Cognizant
June 2nd, 2012, 03:09 PM
Bay Area Rapid Transit.... a riders guide
Since I love BART, and know so much about it, I thought i'd make a thread about it. This'll cover history on the system, Popular stations, the different lines, and other information I feel is important to first time riders of the BART system. I hope this helps, and enjoy your ride :)
http://bigandsharp.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/500px-Bart-logo.svg_.png
A brief history on BART
Operation for Bay Area Rapid Transit began on September 11, 1972, but the concept of the BART was around for much longer. The idea behind BART was to connect the different areas of the bay together by rail, for fast and quick transportation throughout the city.
BART is also one of the first, computer controlled, rail/metro systems in the country. The computer and data, transmitted along with power to the train through the third rail controls track switching, train speed, and where the train is on the system, and which line it's serving.
It's also the first rail system in the country to not use traditional tracks. The tracks are much wider, and do not use a ballast. For that reason, all parts must be custom built to service BART equipment.
Train speed on average is 35 MPH (or 56 KMH), though it can reach speeds up to 80 MPH (128 KM/H) on various parts of the system, such as the transbay tube which takes you under the Bay connecting San Francisco and Oakland.
Lines
http://www.bart.gov/images/global/system-map29.gif
There are 5 lines on the BART system. They are the Pittsburg/Baypoint - SFO/Millbrae (Yellow) line, Richmond - Daily City/Millbrae (Red) Line, Fremont - Daily City (Green) Line, Dublin/Pleasanton - Daily City (Blue) line, and the Richmond/Fremont (Orange) line. Locally, they aren't called by the color of the line, but the name of the line itself. For example, a train headed on the yellow line for SFO Airport would be called "SFO/Millbrae Train", by the computer, or "Pittsburg/Baypoint train if going the other direction".
The most popular line is the Pittsburg/Baypoint - SFO/Millbrae line. It's the longest line in the system, with 26 stations between Millbrae and Bay Point.
Popular Stations
In this section, I'll be talking about some of the popular stations and areas it, and any other information you might need to know.
Millbrae
Accessed by: Pts.Bay Point and Richmond
Other transit connections: CalTrain: Limited Stop, Baby bullet, Local Service,
SamTrans: 359, 390, 391, and 397.
About: Millbrae is not far from the Airport, and has some of the highest rated schools in California. Check out the Millbrae Pancake house for good pancakes and tasty sandwiches!
SFO International Airport
Accessed by: Pts.Bay Point
Other transit connections: AirTrain to other terminals
About: One of the busiest international Airports, SFO provides quick access to the city through Cabs and the BART.
Balboa Park Transfer Station
Accessed by: Pts.Bay Point, Richmond, Dubln/Plsntn, and Frmnt/Daily City
Other transit connections: 8X Bayshore Express, 8BX Bayshore "B" Express, 29 Sunset, 43 Masonic, 49 Van Ness-Mission, 54 Felton, 88 BART Shuttle, Brisbane Shuttle, Red Brisbane-Bayshore Caltrain
About: With many MUNI connections and all Transbay lines serving this station, it makes it quite busy for commuters.
Civic Center/ UN Plaza Metro Station
Accessed by: Pts.Bay Point, Richmond, Dubln/Plsntn, and Frmnt/Daily City
Other transit connections: Muni Metro: J,K,L,M,N,S,T. Muni Bus: F Market, AC Transit, and Golden Gate Transit (lines unknown)
About: In the middle of the business district, it's not hard to find skyscrapers in this area. Moscone Center is not far away! I'm also calling it a metro station, because not only does it have the BART metro, but the Muni Metro as well.
Embarcadero Metro Station
Accessed by: Pts.Bay Point, Richmond, Dubln/Plsntn, and Frmnt/Daily City
Other transit connections: Muni metro J K L M N S T
Muni Bus: F Market & Wharves
California cable car
About: Located near the embarcadero (Waterline of SF), Many shops and piers exist here, including the famous Pier 39. Take the Muni F Market, or just walk to get some awesome seafood!
