The month of August saw some of the highest ridership figures on BART since 2020, according to new data released by the agency.
BART officials attribute the substantial increase in ridership to new programs taking effect, large public events throughout the month, and the agency’s efforts to make the service more attractive.
In August, just over 4.9 million riders used the system, making it the busiest month since the initial slowdown in 2020.
The month saw the introduction of the new “Tap and Ride” system that allows riders to use bank cards to pay fares and the start of the unlimited rides “BayPass” program at the University of California, Berkeley. BART officials said the expansion of these programs contributed to the increase in ridership.
“BART is thrilled to see ridership steadily growing as we continue to make strides in enhancing the system’s overall safety, cleanliness, and customer experience,” said BART spokesperson Michelle Robertson in an email statement. “The ongoing increase in riders using our system is testament to the success of these efforts.”
The COVID-19 pandemic, changes to commuting patterns, and more individuals working remotely were factors that brought much of BART’s ridership to record lows in 2020. The agency has yet to return to its pre-2020 levels, but recent highs are a welcome sight for officials.
“We are also seeing ridership increase on nights and weekends as riders increasingly use BART for non-work trips to access local events and experiences,” said Robertson. “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.”
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If ridership were to remain at the same August levels for the remainder of the 2025-2026 fiscal year, officials predict a potential $26 million addition to their net fare revenues.
More riders on BART would be part of the solution to the estimated $350 budget deficit the agency is facing as soon as fiscal year 2027.
Some how I strongly doubt these numbers are accurate…BART the gift that just keeps on giving to the criminal enterprise in the Bay Area.
….. BART not deserving of the $750M Newsom handout again … ridership increasing, cut management salaries and bonuses, and negotiate realistic union contracts before they should get a dime of bailout money
It is good to see that Bart got overtime reduced, pay freezes, and more employee contribution towards retirement and medical while planning for decreases in revenue……Wait, what?……….They took no action to control costs and operating expenses have actually increased. They are going to seek additional taxes to support?………..Seems like they forgot how much anger there is from their employee’s held the hold bay area ransom during the last two strikes. Vote no on tax increases until real reform is made.
I have empathy…
no, more like sympathy
for people who have to rely on
BART to get them to work and
back safely and near schedule.
There would have to be a bar car.