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BART presentation: crime down, new fare gates and a looming fiscal cliff if pandemic aid runs out
Summary
A BART representative told the Albany City Council that station safety tactics and new trains have reduced crime and delays, new fare gates are being deployed, and the system faces a large budget shortfall in a few years if state and federal pandemic-era aid diminishes.
A Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) representative told the Albany City Council on Dec. 2 that the transit agency has bolstered safety and cleaning efforts, rolled out new trains and is installing next‑generation fare gates, but warned of a “fiscal cliff” in coming years if pandemic aid and state/federal assistance taper off.
What BART presented: Henry Simons, BART principal for government and community relations covering northern Alameda County, said BART’s “safe and clean” program increased visible police presence, deployed crisis‑intervention specialists and doubled the deep cleaning rate for train cars. Simons said crime has fallen by about 15 percent in the system and riders reporting seeing police increased by a third. He also said BART will install roughly 700 new fare gates across 50 stations by the end of 2025, upgrades intended to reduce fare evasion and improve accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers.
Affordability and regional discounts: Simons described regional discount work with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), including a transfer discount under CLIPR2 (Clipr 2 referenced in the presentation) and a program called Bay Pass, which partners with employers to subsidize transit for employees.
Fiscal outlook: Simons warned that BART historically relied heavily on fares and that during the pandemic the agency received substantial state and federal assistance. He said those funds begin to run out in fiscal years 2026–2027 and that, absent a stable funding source, BART could face service cuts that would be “catastrophic” for the region: less frequent service, earlier system closures and eliminated lines. He emphasized the agency’s high fixed costs and said steep operating‑cost reductions would require proportionally larger service reductions.
Local concerns and follow up: Council members asked about noise mitigation near tracks, the purpose of sound‑barrier retrofits, and funding sources that make up BART’s non‑fare revenue. Simons said some barrier retrofits were focused on seismic rehabilitation rather than increased sound attenuation and agreed to follow up about track‑grinding particulate concerns raised by a resident. He also said the non‑fare revenue mix includes local sales taxes, greenhouse gas reduction funds, federal funds and other sources.
Ending: Council members expressed concern about potential cascading effects on local roads and air quality if BART service were sharply reduced and discussed automation and other long‑term options as part of future conversations. BART representatives said they will continue outreach to local jurisdictions and work on regional affordability programs.
