The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors on Friday unanimously approved $10.3 million in funding to replace aging fare gates at BART stations in Daly City, Colma, Millbrae, San Bruno, and South San Francisco.
The replacement project is part of a $90 million system-wide effort to upgrade fare gates across the Bay Area.
The money was provided as a funding guarantee, as the San Mateo County Transit Agency is responsible for allocating funds to transportation projects within the county. However, the project’s contractor required notice by Monday, prompting supervisors to provide the guarantee upfront.
“BART plans to apply for a grant from SMCTA’s Measure W Regional Transit Connection Program to cover the cost,” the county said in a statement, referring to the 30-year half-cent sales tax approved in 2018. “If BART does not receive the grant, or if the grant is insufficient, the county will ask the cities to take a repayment plan proposal to their city councils.”
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Of its 50 stations, BART has completed fare gate upgrades at 25 locations since December 2023. An additional 17 stations are scheduled for upgrades this year, with work starting last month at Concord and El Cerrito.
“Ensuring a safe, efficient, and reliable transit system is essential for San Mateo County residents. By investing in modern fare gates, we are taking a proactive step to enhance security, reduce fare evasion, and improve the rider experience at our BART stations,” Board President David Canepa told this news organization in a text message. Canepa also serves on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. “This funding will help keep our county aligned with regional transit improvements, ensuring that our residents continue to benefit from a world-class transportation network.”
Despite previous years’ concerns regarding crime and safety on BART, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, recent data indicates a positive trend. BART’s year-end data for 2024, released Feb. 4, reports a 17% decrease in overall crime incidents from 2023, including an 11% drop in violent crimes and an 18% decrease in property crimes.
According to BART, the new fare gates will “bring a new look and improved experience, offering state-of-the-art technology that will boost safety by reducing fare evasion, enhancing access for people in wheelchairs and those who bring bikes and strollers on BART, and optimizing the reliability and maintenance needs of the fare gates.”
