BART’s fare evasion problem

Starting in 2017, BART took steps to crack down on fare evasion, estimated to cost the transit system $25 million a year, but the agency isn’t done. BART plans to add to its efforts in the fiscal year that begins July 1.

WHAT’S UNDER WAY

⏩ Signs that can’t be missed have been installed at all station entrances warning that fare evasion is illegal and subject to citation.

⏩ Civic Center and Downtown Berkeley stations have replaced 3½foot walls around their paid areas with 5-foot barriers.

⏩ Elevators at South Hayward and Berkeley stations have been enclosed inside paid areas.

⏩ Swing gates were controlled and installed with alarms at the 16th Street Mission, 24th Street Mission, Embarcadero, Civic Center and Downtown Berkeley stations.

⏩ BART police stepped up enforcement at station entrances, and six fare enforcement officers began conducting random inspections for proof of payment.

WHAT’S COMING NEXT

⏩ Entrance railings or walls will be raised to 5 feet at Embarcadero, Richmond, Daly City and Balboa Park stations.

⏩ Elevators will be enclosed in paid areas at El Cerrito del Norte Station, and a fare gate will be created for the Montgomery Station elevator.

⏩ Alarms and controls will be installed on swing gates at Montgomery, Powell, Balboa Park, Glen Park and Daly City stations.

⏩ Two more fare enforcement officers may be added (pending budget approval), bringing the total to eight, and community service officers will be empowered to conduct fare inspections.

⏩ BART police will put more emphasis on fare enforcement and riding trains.