B(ay) A(rea) R(apid) T(ransit) has lost nearly 10 million passengers on nights and weekends. Can it lure them back? [ed]

SF Chronicle ^ | February 12, 2020 | Rachel Swan

[C19fan]

BART has lost nearly 10 million night and weekend passengers in just four years at a time when the region is enthusiastically promoting a transit first philosophy.

Data from the four-county rail system shows the disconnect between Bay Area transportation habits and purported Bay Area values. Though trains continue to fill during rush hour, fewer people are riding BART to museums, parks or shopping centers.

[C19fan]

When homeless and drug addicts are using the system as shelter as places to shot up, I am not surprised people will avoid using the system unless forced to.

[Steely Tom]

Haven’t there been numerous incidents of human waste being left on seats and in the middle of the aisle?

[C19fan]

Different article same day:

BART passenger beaten with chain in unprovoked attack aboard train in Oakland https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/BART-passenger-beaten-with-chain-in-unprovoked-15051791.php

[Quality_Not_Quantity]

All I will say is, “Can you blame them? “

[Oldeconomybuyer]

BART used to be terrific. My kids commute from the East Bay to the city and say it’s now a s^hole. Literally.

[C19fan]

Waste, needles, etc.

[CatOwner]

Personal protection on just about any form of public transportation is non-existent.

[uranium penguin]

Maybe they need trains?
not
port-a- potties on rails?

[Erik Latranyi]

I am sure that they will conduct a “study” for $500,000 to determine the reason and propose solutions.

That “study” will be awarded to someone closely connected to a political leader.

[Kozak]

Also rampaging groups of Yutes. But nobody can speak of that.

[G Larry]

An armed society is a polite society.

If thugs suspected even 5% of riders were armed, we wouldn't have such problems.

Alas, no Californians with the clout to obtain a CCW would condecend to riding BART.

[SteveH]

bart is not safe for passengers
bart should allow concealed carry

also san francisco bay low density housing does not seem to be a good fit for rapid transit (rather, supports buses and electrified commuter rail)

[BBQToadRibs]

I used to ride Seattle’s downtown bus system circa 2000-2008. Peak morning work commute times were fine. Afternoon started to get sketchy. Past 8pm no sane person would want to ride. It was horrible then, I can imagine now.

[HamiltonJay]

With people literally being attacked or stabbed while waiting on platforms... What do you think is going to happen?

https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Violent-crime-on-BART-doubles-in-four-years-14039170.php

[uranium penguin]

” Alas, no Californians with the clout to obtain a CCW would condecend to riding BART.”

One of the FIRST rules of any lawful CCW. Is to NOT KNOWINGLY put yourself into a situation where you would NEED to use it.

Or, put even more simply.. You don’t strap on your ccw and then go LOOKING for trouble.

[Bob434]

[[That “study” will be awarded to someone closely connected to a political leader.]]

Awarded to hunter biden no doubt

[Buckeye McFrog]

BART platforms are likely covered in poop.

[sheehan]

BART very dangerous and scummy... definitely a no-go at night...

[econjack]

I visited there a few months ago after not being there for about a decade. I’ll never go back. People sleeping in doorways, human excrement everywhere, needles in the gutters. Hope the people of SF like being a sanctuary city, because I think tourists are going to start visiting somewhere else. I know I am.

[Zathras]

If its anything like the MAX in Portland, all the drug dealers ride MAX at night.