The Bay Area Council Group, comprised of local business leaders, is urging the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to hasten the installation of security gates at its 50 stations. The call to action comes in response to data from a recent poll indicating that potential riders are avoiding the transit system due to safety concerns.
BART currently plans to complete the gate installation by 2026. However, the Council deems this timeline unacceptable and is calling for expedited action. “We believe there is an urgency and BART needs to do whatever it can to accelerate the project and help keep unwanted elements out,” said Council spokesperson, Rufus Jeffries.
The Council’s May survey suggested that safety concerns are the primary reason riders have not returned to BART in larger numbers, asserting that fare gates could address these concerns and increase revenue for enhanced security measures.
BART spokesperson Jim Allison responded to the Council’s push, stating, “We are putting in gates, but we will not cut corners to do so to appease someone else’s timeline.” Allison also mentioned that increased police presence and ambassadors are already in place to improve safety. He confirmed that the installation of gates at the West Oakland station will be completed by the end of the year.
This situation underscores the importance of balancing safety measures with operational efficiency in public transportation, and the critical role of community advocacy in driving change.