19th Street / Oakland
Accessed by: Richmond/Frmnt ,Pts.Bay Point , and Richmond/Millbrae
Other transit connections: TBA
About: TBA
Boarding/Riding BART
Riding the BART for the first time can be confusing, I know. Hopefully this helps
1. Go to the ticket machine, and insert the proper amount of money. Do note that BART does NOT use fare zones, but instead calculate fare between point A and point B. Go to http://www.bart.gov/tickets/calculator/index.aspx If you want to calculate before hand.
2. Press "Print ticket". Your ticket will be printed. Do not store this ticket near electronic devices!!! It will deem the card unusuable.
3. Go to the turnstiles. They are a bit funny. Look for a green arrow on one of the ticket machines for your platform. Insert the ticket into the slot in the direction saying "This side up".
4. You'll notice, that it pops up at the next slot. Remove the ticket from that slot, and the gates should open, and you may proceed to your platform.
* If the gates don't open, or the Gate beeps and doesn't let you through, the card may have become deactivated, invalid balance, or so on. Talk to a ticket agent if you need help.
5. Wait for the train on your platform. The station's computers say only the line the train is on, how many cars are on the train (most to SFO are 10), and if bikes are allowed. For example, if I want to get to Daily city through the Yellow line, i'd wait to hear the computer to say "Pittsburg Baypoint train in 2 minutes" ,or "10 Car Pittsburg Baypoint train now arriving: Platform 1". Not, the other direction.
6. When your train comes to the platform, the doors will line up at the black markers on the ground. Ettiquite dictates that you stand to the side to let passengers on the train to disembark.
7. If you want to double check that this is your train, at this time the computer would say the train line, car number, and now boarding on platform _. (eg. "10 Car San Francisco International Airport train now boarding: Platform 2). The T.O may also say that through the intercom.
8. Board the train.
9. The train operator will call out the stops throughout the journey. It can get noisy in some parts, so if you can't hear him, there are signs at the station platforms.
10. Once you get to your station, exit the train, head up to the fare gates, and just like when entering the platform, you need to re-insert the ticket, take it out of the second slot, then exit.
*If again, the machine beeps, look at the LCD before removing your ticket. If it says you need to add fare, go to the "AddFare" machine, to either pay off or add extra fare to your ticket. If you have multiple tickets, the AddFare is broken, or for whatever reason you can't use the machine, ask the Station Agent for assistance.
If you are going to be using the BART system a lot, I recommend prining a high-value ticket (A BART ticket can store up to $60), or get a Clipper Card. Clipper works on other transit systems, such as Muni, Muni Metro, AC Transit, CalTrain, SF Ferry, and VTA Bus and Light Rail. They are electronic cards that work like debit cards, except you tap instead of swipe.
Clipper
Currently, you can't purchase Clipper cards on BART stations. You can, however, online or at other Clipper supported transit services (such as Muni metro). You can, however, add value at any time using the ticket or AddFare machines on BART stations. Here is how to use Clipper on BART, and Muni (since many will use Muni to get to other parts of SF as well):
BART:
1. Go up to the Faregates, and find one that has a green circle and arrow.
2. Find the circular disc located on top of the fare gate machine, this is where you tap clipper card.
3. Tap clipper card onto the circle. If it works, the gates should open and the LCD should just simply say "OK!" If the gates don't open, or the LCD shows an error, try again, or get assistance from a Station Agent.
4. Go down to the platforms and board your train.
5. When you arrive at your stop, go up to the fare gates and repeat the same process for entering. The LCD should say "OK!", and the balance subtracted.
MUNI: If you are entering Muni Metro, the process is remarkably similar:
1. Approach the faregates, and find one that has a green LCD arrow.
2. Find the circular disc located on front of the fare gate machine, this is where you tap the clipper card.
3. Tap the clipper card onto the circle. If this works, the gates should open. If not, the LCD will change to a red X. Try again, or ask for assistance.
4. When boarding your train, you must tap the clipper to the dispenser-looking clipper machine again. This applies to Muni buses and all other transit systems as well.
If it works, the machine should beep once. If not, It should make 3 beeps. Try again or ask the bus/train operator for assistance.
