost thanks to the BART Board, whose historic vote today also means BART customers will finally have a swift, world-class train-to-plane connection between the Coliseum BART Station and the Oakland Airport. After two decades of planning and debate, the

National Engineers Week: Meet three engineers rebuilding the BART system

By MELISSA JORDANBART Senior Web Producer For nearly 70 years the National Society of Professional Engineers has held a National Engineering Week to increase interest in engineering careers and attract a diverse and well-educated engineering workforce. This year, we’re observing National Engineering Week from

BART adds monthly ridership reports; latest release of open data

A leader in opening up its data to the public, BART now is providing monthly ridership number reports. These reports, in a downloadable spreadsheet format, give a snapshot of how many people are traveling between various stations in the BART system. You can look at this "entry-exit" data to see average

Engineers Week: Meet some people and projects building a better BART

Workers guide a section of track into place as it hangs from a crane by Richmond Station. Photo by Maria J. Avila By MELISSA JORDANBART Senior Web ProducerAcross the 131 miles of track and 50 stations of the BART system, Professional Engineers are working every day to deliver on our mission of safe and

BART Board seeks refinement of cell phone service interruption policy

The BART Board of Directors directed staff on Thursday, Oct. 27, to refine the draft cell phone service interruption policy for possible future action. The current draft version of the policy is posted on bart.gov.The revised version is expected to be posted on bart.gov before the Board considers any action

BART Board approves contract for new fare gates systemwide to enhance safety and improve access

May 26, 2023 update

BART and STraffic officials signed a Notice to Proceed on May 19, 2023, authorizing STraffic to formally start the project. STraffic staff will be working on the project at BART headquarters in Oakland.

April 13, 2023 update

The BART Board officially approved the contract to STraffic America on April 13, 2023. View the presentation, which includes early concept renderings.

Posted on March 23, 2023

BART is moving forward with a historic purchase of brand-new fare gates to be installed systemwide as part of its latest effort to win riders back and overhaul safety in the system. The new fare gates will bring a new look and improved experience, offering state-of-the-art technology that will boost safety by reducing fare evasion, enhancing access for people in wheelchairs and those who bring bikes and strollers on BART, and optimizing the reliability and maintenance needs of the fare gates.

At the March 23, 2023, BART Board of Directors meeting, staff recommended the Board move forward with the first purchase of the $90 million Next Generation Fare Gate project. Staff recommended awarding up to $47 million to STraffic America to implement the project. BART staff will develop an installation timeline with STraffic and will stress-test the new fare gate design at a yet-to-be-determined station later this year. The project calls for all stations to have new fare gates by end of 2025. A prototype of the new fare gates will be installed at the West Oakland Station by the end of calendar year 2023.

The new fare gates will look unlike any other of the current 700 fare gates in the BART system. While the new design has not yet been finalized, the gates will have clear swing barriers that will be very difficult to be pushed through, jumped over, or maneuvered under. The overall fare gate array height (gate, console, integrated barrier) will form a tall barrier of 72” minimum to prevent fare evasion.

The next generation fare gates will not have the orange fins riders have become accustomed to. They will also be different than the new swing-style fare gates designed by BART staff and recently installed to enclose elevators into the paid area.

The new gates will be able to handle large crowds without slowing people down as they move in and out of stations while processing their Clipper cards. The gates will have advanced 3D sensors that are able to detect if someone is in a wheelchair or has a bike, stroller, or luggage with them, allowing for more time before the swing barrier closes. The gates will have LED lighting on the swing barriers and the pathway through the gate to help visually impaired riders. STraffic has worked extensively with members of the ADA community and is committed to continue this work while designing the BART gates.

“New fare gates will transform the rider experience and will deliver immediate improvements to safety and reliability,” said BART Board President Janice Li. “BART researched world-wide best practices in fare gate designs to help guide this pivotal purchase. I want to thank the local, state, and federal funding sources who have stepped up to support this impactful project. I am committed to seeing this project fully funded and fully implemented without delay.”

To date, BART has secured $73 million of the $90 million project, with funding from:

  • BART Funds (Operating-to-Capital Allocations and Measure RR) $23M
  • County Transportation Agency Funds $28M
  • Federal Funds $15M
  • State Funds $6.5M

In recommending the vendor, BART staff evaluated proposals from industry leaders and scored each proposal on their technical approach, qualifications, experience in delivering similar projects, and price. STraffic America, LLC offered the best value to BART and committed to subcontracting 11% of the work to Disadvantage Business Enterprises.

List of discounts BART offers through Clipper including a QR code that links to additional info.