Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART

Speedrunners push their limits to set records on the BART system Dec 25, 2024

There's a new sport gaining popularity across the globe, transit speedrunning, and today we'll take a deep dive into what it takes to speedrun BART. On the latest edition of BART's podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” Chief Communications Officer Alicia Trost speaks with three guests who have set records speedrunning BART. A speedrun is the total time it takes to travel through all 50 BART stations. It's a race against the clock to ride every BART line as fast as possible. Ameen DaCosta, Enzo Wu, and Adam, who runs the YouTube page, “Adam Does Not Exist” share their exploits and talk about what it could take to set an even faster record. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2024/news20241226

How BART’s Art Program uplifts community, culture, and the economy Nov 15, 2024

BART's innovative Art Program is making a huge difference in the transit experience of our riders. Since its inception in the 1960s, BART has prioritized bringing art and cultural experiences to stations. On our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART,” BART Art Program Manager Jennifer Easton discusses the wide range of projects her one-woman department has undertaken – from murals and fashion shows to poetry contests and safety initiatives – and makes the case for the importance of weaving art and culture into the transit experience. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2024/news20241119

Lessons from Switzerland could improve your ride on Bay Area transit Aug 27, 2024

The accuracy of Swiss timing is well known across the globe. But it’s the precision, coordination, and prioritization of their transit system that has the potential to benefit riders here in the Bay Area. On the latest edition of our podcast series, “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART.” Chris Filippi, speaks with BART Manager of Strategic and Policy Planning Hannah Lindelof, who was recently part of a study group that visited Switzerland. The trip allowed Lindelof to observe their integrated transit system in action. She’s now back and shares lessons learned about how the Bay Area can put the rider first and make public transit the most appealing option for more people. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2024/news20240827

What BART's biggest rebuilding project means for your ride Jun 20, 2024

When it comes to rebuilding the backbone of BART, the upcoming track work in the heart of Oakland is the main event. Welcome to “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART.” Years of planning have gone into the track replacement work that’s going to be happening on select weekends over the next three years in the core of the BART system. Organizers are calling this the most challenging and complex segment of BART’s revitalization plan that started in 2016, when District voters approved Measure RR. The measure provides $3.5 billion to replace aging track, traction power cables, and other vital equipment. This time on Hidden Tracks BART Project Manager Kevin Reeg talks about the challenges of this work and what will be accomplished and BART Operations Planner Hayley Toy shares more about how to navigate BART during all this work and the many efforts we’ve taken to reduce the impacts on riders from these shutdowns. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2024/news20240620

The future is now; the journey of the Fleet of the Future from blueprint to backbone of BART Jan 09, 2024

BART’s base train schedule now consists of all new Fleet of the Future trains, a major milestone for a project that’s been more than a decade in the making. On our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories From BART,” Project Manager John Garnham reveals how fast the new cars speed along BART’s test track, explains why the process of building the outer shell is a bit like using a classic DIY toy and other insider nuggets. Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2024/news20240109

A lifelong passion for transit inspires a BART Supervisor to improve your ride Oct 30, 2023

On this edition of our podcast, "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART", we'll hear from Casey Unger, who is a Transportation Supervisor based in our Daly City Yard. As a Transportation Supervisor, Casey plays a critical role in BART's daily ability to implement its service plan. But before he got a promotion, Unger was a Train Operator and a very popular one known for his memorable announcements. Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2023/news20231030

Addressing sexual harassment and gender-based violence on BART through Not One More Girl Initiative Sep 27, 2023

Not One More Girl is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at stopping gender-based violence and sexual harassment on public transportation. BART has been a partner in the campaign that first launched in April of 2021. Not One More Girl just launched its second phase, which places an emphasis on enabling people to have a greater sense of empowerment in a harassment situation. On this episode of Hidden Tracks, BART's Anna Duckworth speaks with Anyka Howard, founder and CEO of the Betti Ono Foundation, which partnered with the Unity Council's Latin X Mentorship and Achievement Program and BART for phase two of the Not One More Girl campaign. Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2023/news20230927-0

