August ridership sets BART records

In August, just over 4.9 million riders used the system, making it the busiest month since the initial slowdown in 2020.

The month saw the introduction of the new “Tap and Ride” system that allows riders to use bank cards to pay fares and the start of the unlimited rides “BayPass” program at the University of California, Berkeley. BART officials said the expansion of these programs contributed to the increase in ridership.

“BART is thrilled to see ridership steadily growing as we continue to make strides in enhancing the system’s overall safety, cleanliness, and customer experience,” BART spokesperson Michelle Robertson said in an email statement. “The ongoing increase in riders using our system is testament to the success of these efforts.”

The COVID-19 pandemic, changes to commuting patterns, and more individuals working remotely were factors that brought much of BART’s ridership to record lows in 2020. The agency has yet to return to its pre-2020 levels, but recent highs are a welcome sight for officials.

“We are also seeing ridership increase on nights and weekends as riders increasingly use BART for nonwork trips to access local events and experiences,” Robertson said. “While people may not be going into the office as often as they used to, they are going to games, shows, museums and other fun events that can only be experienced in person.”

The agency has helped coordinate movie nights at some of their stations, an anime festival and increased marketing during major concerts and sports events.

If ridership were to remain at the same August levels for the remainder of the 2025-26 fiscal year, officials predict a potential $26 million addition to their net fare revenues.

More riders on BART would be part of the solution to the estimated $350 budget deficit the agency is facing as soon as fiscal year 2027.