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There’s been a big decline in the number of riders who say they’ve witnessed fare evasion on BART. For our latest Quarterly Performance Report, we asked riders, “did they see anyone enter or exit the station without paying their fare today?” Only 17% of those questioned said they had, which is a drop of nearly 1/3 from the same period just a year ago when 25% of respondents said they had witnessed fare evasion. 

In the last 12 months, BART has installed Next Generation Fare Gates at more than 20 stations across the system. More stations are getting new gates every month. In just the last few days installation work began at Concord, El Cerrito Plaza, Glen Park, and San Leandro stations.

“The decline in fare evasion sightings is the latest indication that Next Generation Fare Gates are transforming the rider experience,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers. “We know it’s not possible to stop 100% of fare evasion, but we are seeing that these state-of-the-art, durable gates are proving themselves to be more resistant to fare evaders and are deterring unwanted activity on BART.”

As more stations receive new gates, BART’s crime rate has dropped. Overall crime on BART was down 17% last year even as BART served 2.6 million more trips than it did in 2023.

As fewer riders are seeing fare evasion, participation in the Clipper START discount program is skyrocketing. Clipper START trips on BART for the latest quarter more than doubled to 363,238 from only 150,282 a year ago. That’s a 141% increase. Clipper START provides a 50% discount on Bay Area transit to eligible riders who have an annual household income of 200% of the federal poverty level or less. 

BART has heavily promoted enrollment in Clipper START throughout the process of installing new fare gates. BART is on track to have Next Generation Fare Gates at all 50 stations by the end of this year.

BART wants to hear your design ideas for the 16th St. Mission BART Plazas.  

On Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 6pm to 8pm, BART is hosting a Community Open House at the 1950 Mission Street Community Room.  BART invites the community to join in this collaborative open house where together we will reimagine the 16th Mission BART transit plazas located at the heart of the 16th & Mission corridor. 

The plazas are a canvas that are poised to be activated, more welcoming, and safer.  

We want to hear from you: What's working and what’s not? How can we reimagine and enliven the space to make it safer and friendlier? 

Join us at the open house to share your thoughts and ask BART staff your questions. 

BART has invested money to conduct this outreach portion of the project.  Additional funding will need to be secured for design and construction of a final plan.

This May the Fourth, BART invites the public on an epic journey through a galaxy far, far away. 

On Sunday, May 4, BART will transform a train into a special starship to set the scene for an epic 90-minute ride in celebration of May the Fourth. Bring friends or travel solo. Either way, you’ll leave with an alliance of like-minded pals. 

Travelers should dress in apparel fitting for a May the Fourth celebration (please leave the blasters on your home planets). Prizes will be awarded to the best costumes. The admiral of our ship will look kindly on you for incorporating BART into your outfit. You can also expect live music, competitions, trivia, May the 4th decor, and plenty of surprises. 

The voyage itinerary: We will depart MacArthur Spaceport at 4pm and make the jump into hyperspace to reach Pittsburg/Bay Point, a space station on the Outer Rim of our system. Our ship will then turn around and make its way back to MacArthur Spaceport with an estimated arrival time of 5:30pm. Pre-boarding will start at 3pm.  

Our ship will make no stops for the duration of the 90-minute ride, so attendees should eat and use the restroom before departure. Artificial gravity will be provided for passenger comfort.  

Space on our vehicle is limited, and reservations are required via Eventbrite. There is no cost to attend other than paying your BART fare.  

When: Sunday, May 4, 4pm to 5:30pm 

Check-in opens at 3pm. Arrive no later than 3:30pm. 

Where: MacArthur Station 

Why: May the 4th be with you 

RSVP: Reserve your spot on Eventbrite – bartmaythefourth.eventbrite.com 

The e-ticket you receive from Eventbrite is NOT your BART fare. Every participant must have a Clipper card. Make sure you have at least $7.10 (BART’s excursion fare) on the card. 