Learn what BART’s new, reimagined schedule means for your ride Sep 05, 2023

On September 11, BART will roll out a reimagined service plan that will eliminate 30-minute wait times on nights and weekends. That means no BART rider will have to wait more than 20 minutes for a scheduled train no matter the hour or day of the week. This new schedule is responsive to post-pandemic commute patterns and opens new opportunities for BART to expand its ridership. To do a deep dive into the new schedule Jay Sathe sat down with BART’s Manager of Scheduling and Planning John FitzGibbon on the latest edition of our podcast series, "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART". Transcript available here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2023/news20230905

Exploring the potential of Mobility as a Service to transform your commute Apr 26, 2023

Mobility as a Service or MaaS is one of the hottest topics in public transportation. While the subject may be new for some, there's little question it impacts you every time you get on a BART train and its reach has potential to go even beyond that. Chris Filippi is your host for this episode of "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" and he's joined by BART's Director of Technology, Angie West, and Tim Moore, BART's Manager of Web Services. Both are here to talk about MaaS and its far-reaching impacts. Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2023/news20230426

Resourceful and determined mechanics keep 50-year-old train cars moving Nov 03, 2022

This edition of "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" features John Allen, who is a Transit Vehicle Mechanic at BART’s Hayward Maintenance Complex. John is BART's answer to MacGyver. In his time at BART, he's become an expert at keeping some of the oldest trains in the entire fleet in operation. We'll learn how he and his fellow mechanics use creativity, reverse engineering, and anything they can lay their hands on the Internet to keep these trains moving. Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2022/news20221028

An inside look at BART’s complex scheduling dance Sep 01, 2022

Changes coming in September will revolutionize BART’s schedule by adding a layer of consistency in the timing of trains across all 7 days of the week that will be unlike anything BART riders have experienced in the last 50 years. The latest edition of BART’s podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” explores what the schedule change means for you and takes an inside look at everything you’ve ever wanted to know about how the schedule is made. BART’s Manager of Scheduling and Planning John FitzGibbon explains how new software has transformed what used to be the transit equivalent of sausage making into a coordinated symphony that has the prospect to save valuable time for thousands of riders. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2022/news20220901-0

Four female leaders take center stage as BART celebrates Women's History Month Mar 25, 2022

March is Women’s History Month so on this edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’re profiling four of the female leaders of the agency. We’ll hear their stories of growing up, hear about the trajectories of their careers, their triumphs, challenges, how they define good leadership, and more. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2022/news20220325

The future is now for BART’s renewable power initiatives Dec 21, 2021

BART has set an ambitious goal to get at least half of its power from renewable sources by 2025 but the Bay Area likely won’t have to wait that long. On the latest edition of our podcast series, “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” you’ll hear from BART Energy Manager Paul Bostrom who is spearheading the District’s clean power efforts. BART is well known for its impact on the Bay Area environment by taking thousands of cars off the roadways. The District is already greenhouse gas emission free. But now the focus is on increasing BART’s reliance on wind, solar, and hydroelectric power sources. Bostrom talks about BART’s progress and his recent visit to the Sky River Wind Farm, one of the District’s newest sources of energy. Innovative projects like the Sky River Wind Farm are expected to help BART increase its reliance on renewable energy from 5% to as much as 50% over the next year. Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2021/news20211221

A new era begins for escalators at BART Aug 31, 2021

The first of 41 rebuilt escalators at downtown San Francisco BART stations is now open to the public at Powell Street Station. BART is making its largest investment in escalators in decades with a generational project that will have a direct impact on the everyday experience of thousands of riders. The latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks Stories from BART” features Mark Dana who is the manager of the Market Street Escalators Renovation Project. The new escalators are built especially for the challenges they'll face at BART and are a key part of the plan to revitalize the entrances to some of BART's busiest stations. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2021/news20210831-0

A trailblazing woman who brought inclusion and reform to BART calls it a career Jul 29, 2021

There are few people who can claim a career path like the one followed by Tamar Allen. Over a span that stretches across four decades Allen has worn many hats ranging from police officer to Assistant General Manager. Allen has played a critical role in some of the largest projects in BART’s history including the $3.5 billion Measure RR rebuilding program and the procurement of the Fleet of the Future. But Allen’s legacy will be largely defined by the systemic change and reforms she brought to the district. Those efforts helped to usher in a spirt of inclusion and respect at BART that opened the doors of opportunity for many current employees. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2021/news20210729

