SF BART Welcomes Cosplay Riders to FanExpo

BART welcomes cosplay riders to FanExpo San Francisco February 21-23 at Moscone Center

BART Invites Cosplay Riders to FanExpo Event

Bay Area Rapid Transit riders can dress in cosplay for trips to FanExpo San Francisco next month, officials said Saturday. The transit agency's anime mascots will appear at the convention February 21-23 at Moscone Center. Alicia Trost, Chief Communications Officer, said the initiative connects BART with Bay Area communities through pop culture. Officials didn't disclose costs for participating in the event.

Transit Agencies Use Pop Culture for Rider Engagement

BART introduced anime-style mascots in 2019 as part of youth outreach efforts, according to agency records. Transit systems nationwide are using cultural events to rebuild ridership after pandemic declines reduced BART's average weekday trips from 430,000 pre-pandemic to approximately 400,000 in 2024. Los Angeles Metro and New York's MTA have partnered with Comic-Con and anime conventions in recent years, generating positive social media engagement. The strategy targets younger demographics that agencies view as critical for long-term ridership growth.

FanExpo Partnership Details and Mascot Appearances

BART's anime mascots will attend FanExpo San Francisco at Moscone Center during the three-day event. Specific appearance times and locations within the convention center weren't available at the time of announcement. FanExpo San Francisco attendance projections weren't publicly available. Trost said the event shows 'public transit can be part of the cultural fabric of the Bay Area.' The agency encourages both experienced cosplayers and newcomers to participate.

Event Scheduled for Late February Weekend

FanExpo San Francisco runs Friday through Sunday, February 21-23, 2025. BART announced the cosplay initiative January 18, giving riders about five weeks' notice before the event. Officials said they'll welcome costumed riders on trains throughout the convention weekend. The agency typically finalizes operational details for community events closer to the date.

Riders Can Plan Convention Trips on BART

Convention attendees can ride BART in costume to Moscone Center, which is accessible via Powell Street and Montgomery Street stations. Officials said the initiative makes transit more engaging for diverse Bay Area communities. Riders can check real-time schedules and plan trips to FanExpo using transit apps like Moovit, which provides updates for BART routes throughout the system.