BART is experimenting with hosting events on trains, including the sold-out Valentraine speed dating mixer in February, as a way to engage our community, foster connections, and encourage riding BART. Transit connects us to places, but can also connect us to each other. Learn more about fun stuff happening at BART at bart.gov/fun.  

“Your Turn" by Aaron De La Cruz, Powell St. Station

Recently constructed canopies along San Francisco’s Market Street are protecting station escalators and helping to beautify the busy downtown corridor with four site-specific artworks that reflect the neighborhoods around them.   

The canopies are being constructed as part of the San Francisco Station Canopy Project, happening in tandem with BART’s San Francisco Station Escalator Replacement project, which is installing and replacing escalators at Embarcadero, Montgomery St., Powell St., and Civic Center stations. 

The new canopies aren't just coverings for the escalators. Each structure is equipped with LED lighting, multiple security cameras, digital screens that display real-time transit information, and motorized gates that allow the entrances to be locked at street level when stations are closed. In addition to protecting the new escalators from wear and tear, the canopies provide an extra layer of station security and cleanliness, all while brightening Market Street with placemaking artwork that subtly reveals itself as you travel between station and street.  

Incorporating art was an important piece of the canopy project, as was ensuring the imagery resonated with the people who live along the corridor.  

“It was crucial to not view Market Street as a monolith during this process,” said BART Art Program Manager Jennifer Easton. “The street has different communities and parts to it, and that was a key aspect to convey with this project." 

Four artists were selected to create the art after a national call hosted by the Art Program: Norie Sato (Embarcadero Station), Rosana Castrillo Díaz (Montgomery St. Station), Aaron De La Cruz (Powell St. Station), and Ron M. Saunders (Civic Center Station). Easton assembled jurors from different sections of Market Street to make sure the neighborhoods were represented authentically. 

The process of translating the artworks onto the surface of the fiberglass-reinforced plastic canopies is a saga unto itself. BART worked with VIA – A Perkins Eastman Studio to develop a method that would maintain the integrity of the artists’ original designs while ensuring the works would last for decades in their outdoor environments.  

“There was a lot of study and analysis to get this right. I don’t believe anyone has done something quite like this for a transit project,” said architect Steve Line of VIA. 

VIA’s final designs utilized fiberglass-reinforced plastic that is extremely durable but also pliable enough to achieve the gentle curved shape of the canopy undersides.  

“First, we used software to analyze the 2D images of the art and surface map them. Then we created a 3D file that recreated the different tonal qualities of the pieces,” Line explained.  

Next came the process of bringing the 3D files into the physical world. Technicians began by spraying clay on a large metal pool the same shape as the canopies then using computer coding to instruct a house-sized milling machine to etch the art onto the surface. This clay relief was layered with strong carbon fibers, similar to those used in rocket ships, and vacuum sealed. Once cured, technicians grinded or sandblasted the surfaces to smooth perfection. 

Let’s hear from the artists.

Embarcadero Station – “We Touch Here,” Norie Sato

Artist Norie Sato wants her canopy artwork to inspire “people to pay attention to the balance between humans, the land, and the water.”  

Her artwork features a fingerprint pressed between flowing water and an aerial view of the Embarcadero neighborhood.  

“I was really interested in the effect of human building and intervention on the land, and also in how the human plays the intermediary between the built environment, which the map symbolizes, and the water, which encircles the land in many ways,” Sato said, speaking from her Seattle studio.  

For Sato, transit plays a crucial role in the fine balance between humanity and the natural world.  

“[Transit is] very accessible; it’s available to anyone, and it’s also ecologically conscious because it carries many people at one time,” she said.  

Sato spoke of the “democratization that occurs” when riding public transportation: “We all ride the same train, and it doesn’t matter who we are or how much money we have, yet we all get to the same place.”  

Montgomery St. Station – “Untitled,” Rosana Castrillo Díaz 

San Francisco-based artist Rosana Castrillo Díaz’s first thought when assigned Montgomery St. Station was, “How fun!” 

Díaz said she heavily researched the station and its surroundings before creating her design, which features a flowing stream of water. What stood out most deeply to her about Montgomery St. Station, she said, is its bubbling, effusive energy.   