Transit Worker Appreciation Day marks a time of transition at BART Mar 17, 2021

BART’s podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” is back just in time for national Transit Worker Appreciation Day. In our latest episode we’ll hear from John O’Connor who is one of the 287 employees participating in BART’s District Retirement Incentive Program as the agency cuts costs amid financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. O’Connor is a transportation supervisor who has spent a quarter century at BART and is probably best known for saving the life of a man who fell into the tracks at the Coliseum Station after a Raiders game by pulling him back to the platform just as an oncoming train was arriving. O’Connor talks about his difficult decision to retire, his fond memories at BART, and the future of the agency as some of its most experienced employees depart. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2021/news20210317

Meet the woman helping to lead an innovation revolution at BART Jan 17, 2020

From new platform signs to making the most out of millions of pieces of data, BART is going through an innovation revolution that’ll have a big impact on the rider experience. On the latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’ll go into the lab to meet Wendy Wheeler who is BART’s Manager of Computer Systems Engineering. Wheeler is one of BART’s leading innovators and she’s pushing for some major changes. That’s especially true when it comes to BART’s digital platform signs. Upgrades have already been made to make it easier to tell if the next train is part of the Fleet of the Future but that’s just the beginning. Take a listen to learn about the technological advancements in the pipeline for BART riders. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2020/news20200117

Explore the history of the BART map Jul 12, 2019

There are few images in the Bay Area that are more iconic than the BART system map. Millions of people see the maps throughout the system every year and regular riders can probably create a fairly accurate version of it from memory. On this edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART,” we're diving into the history of the BART map. There have only been a few versions of the BART map in the entire history of the system dating back to the start of service in 1972. Anytime there's been a suggestion for changes it has sparked a heated debate. Our guest on this episode is Bart Wright, a professional designer and mapping expert who has been heavily involved in designing the BART map over the last two decades. Read the podcast transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2019/news20190712-1

BART’s wet weather game plan pays off with fewer delays Feb 26, 2019

Rain can have a major impact on the Bay Area’s commute and BART is no exception. “Welcome to Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART.” On this edition of Hidden Tracks, we’re answering your questions about why BART so often faces delays when it rains. BART has a game plan to keep weather-related issues to a minimum that’s put into action by a team with decades of experience. Preparation and hard work are key. The effort began well before this winter’s storms arrived. Grounds crews worked for months to trim back trees and brush that could be threatened by powerful winds and rain. That effort has led to a sharp decline in the number of trackway obstructions compared with last winter. Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2019/news20190226

Momentum builds for BART's cleaning revolution Feb 19, 2019

On the latest edition of our podcast series "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" we’re talking about all things cleaning with the two men who have been at the center of an important transformation that has taken place over the last year. BART is redoing the way it cleans its trains and stations. This far-reaching effort is having an impact on hiring, training, where employees are staffed, and even on what kind of cleaning materials are used on the job. Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2019/news20190219

Training ramps up to fuel Fleet of the Future expansion Jan 16, 2019

More BART riders than ever before can now ride the Fleet of the Future through the Transbay Tube. By mid-February, every transbay line will be served by a Fleet of the Future train. As more new cars arrive, BART is expanding its hands-on training for the operators who will run the new fleet. On the latest edition of our podcast series, “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’ll learn more about the preparation that goes into being a Fleet of the Future Train Operator. We’ll hear from one of the first graduates of the training program and learn what it’s like to operate one of BART’s newest trains. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2019/news20190116

Go inside BPD's video surveillance recovery room Sep 27, 2018

BART has a robust video surveillance network. It includes working cameras on board all trains, in every station, and elsewhere throughout BART. But the reason BART police have been able to identify and arrest suspects in connection with several recent high-profile cases has as much to do with the technology as it does the people behind it. On this latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” you’ll hear from one of BPD’s Community Service Officers who specializes in finding key evidence contained on the video files recorded by BART’s cameras. She’s watched thousands of hours of surveillance and says it’s all worth it when it leads to an arrest that makes BART safer. Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2018/news20180927-1

