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1h ago

BART Outlines Two-Phase Plan to Close Up to 15 Stations if Transit Tax Fails

BART detailed a contingency plan tied to a November regional sales-tax vote in response to a projected $376–$400 million shortfall.

People wait for the BART at the North Concord/Martinez station in Concord, in 2025. Under BART's plans for cuts, that station would close.
A man waits for the BART at the North Concord/Martinez station in Concord, in 2025.
The Antioch BART station could be closed under the transit agency's cost-cutting plans, despite serving more than 500,000 riders last year.
The newly-installed fare gates feature stronger barriers to prevent fare evasion and improved technology that allows riders to pay using credit or debit cards. (Photo by Christian Trujano)

Overview

  • At a Thursday workshop, staff presented worst-case reductions and emphasized that service cuts alone cannot resolve the deficit because of high fixed costs.
  • Phase 1 in January 2027 would close the 10 lowest-ridership stations, and Phase 2 in July 2027 could expand closures to about 15 with a 50% fare increase, with layoffs and broader service reductions under consideration.
  • A Chronicle analysis found roughly one in eight rides last year ended at stations slated for Phase 2 closure, representing well over 6 million trips and including higher-profile stops such as Pittsburg/Bay Point and Antioch.
  • Officials said the network would contract to a core similar to the pre-1990s map, with yellow line trains turning at Concord and most service south of Daly City ending except at San Francisco International Airport.
  • New fare gates are generating about $10 million annually and reducing vandalism and maintenance time, but board leaders, including President Melissa Hernandez, criticized station-closure scenarios as unacceptable, and a formal vote on contingency measures is expected later this month.