SF BART Upgrades Berryessa Gates to Cut Fare Evasion
BART installs next-generation fare gates at Berryessa Station as part of $75M upgrade
BART Adds New Fare Gates at Berryessa Station
BART's installing next-generation fare gates at Berryessa/North San José Station, transit officials said June 9. The upgrade's part of the agency's $75 million systemwide modernization program that began in 2018 to replace aging infrastructure. Officials didn't specify how many gates are being installed or provide a completion timeline for the work.
Part of Systemwide Modernization Effort
The fare gate upgrades are part of BART's ongoing effort to modernize all 700 fare gates across its 50-station system, according to the transit agency. Robert Powers, General Manager, oversees the program that's designed to address fare evasion challenges that've cost BART an estimated $25 million annually. The new gates feature contactless payment readers, taller barriers to prevent fare evasion, and improved sensors for faster passenger flow. Officials haven't released station-specific ridership data for Berryessa, though BART's systemwide average weekday ridership reached 400,000 passengers in 2024.
Technology Mirrors Industry Standards
The next-generation gates incorporate technology that's become standard across major transit systems nationwide, transit officials said. The equipment includes ADA-compliant wider gates, anti-tailgating sensors, and modern payment processing capabilities. BART didn't specify the exact technical specifications for the Berryessa installation or break down costs for this particular station within the broader $75 million program. The agency said the new gates are designed to reduce maintenance issues associated with equipment installed in the 1970s through 1990s.
Installation Timeline Remains Unclear
Work on the fare gate installation's underway at Berryessa/North San José Station, though officials haven't announced a specific completion date. The station opened in June 2020 as part of BART's Silicon Valley extension, making it one of the system's newest facilities. Transit officials said they'll continue the systemwide modernization program at other stations, but didn't provide details about which locations will receive upgrades next.
Riders Should Expect Minor Changes
Passengers using Berryessa/North San José Station may encounter temporary access pattern changes during the installation, officials said. The station serves as a key transit hub connecting South Bay communities to the broader BART network. Real-time service information and updates about station access are available through Moovit's transit app for riders planning trips through the station.