BART’s Station Ops Manager uses real-world insight to provide smooth commute Jul 11, 2018

It takes a team effort to carry more than 413,000 riders on a typical weekday. On the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we meet Operations and Transportation Supervisor Phaethon Brown who oversees all station operations throughout the system. Brown has spent more than 17 years with BART including 13 as a Station Agent. He's one of the few people who has been assigned to every BART station. Those years of service on the front lines of customer service give Brown invaluable insight on how BART really works and what it takes to keep things moving during the commute. Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2018/news20180711-1

The science of the screech: Big progress for BART's efforts to lower the volume of your ride Jun 06, 2018

BART has reached a milestone in its efforts to bring riders a quieter ride. Now more than half of BART’s train cars have been outfitted with an advanced wheel profile that reduces both noise and wear on the rail. On the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’re focusing on the science of screech. The new wheel profile has been years in the making. One of our managing engineers talks in-depth about how the design was developed and what’s next for BART’s plan to bring a quieter ride to our passengers. Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2018/news20180606

There's more to ticket vending machines and fare gates than meets the eye Mar 30, 2018

There’s a lot of technology that goes into making sure you can easily reload your Clipper card or buy a BART ticket and get quickly through the fare gates. On this latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’ll take an inside look at what makes BART’s Ticket Vending Machines and fare gates tick. It takes a dedicated team to keep an array of roughly 1,200 machines in good working order. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with paper tickets, both authentic and counterfeit, that can jam up busy machines First, we’ll visit with one of the technicians who is specially-trained to get malfunctioning machines back in action. Then we’ll hear from John Yen who manages the team that oversees vending and fare gate machines. He’ll share more about the technology upgrades the vending machines have gone through and what BART is doing to make sure they stay in operation for years to come. Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2018/news20180330-0

On the front line of customer service: Station Agents see it all Nov 28, 2017

Station Agents are the face of BART for many riders but the position might be one of the most misunderstood in the agency. On the latest edition of our podcast series "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" we take an in-depth look at Station Agents and the challenges they face on the job. Great customer service is the goal and many times Station Agents must respond to the unexpected. The new podcast explores the various responsibilities Station Agents handle every day and features an extended interview with veteran Station Agent Felicia. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20171128

The details on doors: How forcing your way into a BART car can harm service for thousands Sep 28, 2017

BART maintenance workers already are doing everything they can to keep as many cars as possible in service. But they’re facing a growing challenge because of an avoidable problem. BART’s service yards are spending precious work hours repairing train doors that were forced open by riders or otherwise damaged. The latest numbers show through August there were at least 200 cases where vandalized doors caused service delays. On top of those delays, critically-needed cars had to be taken out of service for repairs. In the latest episode of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” you can learn more about the problem, how BART is responding, and what riders can do to help. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170928

BART has a plan for expected surge in bike usage Aug 31, 2017

Several exciting initiatives are underway to make BART even more accessible for bicyclists. In the latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART,” we’ll hear from BART Bicycle Program Manager Steve Beroldo. From a big expansion in the Ford GoBike bike share program to new high-tech ways to secure your bicycle there are many bike-friendly ideas that are being turned into realities at BART. Beroldo shares his thoughts about the various programs as well as what he says is a growing trend in the number of people who use their bikes to get to BART. You can read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170831

BART team wins top prize at international competition Jul 11, 2017

The International Rail Rodeo is a special opportunity for transit agencies to show off their top talent and BART rose to the occasion. In the latest edition of our series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” you’ll meet the BART team that won the overall title at this year’s competition. This is the first time that BART has taken home the top overall prize. The participants say it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. They also say the competition highlights the skill and determination that BART’s train operators and mechanics bring to their jobs every day. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170711-0

Go inside our Emergency Operations Center Jun 09, 2017

Safety and security are a primary focus at BART and that commitment is visible at our Emergency Operations Center. On this episode of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’ll take you inside our Emergency Operations Center to learn what BART is doing to be as ready as possible for any disaster that could strike the region. BART Emergency Manager Marla Blagg talks about this ongoing responsibility that BART has made a top priority. Blagg also has tips on what riders can do to help keep themselves and fellow BART passengers safe. Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170609-1

