The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District,
better known as BART, is a heavy-rail public transit system that connects the San Francisco
Peninsula with many communities in the East and South Bay. In this video, we’re going to explain the
basics of how to ride BART. Step 1: Find Your Route. On the BART System Map, find the BART line
(or multiple lines) that will take you to your destination. Next, find the name of the last station on
that line. For example, if you’re traveling east from
San Francisco to the Castro Valley Station, the last station on that line is Dublin/Pleasanton. This means you’ll need to board a Dublin/Pleasanton
train. If at any point you have any questions, please
ask a station agent for help. If you need to transfer trains, don’t forget
to check the electronic platform destination signs to be sure you’re boarding the correct
train. You can also listen for audio announcements. BART has designated several stations as transfer
stations, which have timed transfer. In the East Bay, MacArthur is designated as
the transfer station for southbound destinations and 19th Street/Oakland Station is the transfer
station for northbound destinations. Step 2: Calculate Your Fare. Now that you know where you’re going, you
can calculate your fare and buy your ticket, which varies in price depending on how far
you travel. Fare charts are posted on each BART ticket
vending machine, and the destinations are listed alphabetically with the one-way and
round-trip fares. Seniors and people with disabilities qualify
for a 50% discount off the adult fare. Step 3: Buy A Clipper Card. Children four and under ride free but everyone
else must have a valid BART ticket or Clipper card, which is an all-in-one transit card
accepted on most major Bay Area transit systems. To add money to a clipper card, tap your card
on the disc on the ticket machine. You can pay using cash or card. Select the amount you would like to add and
click accept. Step 4: Enter The Fare Gate. Once you have your ticket or have loaded money
onto your Clipper card, you will pass through a fare gate. If you use a wheelchair, have a guide dog
or stroller, or are carrying luggage, you can use the extra-wide gate closest to the
Station Agent booth to get through easily. Simply tap the Clipper card on the icon on
the fare gate and pass through. Step 5: Find The Train Platform. The train platforms may be one level above,
below, or on the same level as the BART entrance and the ticket machines. Follow the signs indicating your destination. You will most likely have to take either stairs,
an escalator, or an elevator to reach the platform. Once you find your platform, wait safely behind
the yellow strip of textured tiles for your train to arrive. The electronic overhead signs and station
announcements on the train platforms provide helpful information, train arrival information,
and time of day. Electronic signs on the platform also flash
the destinations of incoming trains. Step 6: Board The Correct Train. When the train arrives, allow disembarking
passengers to get off the train before you board. Mind the gap between the platform edge and
the train when boarding and disembarking. BART train doors close automatically and do
not stay open for obstructions, so make sure to keep yourself and your possessions clear
of the doors. Step 7: Exit At Your Station. To exit at your destination station, locate
the exit fare gates. Tap your Clipper card to the icon to open
to the barriers and exit. Once you’re through the fare gate, refer
to the exit signs and station maps to see which exit is closest to where you want to
go. For more information or assistance please
contact the CIL’s Community Connections program.
