BART facing station closures and more if it doesn't find funding soon, report finds

BART Faces Devastating Consequences If Funding Shortfall Isn't Addressed: Report Reveals.

BART, the Bay Area Rapid Transit system, has been warned that drastic measures will be taken if it fails to secure extra funding. A new report highlights what could happen if a crucial half-cent sales tax ballot measure fails in November. This measure would provide essential funding for BART, along with other regional transit agencies like Caltrain and MUNI.

The consequences of failure are dire, with 63% fewer trains running on the network. The Blue Line will be closed to Tri-valley stations, while service hours will be reduced, closing stations at 9 pm instead of midnight seven days a week. Furthermore, riders can expect a fare hike of 30% to 50%.

BART officials acknowledge that the proposed measure is not a bailout, but rather an investment in the region's transportation infrastructure. Alicia Trost, chief communications officer at BART, emphasized the importance of public awareness and education about the potential consequences.

The report also revealed the 10 lowest-ridership stations on the network, including Castro Valley, Oakland Airport, and San Bruno. If the measure fails, these stations may be recommended for closure.

Critics argue that this is not a bailout but rather decades-long investment in transit infrastructure. SPUR, a nonprofit public policy organization, emphasizes that reliable public transportation is essential for a modern, global economy.

The fate of BART hangs in the balance, with the proposal set to be voted on by the BART board at the end of February. Ultimately, it will be up to voters in November to decide whether to secure funding for the transit system.

OMG u guys! I'm literally freaking out about this news. The thought of having only 37% of trains running instead of 100% is just heartbreaking. Not to mention, all those stations being closed would be a total disaster for commuters who rely on BART. And let's not forget the fare hike... that's just cruel .

I think it's so important that we educate ourselves and others about the importance of public transportation. Like, how can we expect our economy to thrive if we don't have reliable ways to get around? It's a no-brainer. I'm definitely going to be spreading the word about this ballot measure and voting yes in November .

The whole thing is kinda worrying, you know? I mean, BART is already struggling with a lot, what with the rising costs and everything. And now this report comes out saying that if they don't get this funding, it's gonna be super bad news for commuters. Like, 63% fewer trains running? That's a huge deal. And the Blue Line being closed to Tri-valley stations? That's like a major pain point for people who rely on that line.

And let's not forget about the fare hike - 30% to 50%! That's just gonna be a nightmare for regular riders. I mean, I get it, BART needs funding, but this all feels so... drastic. Like, can't we just find a way to make some adjustments and cut costs or something? But no, it seems like they're really pushing for this big investment in infrastructure.

It's interesting that critics are saying this isn't a bailout, but rather an investment in the future. And I think that's true - reliable public transportation is super important for our economy and stuff. But still, it feels like we should be able to find ways to make things work without having to raise fares by 30% or more.

And then there are these 10 lowest-ridership stations... Castro Valley, Oakland Airport, San Bruno... those places might actually get closed if the measure fails. That's just crazy. I mean, can we really afford to lose those? It feels like BART is at a crossroads here - do they invest in themselves and risk losing some riders, or do they play it safe and try to find other ways to fund their operations?

Either way, it's gonna be super interesting to see what happens. The fate of BART really does hang in the balance...

OMG u guys! BART is literally facing a crisis if they don't get that extra funding lol! 63% fewer trains on the network? that's like, totally unacceptable and the Blue Line getting closed to Tri-valley stations? no way José I need my BART fix or else I'll be stuck in traffic forever

I'm all for public awareness and education tho like Alicia Trost is saying. we need to know what's at stake if the measure fails. And omg, the 10 lowest-ridership stations? closure is not an option Castro Valley? Oakland Airport? San Bruno? noooo!

I'm totes on team BART and I think we should invest in our transportation infrastructure for real. reliable public transportation is key to a modern economy let's get that funding in place ASAP

Ugh, can't believe this . If that ballot measure fails, it's gonna be a disaster! I mean, 63% fewer trains? That's like, what's the point of even having BART if you're only gonna have like 2 trains running at a time? It's like they're just gonna leave people stranded all over the Bay Area. And a 30-50% fare hike? Forget about it! My wallet can't take that kinda hit.

