BART ridership surges to post-pandemic highs, but looming budget crisis threatens service cuts
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- BART is continuing to set post-pandemic ridership records, with more than 200,000 riders using the system each weekday last week, even as officials warn of major financial challenges and possible service reductions if a proposed sales tax measure fails in November.
Long lines formed Sunday along San Francisco's Market Street as riders waited to board trains, reflecting what BART officials describe as a recent surge in usage.
"We have definitely seen a noticeable increase in just the past two weeks," said Alicia Trost, BART's chief communications officer.
Trost said ridership exceeded 200,000 passengers every weekday last week and topped 250,000 riders on Tuesday, levels not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall ridership is up 13% from a year ago, according to BART. Weekday ridership has increased 12%, while Saturday ridership is up 19% and Sunday ridership has risen 14%.
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"But reminder, we used to be at 400,000, so we're still not where we need to be," Trost said. "because what we know, with remote work basically, the folks that came five days a week, they're only riding us two days a week now."
Despite the gains, BART ridership remains at about half of pre-pandemic levels.
Riders interviewed by ABC7 said their recent experiences on the system have been positive.
"Having the new trains help out. More comfort, more space for people to stand around. I haven't really noticed too much trouble myself to be honest," said Jose Aguirre, an East Bay resident.
"Why drive? It's the best," said BART rider Laurie Rusk.
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At the same time, BART faces a $300 million budget deficit. The agency has warned of potential service cuts and station closures if a proposed 14-year sales tax measure, Measure RTM, does not pass in November.
When asked whether she would support the measure, Rusk said, "I haven't read the pros and cons of it yet."
Another rider, Raj Wali, expressed skepticism about raising taxes to support the transit system.
"Exactly!" Wali said when asked whether he supported maintaining BART services but opposed additional taxes.
Others argued that transit funding remains critical.
"You see all the people coming from work, all those people need BART. You already see how the trains are now, we need to fund transit. We need to save them!" said Elian Toro, a frequent BART rider.
BART officials said large events such as Fleet Week, conferences and athletic competitions have helped drive recent ridership increases. They also pointed to return-to-office policies, higher gas prices and improved rider experiences as possible factors behind recent weekday spikes.
Officials added that new fare gates may also be contributing to rising official ridership numbers and improved safety metrics by making it more difficult for people to enter the system without paying.
