September BART Ridership Soars: How Do You Deal with Packed Trains and Parking Lots?

Only two weeks in, September was has proved to be a landmark month for the Bay Area's most recognized brand of public transportation.

The Bay Area Rapid Transit District pushed past the 400,000-plus weekday ridership milestone for three days in September. On Monday, more than 415,000 people rode BART, according to a report released by the district Thursday. The release said nine of BART’s top 20 ridership days have been recorded in 2012.

“Record ridership is great for the Bay Area.  It helps improve the environment and mobility throughout the region and the increased revenue will help us re-invest in our system,” said BART General Manager Grace Crunican.  “At 40 years old, BART is carrying more people than ever.  We have 410 more trains on order and they can’t get here fast enough.  In the meantime, we’ve added four extra trains in each direction on our busy Millbrae to Richmond line each weeknight.”

In the recent past, a major event such as the Bay Bridge Closure or the Giants World Series parade spiked BART usage, bringing ridership up to around 400,000 in one day. Roughly 400,000 riders on a single weekday is becoming the new norm, according to the release.

How to Deal with Packed Trains

An increase in BART riders brings complications. Here is a list of tips from BART on how to maximize on personal space while riding the train:

•  Move past the center platform. Cars at either end of the train are generally less crowded.
• If possible, travel outside the busiest commute hours (7:30 to 9 a.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m.).
•  After entering the train car, move away from the door and move down the aisle to create more room.
•  Remove backpacks or big bags and hold them or place them between your legs.
•  When standing near the doors, step out to the platform for a moment to free space for those trying to exit the train.
•   And, simply, be considerate of your fellow passengers.

What About BART Parking?

Bart officials have tips on how to make the best of your ride once on the train, but what about parking at the BART station? More riders could also mean more drivers, who leave their cars at a BART station parking lot before boarding the train. Help out your fellow riders and share your tips on how to navigate the BART parking lots. Patch would especially like to hear about experiences with El Cerrito, North Berkeley and Ashby BART station parking lots.

A Bit of Trivia: BART's Top Ten Weekday Ridership Days

Rank

Date

Ridership

Events

1

11/3/10

522,198

Giants' World Series Victory Parade; Warriors vs. Memphis

2

10/29/09

442,067

Emergency Bay Bridge Closure

3

10/30/09

437,693

Emergency Bay Bridge Closure

4

10/28/09

437,180

Emergency Bay Bridge Closure; Warriors vs. Houston

5

9/10/12

415,961

Raiders vs. San Diego

6

9/8/08

405,393

Raiders vs. Denver; Giants vs. Arizona

7

9/7/12

404,281

Giants vs. LA Dodgers

8

10/13/11

400,907

Cal vs. USC

9

9/5/12

400,628

A's vs. LA Angels; Giants vs. Arizona

10

9/6/12

399,597

No special events