SF Camp Teaches Kids Transit Skills on BART

Camp Galileo uses BART trains for field trips, teaching children transit navigation skills

Camp Galileo Adds BART Rides to Summer Program

Camp Galileo used BART trains during summer 2025 to transport campers to field trip destinations throughout the Bay Area, transit officials said. The camp integrated transit education into its programming, teaching children how to read schedules, understand routes, and navigate the system safely. Alicia Trost, BART Chief Communications Officer, said the approach teaches sustainable transportation habits from an early age.

Transit Education Builds Future Ridership

The program aligns with BART's broader goals of expanding ridership and promoting sustainable transportation, according to the transit agency. BART has focused on attracting diverse ridership since the pandemic reduced daily riders to approximately 150,000-200,000 on weekdays. Teaching children to use public transit supports California's climate goals requiring increased transit usage and reduced vehicle emissions. Specific participation numbers for the camp program weren't disclosed.

Camp Uses System for Bay Area Destinations

Camp Galileo used BART to access various destinations throughout the Bay Area during summer 2025 sessions, though officials didn't specify which stations or attractions the campers visited. Camp staff supervised campers during BART rides while teaching them transit navigation skills. "We love seeing young people learn to navigate our system," Trost told BART. "Teaching kids how to ride BART not only gives them independence and confidence, but also instills sustainable transportation habits from an early age." Financial details of the program weren't available.

Approach Mirrors Programs in Other Cities

The initiative reflects a growing trend of integrating transit education into youth programming. New York City summer camps and schools regularly use the subway system for field trips, a long-established practice in that metro area. Washington's Metro system also serves area camps with educational field trips, and WMATA offers student fare programs. Transit agencies nationwide are increasingly focusing on youth education programs to build future ridership.

Program Demonstrates Creative Transit Use

The camp's approach represents creative use of existing transit infrastructure for youth programming in metropolitan areas. Camp Galileo representatives weren't available to provide additional details about the program's scope or future plans. Riders can check Moovit for real-time BART schedules and route information throughout the Bay Area system.