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BART Keeps Improving

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If you haven’t ridden BART in a while, you might not be aware of the changes they’ve made to improve the customer experience and increase ridership. Riders are fans of the improvements – overall ridership is up more than 9% over 2023 and BART’s most recent customer satisfaction rating was 81%.

BART has made improvements in a variety of areas, including cleanliness, safety, accessibility, and reliability. Here’s a snapshot of what they’ve done:

Cleaning and Safety

In fall 2023, BART launched its Safe and Clean Plan to keep trains cleaner, make sure riders feel safe, and provide exceptional service. BART doubled the rate of deep cleaning on train cars, retired all older trains, and added nearly 66% more cleaning crews. They also installed LED lighting on platforms and in parking facilities to eliminate dark corners, and staffed station restrooms at high-volume stations with attendants, to guarantee cleanliness and safety.

BART also doubled the presence of BART Police officers throughout the system and allocated more of their time to riding the trains. The increased patrols have already helped deter crime, aid in apprehending suspects, and enforce the BART Code of Conduct. The number of trains delayed by unwanted behavior dropped nearly 40% from May to October 2023, and more riders than ever say they are seeing BART PD on their trips.

BART also uses unarmed Crisis Intervention Specialists, Ambassadors, and Fare Inspectors for additional patrols. As a result, 7% of calls have been diverted from police to an employee with training in social work.

Fleet of the Future Trains for All Trips

In September 2023, BART began running Fleet of the Future trains exclusively as part of their reimagined schedule. The change means an upgrade to the rider experience and greatly improved on-time performance, since the new trains are much more reliable than legacy trains.

The implementation of BART’s reimagined schedule delivered a number of other benefits. In addition to a 50% increase in evening service, the wait time between trains became 20 minutes or less – no matter the hour of the day or day of the week. Service on the Yellow Line, BART’s busiest weekday line, also increased from trains every 15 minutes to every 10 minutes from Pittsburg/Bay Point Station.

Clipper-Only Fare Payment

In December, BART completed the move to a Clipper-only fare payment system. Clipper is accepted by all Bay Area transit agencies, and many of them offer discounted fares for using Clipper. The ‘tag in, tag out’ system allows riders to move through fare gates faster than the old paper tickets, plus riders can set up their Clipper card account to reload automatically.

One of the biggest advantages in BART moving to Clipper-only is the ability to efficiently provide discounted fares to qualifying riders based on age, income, and disability. Clipper offers Youth, Senior, RTC, and START cards. The Clipper START card provides low-income riders 50% off single-ride transit fares throughout the Bay Area.

Improved Fare Gates

BART has begun the process of installing brand-new fare gates systemwide. The first prototype gates have already gone into service at West Oakland station, and Richmond and Antioch stations will receive new fare gates in summer 2024. The new gates offer a variety of benefits:

  • Accessibility – Gates can detect wheelchair users and those with luggage, strollers, or bikes to ensure they get through with ease. LED lighting assists visually impaired riders.
  • Safety – The new fare gates have tall swing barriers, making them more difficult to push through, jump over, or climb under.
  • Expanded Payment Compatibility – The new gates will be compatible with the next generation of Clipper, which will allow payment by debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

Try Riding BART with a Free $25 Clipper Card

With all the improvements to the system, it’s worth taking a ride on BART. And if you currently commute by driving alone, you can try it for free. Just request a complimentary $25 Clipper card through 511 Contra Costa’s Try Transit program. The offer is available to commuters 18+ who live or work in Contra Costa County.

BikeLink Lockers Offer Secure Public Bike Parking

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Leaving your bike locked on the street or at transit stops can be stressful. That’s why BikeLink built a network of secure public electronic bike lockers and group parking locations. Not only are they easy to use, but they cost just pennies an hour. You pay for bike parking with either a BikeLink card or the BikeLink app, depending on location. And they’re conveniently located – you’ll find them at all Bay Area BART, Capitol Corridor, and Amtrak stations, as well as other popular destinations.

Map of BikeLink Locker and Group Parking Locations
BikeLink E-Locker Features

BikeLink’s e-lockers make it easy to relax when you’re away from your bike. The fully-enclosed lockers feature all-steel construction and are designed specifically to resist prying and cutting. The locker door springs even make them self-closing, so you don’t accidentally leave your bike unsecured.

While the list of security features on BikeLink’s standard e-lockers is already impressive, they have started installing next-generation e-lockers which also feature vibration sensors, a keypad, an interior camera (to enable remote monitoring), and app-based access. The Shadelands Business Center in Walnut Creek features two of these new high-tech e-lockers. Located in the Del Monte parking lot, they offer parking for up to four bikes. (Note: To use the new lockers you’ll need to download the BikeLink app.)

Features on BikeLink’s next-generation e-lockers
Bike Stations

For areas which see a large amount of commuter traffic, there are even indoor group parking locations called “bike stations” which offer 24-hour controlled BikeLink access. Bike stations are located in or close to BART stations, and Contra Costa has one at Pleasant Hill BART station. There are also two in San Francisco, at Embarcadero and Civic Center BART stations.

