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4mo ago

New Report Challenges BART’s Fare Enforcement Strategy

Study finds punitive measures fail to improve safety or revenue while disproportionately impacting Black riders, but BART defends its current approach.

A BART train approaches the station in Daly City, Calif., on May 9, 2025.
Passengers walk on and off a BART train in San Francisco on May 9, 2025.
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Overview

  • The Center for Police Equity's report concludes that BART's fare enforcement measures, including new fare gates, have not significantly enhanced safety or recovered revenue.
  • The study highlights racial disparities, noting that Black riders, who make up 10% of BART's ridership, accounted for over 43% of fare evasion stops from 2021 to 2023.
  • Researchers dispute BART's claim that fare evasion costs the agency $25 million annually, arguing the figure is likely overstated and lacks sufficient data support.
  • The report recommends expanding non-punitive strategies, such as ambassadors, crisis intervention teams, and partnerships with social services, to address systemic issues.
  • BART leadership maintains it will continue its current enforcement efforts, citing a reported 17% drop in crime last year and plans to install new fare gates at all stations by year-end.