I feel for Alicia Trost and everyone else who's trying to make this work, but we need to raise awareness about this ASAP . If those lowest-ridership stations get closed, it'll just be another example of how BART doesn't care about the people who actually use their service. I'm voting for that measure, for sure!

the more i think about bart's situation, the more it seems like we're playing a game of transportation roulette . 63% fewer trains? that's not just inconvenient, that's basically crippling . and let's be real, who wants to ride from castro valley or oakland airport at 9 pm when the whole city is still up . it's all about prioritizing the people who use the service most, but what about the ones who rely on bart for their livelihoods? it's like we're putting the cart before the horse . and honestly, a 30-50% fare hike isn't exactly what i'd call reasonable either . fingers crossed that voters come together to secure funding in november

OMG, have you seen this?! So like, BART is basically on life support if they don't get that extra funding soon. I mean, 63% fewer trains running? That's a major bummer! And those proposed closures? Not cool at all. Like, Castro Valley and Oakland Airport stations are already super low-ridership, it's not like they're essential to the system.

I'm totally with SPUR on this one though - reliable public transportation is key for a modern economy. Think about it, how many cities have seen their economies boom because of good public transport? It's all about investing in our infrastructure, you know?

The thing that's really got me thinking is how much this affects the people who rely on BART every day. I mean, they're not just talking about trains and stations here, it's about people's livelihoods. So yeah, let's get out there and vote for that funding measure in November!

Ugh, can you imagine having to take the train and having a 30% hike in fares?! I have two kids under 10 and they love using BART to get around the city with their grandparents. If the funding falls through, it's going to be such a hassle for them. And what about all the commuters who rely on that train system? It's not just about the ridership numbers, it's about the people who need reliable transportation. I'm crossing my fingers that voters will come together and make sure BART gets the funding it needs!

I'm really worried about the future of BART ... if they can't raise that half-cent sales tax, I mean, 63% fewer trains? That's crazy! They're gonna have to close some stations and cut hours on the Blue Line? It's just not right . And a 30-50% fare hike? That's just not fair to regular riders who rely on BART to get around the Bay Area.

I think it's cool that BART officials are trying to educate people about the importance of funding, but I don't think they're doing enough . They need to make sure everyone knows how this will affect their daily commute. And it's not just about BART - reliable public transportation is key for our economy and quality of life.

I'm gonna be keeping an eye on this situation... my fingers are crossed that the voters in November step up and support BART . We need to invest in our transit system, or we'll be stuck in traffic forever !

omg u guys 4real, like BART is literally trying to warn us that if they don't get more funds they're gonna have to make some crazy changes ! 63% fewer trains running? yeah no thanks... but i feel like ppl r being too harsh on this half-cent sales tax thing. it's not a bailout, it's just an investment in our transportation infrastructure . and can we pls talk about how many ppl use those lower-ridership stations anyway ? it's not like Castro Valley is gonna be abandoned or anything . SPUR's got a point tho, reliable public transportation is key to keepin' up with the times . so let's all just chill and vote for that ballot measure in Nov, 'kay?

omg, can you even imagine having to take public transportation and finding out that like 9 pm is now the cut-off hour ? i mean, i get it, funding is a big issue but this is like soooo drastic... 63% fewer trains running on the network?!?! that's just crazy! what if you're working late or traveling late at night and can't catch a train anymore?

and the stations that are gonna be closed?!?! castro valley, oakland airport, san bruco... those are like hubs for so many people i feel bad for all the commuters who rely on those routes. anywayz, it's like totally up to the voters now to decide whether or not we wanna save bart

Ugh, can you believe what's happening to our Bay Area? I'm getting a little anxious thinking about those trains running 63% fewer... it's like our region is saying "no" to progress and growth. I mean, I get it, we've got to be responsible with our money, but this feels so short-sighted.

I'm all for being frugal, but come on! We need reliable public transportation to stay competitive in the global economy. And those 10 lowest-ridership stations? Closing them would be a disaster for local communities. It's like we're putting a price tag on people's lives and livelihoods.