How to Find BikeLink Bike Parking

BikeLink’s map makes it easy to locate e-lockers and bike stations. Most are accessed with a pre-paid BikeLink card which you can get at bike stations, Capitol Corridor, some bike shops, and online at BikeLink.org. Some, like the new e-lockers at Shadelands in Walnut Creek, require the BikeLink app.

Secure Your Cycle: Request a $20 BikeLink Card

Even if your ‘home’ BikeLink parking station uses the BikeLink app, you might want to expand your options by getting a BikeLink card. The vast majority of their lockers still use a BikeLink card, so having one lets you take advantage of easy, secure bike parking when you’re on the go.

If you’d like to try biking to work, you can request a free pre-loaded $20 BikeLink card through our Secure Your Cycle promotion. $20 is the equivalent of 400 hours of BikeLink bike parking, so it’s a great deal. If you’re 18+, live or work in Contra Costa, and want to reduce your car trips for commuting, see if you qualify and apply.

Apply for a $20 BikeLink Card

Free Valet Bike Parking at Pleasant Hill Farmers' Market: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015

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511cc Bike Valet Farmers' Market
Valet park your bike at the Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market on Saturday, October 3, and you’ll be entered to win $20 in Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association “Carrot Cash”!
Roll in, leave your bike with the 511CC bike valet staff and they’ll give you a claim check for your bicycle and keep it safe while you shop.
The new bike valet service is a joint effort between 511CC and Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association to encourage patrons to choose cycling as their way to get to and from the Market.

Stay Alert & Drive Safely: Warmer Weather Means More Vehicles on Roads

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California Highway Patrol patchThe California Highway Patrol, Golden Gate Division is reminding motorists to keep their attention focused on the road as the weather warms. Over the final – and warmest – weekend in March, five people lost their lives in fatal traffic accidents which could have been avoided.
“Safety on our Bay Area roadways is everyone’s responsibility,” said Chief Avery Browne. “We’re calling upon all motorists to watch their speed, to drive safely, and to avoid distractions behind the wheel.”
The warmer weather in April and May will mean more vehicles on the road, increasing the need for drivers to be aware of the presence and behavior of other road users. The CHP is asking for your help to make April free of fatalities on Bay Area roadways!

Walnut Creek Intermediate School: Bike & Roll to School – April 28, 2015

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WCI_HallWalnut Creek Intermediate School parents & students, it’s time to get ready to Bike and Roll to School!
As a lead-up to National Bike to School Day on May 6, Street Smarts Diablo is teaming up with Contra Costa middle schools for a series of individual Bike & Roll to School events. On April 28, Walnut Creek Intermediate School students will be accepting the challenge to get to school on wheels by riding their bikes, skateboards and scooters!
To celebrate the challenge, Street Smarts Diablo will have some free helmets on hand to provide to Walnut Creek Intermediate School students who arrive to school with wheels and need a properly fitting helmet. Parents are welcome to bring students’ bikes to school by car, so that any child starting the day without a helmet can get to school and roll home safely.
Motorists are reminded to drive with extra care and be especially aware of school zone speed limits and children walking and biking to and from school on Tuesday, April 28, particularly around the vicinity of Walnut Creek Intermediate School (Ygnacio Valley Rd, N Civic Dr, Walnut Blvd, Homestead Ave and surrounding streets).

Senior Drivers: Ways to Improve Your Driving Safety

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As we get older, physical changes occur which can impact our safety behind the wheel. The good news is there are steps we can take to remain safer drivers even as we age. Thanks to the Pleasant Hill Commission on Aging, here are some helpful suggestions for senior drivers. If you’re not a senior driver but have a parent or friend who is, consider sharing these suggestions with them:

1. VISION – 90% of the information you use while driving is visual. This makes it important to:
•Adjust mirrors properly before you start to drive.
•Check your rearview mirror every 10-20 seconds.
•Turn and look over your shoulder when changing lanes.
•Avoid night driving.
2. MEMORY and ATTENTION – Eliminating distractions that take your eyes or mind off the road is useful at any age. To improve your focus and reduce distractions:
•Put your sunglasses where you can easily reach them.
•Know where you are going before you start.
•Turn the radio off and keep conversations to a minimum.
•Drive on familiar roads to reduce stress.
hikingpoles3. STRENGTH & ENDURANCE – Regular exercise helps lower the incidence of memory loss and physical disability:
•Continue the exercise habit; take regular walks.
•Contact the Senior Center, YMCA, or Recreation & Park District about exercise options.
•Get plenty of sleep and rest.
•Ask your health care provider about any health concerns before starting your routine.
4. STAY INFORMED ON HEALTH CONDITIONS & MEDICATION CHANGES
•Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side-effects or negative drug interactions that may affect your driving.
•Be sure you know how you react to a medication before getting behind the wheel.
5. CHECK OUT YOUR CAR – The safer your vehicle, the safer you are on the road. Plus, not having to worry about the reliability of your car reduces your stress while driving:
•Maintain the correct fluid levels and air pressure in the tires.
•Promptly repair any damage that could influence driving safety (e.g. cracked windshield, broken mirror, burned out light).
•Participate in a CarFit event (the next one is May 2 in Pleasant Hill).
 
Images courtesy National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Institutes of Health