SF BART Ridership Grows with Contactless Payment Tech
BART ridership grows in August with contactless payment system and UC Berkeley pass
BART Adds Riders in August with New Payment Tech
Bay Area commuters returned to BART in growing numbers during August, transit officials said. The ridership increase came as the agency introduced its Tap and Ride contactless payment system and launched a student pass program with UC Berkeley. Officials didn't release specific ridership figures but said weekend event travel and the new payment options drove the growth.
Recovery Continues After Pandemic Decline
The August gains continue BART's gradual recovery from pandemic-era ridership losses, when trips plummeted more than 90% during initial lockdowns. BART operates 131 miles of track serving 50 stations across five Bay Area counties, according to the transit agency. Weekend and event-based ridership has recovered faster than weekday commuting across U.S. transit systems, industry data shows. Officials said the August increase reflects growing confidence in public transit, though BART's weekday ridership remains at roughly 40% of pre-pandemic levels.
Contactless Payment and Student Pass Drive Growth
The Tap and Ride system was operational throughout August, allowing riders to pay fares by tapping credit cards or smartphones at fare gates. Transit officials said the technology reduces boarding times and eliminates the need for paper tickets. The UC Berkeley BayPass program launched August 19, providing students unlimited BART access. Officials didn't say how many students enrolled in the program or what the payment system cost to implement. Similar university pass programs in Washington, D.C., and Chicago have helped those systems attract younger riders and boost off-peak travel.
Weekend Events Attract More Riders
Weekend events including concerts and sports games played a significant role in August's ridership increase, according to BART's announcement. The agency said riders increasingly choose transit over driving to avoid traffic and parking challenges at major venues. Officials didn't specify which events generated the most trips or provide weekend ridership comparisons to previous months.
Students and Event-Goers Benefit from Changes
UC Berkeley students can now ride BART unlimited times with their BayPass, while occasional riders benefit from the simplified contactless payment option. Transit officials said they'll continue monitoring ridership trends as the fall semester progresses. Real-time service information and trip planning tools help riders navigate the BART system during both weekday commutes and weekend events.