Go inside the Wheelhouse for BART to OAK May 31, 2017

Getting people between Oakland International Airport and the Coliseum Station quickly and safely is right in BART’s Wheelhouse. On this edition of "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" we’ll take a look behind the scenes at the Wheelhouse, the hub of activity for BART to OAK. The ride is smooth and quiet but there’s no mistaking the sound when you go inside the Wheelhouse. It's a cavernous building made of concrete with more than 18-inch thick walls. The 3.2-mile extension relies on state-of-the-art equipment but it also uses technology that traces its roots back to the 19th century. Learn more about BART’s Wheelhouse with the Superintendent of Operations for BART to OAK, Mike Forte. Read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170531

You might be surprised by what's BARTable May 18, 2017

In our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we learn about all things BARTable. The site has only been around for a couple of years but already it has generated a large following among those interested in fun activities that are just a BART ride away. Few transit agencies have a campaign like BARTable that shows off all the interesting places people can visit by riding a train during non-commute hours. It’s a popular program that has some exciting changes on the way. In this episode of Hidden Tracks we will hear from BARTable Manager Andrea Frainier and BART Marketing Manager Dave Martindale. You can read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170518

BART train operator brings a sense of humor to the afternoon commute May 08, 2017

Train operators are a critical part of the team that keeps BART moving around the Bay. The system may be automated but the operators are the eyes and ears of the trains. It’s an important job but a sense of humor can still come in handy. In our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we take a ride with Bob Malito, who is better known as Captain Jack to tens of thousands of riders who take BART between Pittsburg/Bay Point and San Francisco International Airport. Malito is well known throughout the system for his funny station announcements. Listen as Malito describes the challenges of his job and how he comes up with some of his best material. You can also read the transcript: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170508

A new strategy helps BART to reduce delays in the Transbay Tube Apr 06, 2017

BART is using a new strategy to reduce delays through the Transbay Tube. During peak commute hours BART is now deploying mainline technicians at both ends of the Tube at our West Oakland and Embarcadero stations. These highly-trained technical experts spend the commute riding dozens of trains through the Tube. That allows them to respond much more quickly to mechanical issues that can stop a train in a critical choke point for the entire system. In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we learn more about this new strategy and how it’s already making a difference. We also hear from one of the mainline techs who is using his nearly 28 years of experience with BART to keep the trains moving. You can read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170406

New efforts to build sustainability at BART Mar 15, 2017

We’ve been hearing a lot about the many improvements that BART is investing in when it comes to its aging infrastructure, station upgrades and of course the Fleet of the Future. But there are also some exciting plans in the works when it comes to sustainability and BART’s impact on the environment. From solar panels to accommodating electric vehicles to focusing on new sources of renewable energy there is a lot going on. To learn more about these ambitious plans, we hear from Holly Gordon who is BART’s Sustainability Group Manager. You can also read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170315-2

Maintaining BART's right-of-way is a 24/7 job Mar 03, 2017

The term "right-of-way" might be a familiar one when it comes to driving, but it is also a phrase that is critically important when it comes to operating a railway. This time on our podcast series we’re going to learn about BART’s right-of-way team. That’s a group that plays a critical role in making sure the trains keep running. We’ll get an inside look at the train control group that maintains some 5,000 critical assets at BART. We’ll also learn about the right-of-way crews that work to keep debris and other obstacles off the tracks. It’s an around the clock job that becomes even more important during a stormy winter such as what the Bay Area has been experiencing. You can read the transcript here: http://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170303

Go inside BART's version of mission control Feb 03, 2017

In this latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we take you behind the scenes of the Operations Control Center. The OCC is the nerve center of the BART system. This is where a dedicated team of problem solvers oversees BART's critical infrastructure as well as all of the trains as they carry tens of thousands of passengers. Public safety and doing everything possible to keep the trains on time are critical concerns. It’s a fast-paced environment where collaboration is the key. In this episode we hear from one of the managers of the control center as well as a train controller who has been with BART for more than two decades. You can read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170203

