BART explores slowing service to save money

By: Mike Aldax
Examiner Staff Writer
January 5, 2009

In an effort to save money, BART officials are considering reducing transit service to every 20 minutes on weeknights and weekends. (Examiner file photo)

SAN FRANCISCO — BART riders might have to wait longer for trains on weeknights and weekends as part of a cost-cutting proposal in the works.

In January 2008, BART changed to service every 15 minutes after 7 p.m. weekdays, Saturdays and all day Sunday. But now the agency — facing its worst projected deficit in recent years — is proposing to return to service every 20 minutes during those times. The 20-minute increments are what BART used since it began service in 1972.

At its Thursday meeting, BART staff will also present other cost-saving strategies as the agency braces for a fiscal crisis. Carter Mau, executive manager of BART’s budget and planning office, warned last month of a possible $56 million budget deficit.

More from Mike Aldax

To view this site, you need to have Flash Player 8.0 or later installed. Click here to get the latest Flash player.

Reader Comments

All comments on this page are subject to our Terms of Use and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Examiner or its staff.

Must be contract time

Jan 5, 2009

Usually, six months before the current contract with employees runs out, the District runs out of money. After the contract is signed, however, multimillion dollar consultants come crawling back.

Muniserable

Jan 5, 2009

Yes, indeed. It is tradition for BART to cry poor whenever contract negotiations are about to start.

John Chan

Jan 6, 2009

BART is stillthe best in the USA...although odors are a problem inside the trains... HONG KONG has the best in the World...but very expensive

BART Management is using passengers as leverage

Jan 25, 2009

BART Managers are paid a hugh bonus on top of their inflated compensation packages. They put themselves first and the Riders last. They use the riders as leverage during contract negotiations. Last contract they tried to eliminate discounted fare for disabled persons; but, they relented with the Unions Stated they would go on strike and stay on strike until BART management withdrew the fare increases for disabled persons.