Well, that's all I have for now. I hope this has made your voyage around BART and the Bay Area a little more easier, and have a nice time riding BART! :)
Since I love BART, and know so much about it, I thought i'd make a thread about it. This'll cover history on the system, Popular stations, the different lines, and other information I feel is important to first time riders of the BART system. I hope this helps, and enjoy your ride :)
http://bigandsharp.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/500px-Bart-logo.svg_.png
A brief history on BART
Operation for Bay Area Rapid Transit began on September 11, 1972, but the concept of the BART was around for much longer. The idea behind BART was to connect the different areas of the bay together by rail, for fast and quick transportation throughout the city.
BART is also one of the first, computer controlled, rail/metro systems in the country. The computer and data, transmitted along with power to the train through the third rail controls track switching, train speed, and where the train is on the system, and which line it's serving.
It's also the first rail system in the country to not use traditional tracks. The tracks are much wider, and do not use a ballast. For that reason, all parts must be custom built to service BART equipment.
Train speed on average is 35 MPH (or 56 KMH), though it can reach speeds up to 80 MPH (128 KM/H) on various parts of the system, such as the transbay tube which takes you under the Bay connecting San Francisco and Oakland.
Lines
http://www.bart.gov/images/global/system-map29.gif
There are 5 lines on the BART system. They are the Pittsburg/Baypoint - SFO/Millbrae (Yellow) line, Richmond - Daily City/Millbrae (Red) Line, Fremont - Daily City (Green) Line, Dublin/Pleasanton - Daily City (Blue) line, and the Richmond/Fremont (Orange) line. Locally, they aren't called by the color of the line, but the name of the line itself. For example, a train headed on the yellow line for SFO Airport would be called "SFO/Millbrae Train", by the computer, or "Pittsburg/Baypoint train if going the other direction".
The most popular line is the Pittsburg/Baypoint - SFO/Millbrae line. It's the longest line in the system, with 26 stations between Millbrae and Bay Point.
Popular Stations
In this section, I'll be talking about some of the popular stations and areas it, and any other information you might need to know.
Millbrae
Accessed by: Pts.Bay Point and Richmond
Other transit connections: CalTrain: Limited Stop, Baby bullet, Local Service,
SamTrans: 359, 390, 391, and 397.
About: Millbrae is not far from the Airport, and has some of the highest rated schools in California. Check out the Millbrae Pancake house for good pancakes and tasty sandwiches!
SFO International Airport
Accessed by: Pts.Bay Point
Other transit connections: AirTrain to other terminals
About: One of the busiest international Airports, SFO provides quick access to the city through Cabs and the BART.
Balboa Park Transfer Station
Accessed by: Pts.Bay Point, Richmond, Dubln/Plsntn, and Frmnt/Daily City
Other transit connections: 8X Bayshore Express, 8BX Bayshore "B" Express, 29 Sunset, 43 Masonic, 49 Van Ness-Mission, 54 Felton, 88 BART Shuttle, Brisbane Shuttle, Red Brisbane-Bayshore Caltrain
About: With many MUNI connections and all Transbay lines serving this station, it makes it quite busy for commuters.
Civic Center/ UN Plaza Metro Station
Accessed by: Pts.Bay Point, Richmond, Dubln/Plsntn, and Frmnt/Daily City
Other transit connections: Muni Metro: J,K,L,M,N,S,T. Muni Bus: F Market, AC Transit, and Golden Gate Transit (lines unknown)
About: In the middle of the business district, it's not hard to find skyscrapers in this area. Moscone Center is not far away! I'm also calling it a metro station, because not only does it have the BART metro, but the Muni Metro as well.
Embarcadero Metro Station
Accessed by: Pts.Bay Point, Richmond, Dubln/Plsntn, and Frmnt/Daily City
Other transit connections: Muni metro J K L M N S T
Muni Bus: F Market & Wharves
California cable car
About: Located near the embarcadero (Waterline of SF), Many shops and piers exist here, including the famous Pier 39. Take the Muni F Market, or just walk to get some awesome seafood!
