BART Unveils New Design

BART is giving its board members and riders a glimpse into the future.

Staff members unveiled the initial designs for BART's new fleet of train cars at a board meeting on Wednesday. The presentation is available for download here.

The engineering firm hired by BART came up the proposed new train design after receiving input from almost 10,000 BART and transit riders in 2011.

The 10 key features of the new design are:

1. Split train capability
2. Three doors on each car to make getting on and off faster and easier
3. Energy efficiency improvements
4. Exterior digital displays showing route color and destination
5. Better passenger information — audio and visual
6. Noise and HVAC improvements
7. Easier to clean seats and floors
8. More handholds
9. More priority seating for seniors and people with disabilities
10. System to transmit BART info to hearing aids and cochlear implants

One aspect of the new design is a clearer signage for the bicycle area, which the East Bay Bicycle Coalition says is a good idea — but the group is hoping for additional changes like "leaning" areas for cyclists and other BART riders.

To see a video presentation of the design as well as get a project update and the latest cost estimates go to the BART website here. For full details on upgrade plans, visit BART's "Fleet of the Future" website.

What do you think of the new BART design? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts in our comments section.