BART Braces for Station Closures and Service Disruptions as Funding Looms Overhead
A new report from the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has unveiled drastic predictions of service cuts, station closures, and fare hikes if a critical funding measure fails to pass in November. The report highlights the dire financial situation facing BART, with an estimated $376 million dollar deficit.
According to Alicia Trost, chief communications officer at BART, getting crucial information out to the public now is essential so that people can prepare and discuss the potential impacts of the failed funding measure. Trost emphasized that investing in transit should not be viewed as a bailout, but rather as a long-overdue investment for decades.
The report lists 10 of BART's lowest ridership stations, including Castro Valley, Oakland Airport, and San Bruno, which could be recommended for closure if the funding measure fails. This would lead to reduced train frequencies, with just 63% of trains operating on a regular schedule. The blue line would also be shut down to Tri-valley stations.
Furthermore, BART would close at 9 p.m., seven days a week, instead of its current midnight closing time. Riders could face a 30-50% fare increase, which would further exacerbate the already high cost of commuting in the Bay Area.
Critics argue that this proposal is a bailout for transit agencies, but Trost argued that BART has relied on fare revenue for years and needs investment to maintain its services.
The funding measure, called Connect Bay Area, will be voted on by BART's board at the end of February. However, what ultimately happens will depend on voter approval in November.
For many commuters like Hayward resident Adonis Fabor, who relies heavily on BART to get to work six times a week, these predictions are dire. "It's already expensive enough," he said. "If I'm going six times a week, it's getting expensive."
San Francisco resident Erinne Johnson expressed similar concerns, stating that she fears that if the funding measure fails, riders will be forced to pay more money for BART services.
As the deadline for voting on the funding measure approaches, residents and commuters are left wondering what the future holds for Bay Area public transportation.
A new report from the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has unveiled drastic predictions of service cuts, station closures, and fare hikes if a critical funding measure fails to pass in November. The report highlights the dire financial situation facing BART, with an estimated $376 million dollar deficit.
According to Alicia Trost, chief communications officer at BART, getting crucial information out to the public now is essential so that people can prepare and discuss the potential impacts of the failed funding measure. Trost emphasized that investing in transit should not be viewed as a bailout, but rather as a long-overdue investment for decades.
The report lists 10 of BART's lowest ridership stations, including Castro Valley, Oakland Airport, and San Bruno, which could be recommended for closure if the funding measure fails. This would lead to reduced train frequencies, with just 63% of trains operating on a regular schedule. The blue line would also be shut down to Tri-valley stations.
Furthermore, BART would close at 9 p.m., seven days a week, instead of its current midnight closing time. Riders could face a 30-50% fare increase, which would further exacerbate the already high cost of commuting in the Bay Area.
Critics argue that this proposal is a bailout for transit agencies, but Trost argued that BART has relied on fare revenue for years and needs investment to maintain its services.
The funding measure, called Connect Bay Area, will be voted on by BART's board at the end of February. However, what ultimately happens will depend on voter approval in November.
For many commuters like Hayward resident Adonis Fabor, who relies heavily on BART to get to work six times a week, these predictions are dire. "It's already expensive enough," he said. "If I'm going six times a week, it's getting expensive."
San Francisco resident Erinne Johnson expressed similar concerns, stating that she fears that if the funding measure fails, riders will be forced to pay more money for BART services.
As the deadline for voting on the funding measure approaches, residents and commuters are left wondering what the future holds for Bay Area public transportation.
, can you believe this?! The thought of closing stations or disrupting train frequencies is just so frustrating 
. I mean, I get it, BART needs funding, but a 30-50% fare hike? That's just not fair to people like Adonis and Erinne who rely on the service to get to work 
. It's not about being a "bailout" for transit agencies, it's about investing in something that benefits everyone 
. Let's hope the Connect Bay Area funding measure passes in November 
. We need to think about the future of public transportation and make sure we're supporting our commuters 
.
not everyone's got the luxury of being able to drive everywhere or take a bus. and 30-50% fare increase? that's just too much for me... i'll be like "good luck getting anyone to ride bart if they gotta pay that" 
That's just not right. I remember when my kids were younger, they used to love taking BART to school and then hanging out at the station while I worked late. Now they're all grown up and have their own lives, but I still rely on BART to get around sometimes.
it's already so pricey to take, but if they're gonna close stations and raise fares even more...I don't know how ppl will afford it 
we need to make sure Connect Bay Area passes or else...it's gonna get really crazy
... I'm so sick of these station closures and service disruptions already. Can't they just come up with a more sustainable plan? I mean, BART's been warning about this funding issue for ages, but still, it's like they're trying to stick us with the bill 
. And what's with the blue line shutdown? Are they seriously considering killing off that whole section of the train 
. Can't we just find a way to make public transportation more affordable and reliable? This is getting frustrating 
I'm getting a bad vibe about this... If they close stations and service disruptions happen, I'll be one of those people stuck in traffic for hours 
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. We need to invest in transit, not just as a bailout for agencies, but because it benefits everyone who uses it 
. Let's hope the board votes in favor of the funding measure and we can breathe a sigh of relief 
. Fingers crossed! 
. I rely on BART to get to work every day, like Adonis said. And with the reduced train frequencies and midnight closure, I'll have to plan my whole day around it 
The thought of having to make those extra fares a reality is just... no 
. And 30-50% fare hike? That's just not fair for people like me who rely on BART to get by. I'm already paying a ton of money to live here, do I really need to pay even more for the privilege of commuting? 
. The dire financial situation facing BART is a pressing concern that demands attention from policymakers and the public alike. It's essential to recognize that investing in transit infrastructure is not a handout, but rather a necessary investment for decades to come 
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. It's not like BART hasn't been warning us about this stuff for years. They always go around saying we need more funding but it seems like whenever it comes up for vote, they somehow manage to make the numbers work... or at least appear that way 
️. It's not just about me, though - what about all the people who rely on BART for work or school? How are they supposed to get around without it? 
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