SF BART Upgrades Union City With Smarter Fare Gates
BART installing upgraded fare gates at Union City as part of $90M system-wide program
BART Adds New Fare Gates at Union City
BART's installing Next Generation Fare Gates at Union City Station, transit officials said June 13. The upgrade's part of a broader system-wide modernization effort to improve security and passenger flow at the southern Alameda County station. Officials haven't announced specific installation dates, saying only that work will begin soon.
Part of System-Wide Upgrade
The Union City installation's part of BART's $90 million Next Generation Fare Gates program approved by the Board in 2018. The district's been gradually rolling out the upgraded gates across its 50-station system since 2019, when West Oakland became the first station to receive them. Downtown Berkeley, 19th Street Oakland, and MacArthur stations got the new gates in 2023. The program includes 700 fare gates system-wide manufactured by Cubic Transportation Systems.
Improved Security Features
The Next Generation Fare Gates feature taller barriers and improved sensors designed to reduce fare evasion and enhance reliability compared to older systems. Officials haven't disclosed how many gates will be installed at Union City Station or the specific cost for this location. The new gates support contactless payment and provide better detection of fare compliance, according to the transit agency. Transit agencies nationwide have been modernizing fare collection infrastructure to address increased fare evasion and improve revenue recovery.
Installation Timeline
BART classified the installation as having medium severity impact for riders but hasn't provided specific start or completion dates. The agency typically releases detailed timelines closer to construction. Officials said they'll announce any temporary changes to station access or entry points before work begins.
What Riders Need to Know
Union City Station serves commuters in southern Alameda County along BART's Fremont line. Riders should expect potential changes to their usual routines during construction, though officials haven't specified what those changes might involve. BART advises passengers to check for updates as the project progresses. Moovit provides real-time service information for BART routes, including any temporary station access changes.