19th Street / Oakland
Accessed by: Richmond/Frmnt ,Pts.Bay Point , and Richmond/Millbrae
Other transit connections: TBA
About: TBA
Boarding/Riding BART
Riding the BART for the first time can be confusing, I know. Hopefully this helps
1. Go to the ticket machine, and insert the proper amount of money. Do note that BART does NOT use fare zones, but instead calculate fare between point A and point B. Go to http://www.bart.gov/tickets/calculator/index.aspx If you want to calculate before hand.
2. Press "Print ticket". Your ticket will be printed. Do not store this ticket near electronic devices!!! It will deem the card unusuable.
3. Go to the turnstiles. They are a bit funny. Look for a green arrow on one of the ticket machines for your platform. Insert the ticket into the slot in the direction saying "This side up".
4. You'll notice, that it pops up at the next slot. Remove the ticket from that slot, and the gates should open, and you may proceed to your platform.
* If the gates don't open, or the Gate beeps and doesn't let you through, the card may have become deactivated, invalid balance, or so on. Talk to a ticket agent if you need help.
5. Wait for the train on your platform. The station's computers say only the line the train is on, how many cars are on the train (most to SFO are 10), and if bikes are allowed. For example, if I want to get to Daily city through the Yellow line, i'd wait to hear the computer to say "Pittsburg Baypoint train in 2 minutes" ,or "10 Car Pittsburg Baypoint train now arriving: Platform 1". Not, the other direction.
6. When your train comes to the platform, the doors will line up at the black markers on the ground. Ettiquite dictates that you stand to the side to let passengers on the train to disembark.
7. If you want to double check that this is your train, at this time the computer would say the train line, car number, and now boarding on platform _. (eg. "10 Car San Francisco International Airport train now boarding: Platform 2). The T.O may also say that through the intercom.
8. Board the train.
9. The train operator will call out the stops throughout the journey. It can get noisy in some parts, so if you can't hear him, there are signs at the station platforms.
10. Once you get to your station, exit the train, head up to the fare gates, and just like when entering the platform, you need to re-insert the ticket, take it out of the second slot, then exit.
*If again, the machine beeps, look at the LCD before removing your ticket. If it says you need to add fare, go to the "AddFare" machine, to either pay off or add extra fare to your ticket. If you have multiple tickets, the AddFare is broken, or for whatever reason you can't use the machine, ask the Station Agent for assistance.
If you are going to be using the BART system a lot, I recommend prining a high-value ticket (A BART ticket can store up to $60), or get a Clipper Card. Clipper works on other transit systems, such as Muni, Muni Metro, AC Transit, CalTrain, SF Ferry, and VTA Bus and Light Rail. They are electronic cards that work like debit cards, except you tap instead of swipe.
Clipper
Currently, you can't purchase Clipper cards on BART stations. You can, however, online or at other Clipper supported transit services (such as Muni metro). You can, however, add value at any time using the ticket or AddFare machines on BART stations. Here is how to use Clipper on BART, and Muni (since many will use Muni to get to other parts of SF as well):
BART:
1. Go up to the Faregates, and find one that has a green circle and arrow.
2. Find the circular disc located on top of the fare gate machine, this is where you tap clipper card.
3. Tap clipper card onto the circle. If it works, the gates should open and the LCD should just simply say "OK!" If the gates don't open, or the LCD shows an error, try again, or get assistance from a Station Agent.
4. Go down to the platforms and board your train.
5. When you arrive at your stop, go up to the fare gates and repeat the same process for entering. The LCD should say "OK!", and the balance subtracted.
MUNI: If you are entering Muni Metro, the process is remarkably similar:
1. Approach the faregates, and find one that has a green LCD arrow.
2. Find the circular disc located on front of the fare gate machine, this is where you tap the clipper card.
3. Tap the clipper card onto the circle. If this works, the gates should open. If not, the LCD will change to a red X. Try again, or ask for assistance.
4. When boarding your train, you must tap the clipper to the dispenser-looking clipper machine again. This applies to Muni buses and all other transit systems as well.
If it works, the machine should beep once. If not, It should make 3 beeps. Try again or ask the bus/train operator for assistance.
Well, that's all I have for now. I hope this has made your voyage around BART and the Bay Area a little more easier, and have a nice time riding BART! :)