“My imagination immediately went to water, and water as this fluid element that we all possess that has so much energy,” she said.  

Díaz said she hopes her piece projects the station’s vigor and lifelines, but also a sense of calm.  

“I think of all these people coming in and out of the station as drops of water,” she said. “Like water, they are fluid, vital, essential.” 

Powell St. Station – “Your Turn,” Aaron De La Cruz 

Aaron De La Cruz, a San Francisco artist, was “in shock” when he learned he was one of the four artists selected to create a canopy piece.  

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “It feels like I won a gold medal in the Olympics.” 

De La Cruz, like Díaz, was inspired by his station’s energetic spark.  

“I went with lots of signature curl movements in my piece that, for me, kind of represent the trolley coming down and spinning in front of the station,” he said.  

He also wanted to create a piece that was characteristically “funky.”  

“I really wanted to do something to address that there’s some of us in the Bay who are here and not interested in changing things,” he said. “I want to tell those stories and really preserve the funk of San Francisco.”  

“For example, the bold lines in the artwork represent the people, sounds, and places from the past that established so much of what San Francisco is today,” he continued. “That culture is so prevalent that it ripples outward through new generations represented by the thin outer lines on the forms. The preservation of the past while building the future is why I titled the piece ‘Your Turn.’” 

Civic Center Station – “Dragonfly Wing,” Ron M. Saunders 

When it comes to public art projects, artist Ron M. Saunders knows, “You just have to go with it.” 

The fine art photographer said he and his fellow artists are interested “in this kind of work because it gives something to the public and brings a little bit of beauty into harsh environments.” 

Saunders’ piece is a closeup of a dragonfly wing. Dragonflies, he said, speak to “transformation, adaptability, and growth,” much like the ever-changing neighborhood where Civic Center Station is located.  

“The Tenderloin was founded during the Gold Rush,” he said. “It’s always changing, just like a dragonfly can change directions quickly.”  

Saunders said he’s never created an art piece “this big,” but he relished the challenge.   

“It’s just exciting to work on a project of this scale,” he said. “There’s a power in having art in stations. It forces people to slow down.”  

The San Francisco Station Canopy Project, which was funded by voter-approved Measure RR, San Francisco Prop A, and state Prop 1A, is happening in parallel with the San Francisco Station Escalator Replacement Project. To learn more about the canopy and escalators project and view timelines, click here and here.  

To learn more about the BART Art Program, click here. 

San Francisco Fleet Week is October 4 through 12 this year, and public transit is a great way to enjoy the air shows, Parade of Ships, and other special events across the city. Plan your visit with BARTable’s guide to SF Fleet Week.

The hallmark experiences of the annual celebration are air shows held along the San Francisco waterfront. BART will be running longer trains for the air shows on Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11. The shows are noon to 4pm. 

Muni is running extra service. Find their service plan here.

Here's how to reach the air show viewing areas with BART + Muni:  

Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf: Take BART to Embarcadero Station and use Exit A1 to transfer to the Muni F Market streetcar or bus. 

Crissy Field, the Presidio: Take BART to Embarcadero Station and use Exit B1. Walk to Drumm St. and California St. and board the Presidio Go Downtown Route.

Fort Mason, Marina Green, Crissy Field: Take BART to Montgomery St and use Exit A1. Walk to Kearny St and board the Muni 30 Stockton bus. 

Fort Mason (option 2): Take BART to 16th St. Mission and use Exit B to board the Muni 49 Van Ness bus.  

Planning and paying for your trip 

Plan your door-to-door trip using BART’s Trip Planner. You can also check Real Time Departures for the stations you use.   

Parking at BART stations (except Milpitas and Berryessa stations) is free on weekends.   
 
Every BART station has restrooms except Pittsburg Center, 12th St./Oakland City Center, Civic Center, 16th St. Mission, 24th St. Mission, and the Oakland International Airport Station (Coliseum Station has a restroom).   
 