I'm hoping people will wake up and realize that this isn't just about BART, it's about our region's future. We need to invest in ourselves, not just slash services.

I'm getting anxious just thinking about what's gonna happen if that ballot measure fails . I mean, 63% fewer trains running? That's like, what even is BART without those trains?! And the Blue Line closed to Tri-valley stations? How are people in that area gonna get to work or school?! It's not just about the money, it's about the future of our region. We need reliable public transportation if we wanna stay competitive in this global economy .

And can we talk about how some of those stations are already low-ridership areas? Castro Valley and Oakland Airport? Like, they're not exactly crowded . But still, closing them would be a big hit to the community. It's like, we gotta think about the people who use these services, not just the ones who ride the trains all the time .

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that voters step up and support this measure in November . We can't let BART fall apart !

I'm kinda surprised they're saying drastic measures if the funding doesn't come through . Like, aren't we already talking about cutting services and closing stations? Can't we just try to find a way to make it work? They're like "oh no, if this measure fails" instead of being all "we can do this with some compromise!" What's the deal with that?

omg, can u believe the consequences if they don't get that funding?! like, 63% fewer trains would be crazy! and a 30-50% fare hike? that's insane! i feel for the people who rely on BART every day... Castro Valley, Oakland Airport, and San Bruno are already struggling with low ridership. closure of those stations would be devastating.

i think it's true what critics say, though - we need reliable public transportation to stay competitive in today's economy. and it's not just about the people who use BART, but also about the businesses that depend on it too

anyway, i'm rooting for the funding measure to pass! fingers crossed

I'm so worried about BART right now . I use that train all the time and the thought of fewer trains running is just crazy! 63% fewer trains? That's a huge hit to commuters like me who rely on it daily . A 30-50% fare hike doesn't even sound too bad compared to what we're looking at with less services... I'm not sure how much more of that I can take .

I think it's all about priorities - if we want a modern economy, we need reliable public transportation. That's what SPUR is saying and it makes sense to me. It's not just about BART though, it's about the whole Bay Area . We're talking about Castro Valley, Oakland Airport, San Bruno... those stations are essential too.

I'm keeping an eye on this proposal and hoping that voters will come out in support of extra funding for BART . It's going to be a tough ask but I think it's one we need to make. Fingers crossed!

Man this BART thing is super worrying! If they don't get that funding, it's gonna be a total disaster 63% fewer trains? That's like, half the service! And closing stations and raising fares? No thanks . I feel for the people who rely on that system for their daily commute.

I'm all for investing in public transportation, but come on, can't they do it without screwing over regular riders? It's like, they're trying to say this is an investment, but what about us everyday people who are gonna be paying more and dealing with less service?

I'm keeping an eye on the board meeting in Feb, hoping they can get some clarity on what's gonna happen if that measure fails . And November can't come soon enough so we can just vote it into existence already!

BART's future is literally 'on the tracks' if this funding measure fails... 63% fewer trains? 50% fare hike? That's just too steep a price to pay!

I'm so worried about BART ! If that ballot measure fails, I can imagine commuters getting really frustrated with reduced train frequencies and longer wait times . And a 30-50% fare hike? That's just brutal . The report showing the 10 lowest-ridership stations being considered for closure is super concerning too . Castro Valley, Oakland Airport... I hope they can come up with alternative solutions to keep those stations open .

On a positive note, I love how everyone's coming together to emphasize the importance of reliable public transportation . It's true that investing in our transit infrastructure is crucial for a thriving economy and modern society . Fingers crossed that voters will come through with the funding needed to save BART .

OMG I don't know man... like, 63% fewer trains running on the network? That's crazy! But at the same time, like, we can't just ignore the fact that BART is literally dying over here . They need that funding to keep things afloat. Like, what if they close stations and people have nowhere to go? And a 30-50% fare hike? That's gonna hit low-income riders hard, you feel? But on the other hand, like, we can't just throw money at the problem without thinking about the bigger picture, right? It's all so... complicated . I mean, what's the ideal solution here?