THREAD: The Bay Area is reopening. BART ridership is very slowly rising.
To welcome riders back and regain confidence in public transit, BART is taking the following 15 steps while continuing to explore new measures and technologies that could assist in a safe recovery.
To welcome riders back and regain confidence in public transit, BART is taking the following 15 steps while continuing to explore new measures and technologies that could assist in a safe recovery.
1⃣ Disinfecting trains and stations is BART's highest priority. BART continues to use hospital-grade disinfectant in stations and on-board trains. Train poles are wiped down with disinfectant at end-of-line. Crews use electrostatic foggers in cars which spray disinfecting mist.
2⃣ BART commits to running long trains all day so social distancing is achievable inside cars. Staff determined ~30 people per car allows 6-ft social distancing.
If ridership data show >30 riders per car consistently during peak hours, BART will add trains for 15-min headways.
If ridership data show >30 riders per car consistently during peak hours, BART will add trains for 15-min headways.
3⃣ BART currently runs 30-min weekday headways. As businesses allow for staggered shifts, BART will extend the hours of 15-minute frequencies.
Riders should expect a 9 pm closure for now. We are planning our budget in a way that will allow us to scale up recovery creates demand.
Riders should expect a 9 pm closure for now. We are planning our budget in a way that will allow us to scale up recovery creates demand.
4⃣ Fleet of the Future trains allow for modular seating. BART will pilot a new configuration of seats that could potentially help create space between riders.
BART is looking at ways to create as much space to allow riders to spread out as much as possible.
BART is looking at ways to create as much space to allow riders to spread out as much as possible.
5⃣ BART will continue to require face coverings at all times for all riders ages 13 and older. Children aged 2 or younger should not wear one due to risk of suffocation.
Even if the local counties ease the face covering mandate, BART plans to keep the face covering requirement.
Even if the local counties ease the face covering mandate, BART plans to keep the face covering requirement.
5⃣ BART is working to ease mask access for riders. Downtown SF station agent booths have limited # of extra masks. We’re also supplying BPD officers with extra masks to hand out if necessary.
Staff is exploring face mask vending machines inside stations.
Staff is exploring face mask vending machines inside stations.
6⃣ BART Police will enforce the face covering requirement and be positioned at fixed posts near the faregates at many of our stations. Police personnel will conduct more frequent fare checks to increase staff presence on-board trains and inside stations.
7⃣ Large decals, posters and banners are being printed and will soon be displayed throughout the system and on-board trains to reinforce social distancing expectations and the face covering requirement. BART does not plan to use standing markers on the platforms and on trains.
8⃣ BART will continue to offer hand sanitizer at every station. We are making large signs like this one, so the dispensers are easier to find.
9⃣ @BayAreaClipper allows for contactless payment. BART will speed up efforts to go Clipper-only at stations systemwide in the coming months.
BART is also speeding up efforts to expand the official BART app parking payment feature to all stations.
BART is also speeding up efforts to expand the official BART app parking payment feature to all stations.
🔟 Remember the personal hand straps? The personal hand straps are sturdy, easy-to-use and able to be cleaned after each trip.
A limited supply will be handed out inside stations to welcome riders back. Then they will be offered for sale for $5 plus tax.
A limited supply will be handed out inside stations to welcome riders back. Then they will be offered for sale for $5 plus tax.
1⃣1⃣ BART has continued to share daily ridership data on bart.gov/covid19 and will continue to do so.
Daily BART ridership remains around 90-92% below expected pre-COVID-19 May projections. But we are noticing a very tiny upward trend.
Daily BART ridership remains around 90-92% below expected pre-COVID-19 May projections. But we are noticing a very tiny upward trend.
1⃣1⃣ BART will soon share train car loading data based on the number of riders on a specific train and how on average those riders can spread out among the cars. This information is not available in real time, but we plan to communicate it in some form of frequency online.
1⃣2⃣ BART continues to explore new technologies used by peer transit systems in response to COVID-19. For example, BART is evaluating new cleaning procedures such as ultraviolet disinfecting piloted by NYC @MTA on safety, effectiveness, and efficiency.
1⃣3⃣ BART will encourage employers to allow for staggered shifts to help spread out the commute and avoid crowding during peak travel times. BART staff will also participate in virtual town halls with companies to answer questions about BART service and new safety measures.
1⃣4⃣ BART is working to keep its frontline employees safe. BART is supplying workers with PPE and supplies and offering COVID-19 testing to employees. Station Agents have been advised to stay inside booth to limit exposure. Work areas are being disinfected frequently.
1⃣5⃣ BART is using this time of record low ridership to accelerate infrastructure rebuilding projects facilitated by the extra work hours made available due to an earlier closing time. The increased level of work will shave off time on projects potentially disruptive to riders.
1⃣5⃣ For example, our cable replacement project in downtown San Francisco is exceeding pre-COVID-19 established timelines. Every six weeks BART works on the project beginning at 7 pm, six months of potential future Sunday single tracking are cut.
We understand the public is looking to us to provide reassurance that service is as safe as possible and social distancing is followed. We believe this plan help answer many of the concerns.
Lastly we want to thank all essential workers who have and continues to ride BART.
Lastly we want to thank all essential workers who have and continues to ride BART.