All Bay Area transit, including BART, accepts contactless debit or credit cards and mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay for adult fare payment. No setup is required. Each person needs their own card or device. Clipper cards are also accepted.    
 
Riders who use more than one transit agency in a single trip will only be charged full fare on the first operator. A transfer discount of up to $2.85 will apply on any additional transit agency the rider uses within a two-hour window. Transfer discounts are calculated automatically using Tap and Ride or Clipper for accounts that have been upgraded to the next generation system (click here to upgrade your card).    

BART will be accepting applications for membership on the BART Police Citizen Review Board (BPCRB) from Monday, July 8, 2024 - Thursday, August 8, 2024. This appointment will be made by BART Director Melissa Hernandez, District 5.

As a volunteer of the BPCRB, members work to increase the public's confidence in BART's policing services by:

• Reviewing, recommending, and monitoring the implementation of changes to police policies, procedures, and practices
• Receiving citizen allegations of on-duty police misconduct
• Advising Board of Directors, General Manager, Independent Police Auditor, and Police Chief
• Participating in recommending appropriate disciplinary action
• Meeting periodically with representatives of the BART Police associations
• Participating in community outreach

Member Qualifications 

Members must:

• Reside within Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, or San Mateo counties
• Be fair-minded and objective
• Have demonstrated commitment to community service
• Not be currently employed in a law enforcement capacity, either sworn or non-sworn 
• Not be a relative of current or former BART Police Department personnel
• Have no felony convictions

Duration of Service

All appointments to the BPCRB are for a term of two years. There are no term limits. 

How to Apply

To learn more about the BPCRB and/or how to apply for appointment, visit our website at bart.gov/about/bod/advisory/crb. Access the digital application here and the print application below. 

Please send an email to [email protected] or call (510) 464-6083 with any questions.

Application period closes on Thursday, August 8, 2024

Documents

BPCRB Recruitment Flyer (.doc)

Application for BPCRB - District 5 (.doc)

BPCRB General Information (.doc)

BART will provide four trains with limited stops before regular BART service begins for Bay to Breakers on Sunday, May 17. The special service will get race participants to Embarcadero Station around 7am. 

The special early morning trains will pick up passengers for an Embarcadero arrival with limited service from the following stations: 16th St. Mission, Bay Fair, Daly City, El Cerrito del Norte, Dublin/Pleasanton, MacArthur, Millbrae, Pleasant Hill/City Center, and West Oakland. Stations open shortly before the limited-service trains arrive.

These four trains will go out of service once they drop riders off at Embarcadero. Riders cannot board a train at Embarcadero.   

Plan your trip using the BART Trip Planner.  

Special Service Details  

One train will leave Millbrae at 6:29am, Daly City at 6:41am, 16th St./Mission at 6:52am, and then arrive at Embarcadero at 6:57am. No other stops will be made along the line.   

A second train will leave Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre at 6:23am, MacArthur at 6:43am, West Oakland at 6:52am, and then arrive at Embarcadero at 6:58am. No other stops will be made along the line.  

A third train will leave Dublin/Pleasanton at 6:17am, Bay Fair at 6:34am, West Oakland at 6:54am, and arrive at Embarcadero at 7:01am. No other stops will be made along the line.  

A fourth train will leave El Cerrito del Norte at 6:33am, MacArthur at 6:46am, West Oakland at 6:55am, and arrive at Embarcadero at 7:02am. No other stops will be made along the line.  

Regular systemwide BART service starts at around 8am.  

Tips  

BART parking is free on Sundays. People driving to BART to take the train should park at one of these stations being served: Pleasant Hill, El Cerrito del Norte, MacArthur, Bay Fair, West Oakland, Daly City, Dublin/Pleasanton, and Millbrae. 16th Street Mission does not have a BART parking lot.  

BART has loaded these event trains as special service into BART Trip Planner. The service is demarcated with "-> Limited Stop to Embarcadero" in the planner.   

Once on the platform, these four trains will be labelled as: “Limited Stop to Embarcadero.”  

All Bay Area transit, including BART, accepts contactless debit or credit cards and mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay for adult fare payment. No setup is required. Just Tap and Ride. Each person needs their own card or device. Clipper cards are also accepted.  

Riders who use more than one transit agency in a single trip (e.g., Caltrain to BART) will only be charged full fare on the first operator. A transfer discount of up to $2.85 will apply on any additional transit agency the rider uses within a two-hour window. Transfer discounts are calculated automatically using Tap and Ride or Clipper.   

Heading to Hardly Strictly at Golden Gate Park this weekend? Public transit is your best bet there and back, and BART and Muni are here to help!

BART riders heading to Hardly Strictly from the East Bay can take a train to Powell Station. Transfer to a Muni 5 Fulton bus or 5R Fulton Rapid on Market Street and ride to Golden Park. 

BART riders coming up from San Mateo County or San Francisco can take a train to Civic Center Station and transfer to a Muni N Judah train on the upper level of the station. The N Judah train will run near Golden Gate Park on Irving and Judah Streets.

Rider Tips

Parking is free at all BART stations except Milpitas and Berryessa (which are operated by VTA) on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1. Pay for parking easily on the BART app.

Before you leave home put a Clipper card on your cellphone through either Apple Pay or Google Pay. Clipper is waiving the $3 new-card fee for riders who add either of the mobile options. Please ensure you have sufficient funds for a round trip. Plan at the cost of your trip in advance.

Real-time departures and train alerts can be found at bart.gov/eta or on the BART app. 

Hardly Strictly is only of many amazing events happening in the Bay Area this weekend! Learn more at BARTable This Weekend here!

Children’s Fairyland is turning 75, and BART is helping the beloved Oakland institution celebrate! 

On Monday, September 1, BART will help kickstart Fairyland’s 75th Birthday Party with a joyful sidewalk parade through the heart of Oakland. Fairyland is a BARTable partner.  

Families, friends, neighbors, and community partners will gather at 19th St./Oakland Station at 9:30am and walk together along Broadway, down 21st Street and the Lake Merritt Trail, and end at the front gates of Fairyland just in time for the party to begin. 

The BARTmobile will greet paradegoers in front of Fairyland, wearing a special birthday hat and ready for photos with fans. The BART mascot will be surrounded by balloons, a giant rainbow parachute game, circus performers, and more. Once inside, guests will enjoy a full day of activities, entertainment, food, music, and birthday magic.  

This short community parade is intended to promote public transit, energize Downtown Oakland, and build excitement for the big birthday bash. AC Transit and the San Francisco Bay Ferry will also be on hand to celebrate.  

Everyone is encouraged to ride transit, walk, or roll to the parade. Costumes (and BART swag!), signs, and noisemakers are encouraged.  

Please note: The parade is free and open to all, but entry into Fairyland for the 75th Birthday Party requires purchased tickets. All guests must be accompanied by a child to enter the park, unless they are a registered community partner with an activation during the celebration.

Visit Fairyland’s website for more info on what to expect at the birthday party and to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets will be sold at the door.  

What: Fairyland’s Big Birthday Party Parade 

Time: 9:30am to 10:00am 

Start/end: 19th St. Station → Children’s Fairyland front gates 

Walk time: About 15 minutes 

Let us know you’re coming: BARTFairylandParade.eventbrite.com (RSVPing is optional) 

Driving ridership through community partnerships   

The Fairyland Big Birthday Party Parade is part of BART Marketing’s efforts to boost ridership and foster stronger ties with local communities through strategic partnerships. BART partners with over 250 local organizations annually, helping to significantly expand the reach of our messaging. These partnerships come at no cost to BART and promote that taking BART is fun, in addition to being convenient, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly.  

Since the pandemic, ridership on nights and weekends is growing faster than commute ridership. While people may not be going into the office as often as they used to, they are going to games, shows, museums, and other fun events that can only be experienced in person. Our partnerships lean into this.   

Discover more BARTable fun at bart.gov/bartable and check out our Rider Guides page with tips for how to get to local sports and entertainment venues by BART.