The public gets its say on critical issues facing BART PD Jan 24, 2017

2017 is shaping up to be an important year for the BART Police Department. In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we take a closer look at the citizen oversight model that’s playing an important role in charting the direction of BART PD. The department is one of the few in the country that is overseen not just by an Independent Police Auditor but also a Citizen Review Board. Now those entities are seeking greater public input as the debate begins over proposed changes to BART PD’s use of force policy. You can read a transcript for this podcast at: https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2017/news20170124-1

Meet the woman who watches over the third rail Jan 12, 2017

In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we learn more about one of the people who plays a critical role in keeping the system running. Stephanie Bookout is an electrical foreworker who is part of the team that watches over the third rail, which provides power to all of our trains. Bookout has been with BART for nearly 10 years and has advanced to a supervisor’s position in what has been a male-dominated profession. Bookout talks about what it’s like to help manage the lifeline of the BART system and how challenging that job can be when we go through wet weather.

The sounds of the holiday season fill BART stations Dec 22, 2016

In our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we listen to the sounds of the holiday season that are filling stations across the system. Buskers are nothing new for BART but this time of year many are taking a more festive approach to their music. BART riders are hearing from a variety of performers including a string ensemble from Bishop O’Dowd High School and carolers who have been singing for decades.

An inside look at BART’s customer call center Dec 08, 2016

You won’t believe some of the questions that people ask when they dial up our customer call center. In the latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we take an inside look at the call center, which is open 365 days a year. We hear from some of the longtime staffers at the center and see what it’s like to handle hundreds of calls a day from across the Bay Area and the world.

The outgoing board president talks about 20 years at BART Dec 01, 2016

Big changes are coming to BART’s Board of Directors. In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we hear from Tom Radulovich who is leaving the BART Board after 20 years of service. The outgoing board president talks about his decision to not seek re-election as well as his hopes for the future of BART. Radulovich also shares his thoughts on the idea of building a second Transbay Tube.

An inside look at BART inspires East Bay teens Nov 17, 2016

BART is making it a priority to reach out to young people. In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we learn more about how BART is teaming up with U.C. Berkeley on the Y-Plan (Youth – Plan, Learn, Act, Now). It’s an educational strategy that empowers young people to take on real-world challenges in their communities. Listen as 70 students from Kennedy High School in Richmond get a behind-the-scenes look at BART operations. That special tour prepares the students to come up with answers to this question: “How can BART better use technology to get more people excited about careers in the transit industry?”

Podcast: The dramatic history of BART is now a new book Nov 10, 2016

In our latest episode of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we sit down with former BART chief spokesman Mike Healy to relive the history of the transit agency. Healy has written a new book entitled “BART: The Dramatic History of the Bay Area Rapid Transit System.” Healy started his tenure with BART back in 1971 and spent several decades as the public face of BART. He offers a unique perspective on the transit agency’s colorful history as someone who personally experienced much of it.

BART’s GM shares her vision for 2017 and beyond Nov 03, 2016

BART General Manager Grace Crunican is our guest on the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART.” In the interview, Crunican talks about the need to build a Better BART. Crunican also provides updates on new initiatives to deal with crowding, improve customer service, worker safety, and the Fleet of the Future.

Field trips on BART bring excitement and great memories Oct 27, 2016

In our latest episode of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we visit Ocean View Elementary School in Albany where Isabel Cohen’s fourth graders are getting ready to ride BART to a pair of field trips. The kids are excited for their big trips and Ms. Cohen is looking forward to sharing her lifelong experience of riding BART with her students. We also learn about the discount plan BART offers for class field trips that opens the door to all kinds of possibilities for Bay Area schools.

New technology could make getting to BART stations easier Oct 20, 2016

In our latest edition of "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" we hear from BART's Customer Access Director Bob Franklin. He talks about how small computers could make it easier to get vital information about BART service to riders with disabilities. We also learn what BART's plan is for sharing real-time parking information with riders and app developers.

You Won't Believe What Turns Up at BART's Lost and Found! Oct 18, 2016

We take you behind the scenes at Lost and Found. All hope is not lost if you accidentally leave something on a train car or in a station.p;/

Crowd Relief for Downtown San Francisco Oct 18, 2016

An in-depth look at what BART is doing to improve our busy Downtown San Francisco stations. BART Planning Manager Tim Chan discusses projects to provide capacity relief and other modernization efforts to enhance the rider experience.

Bond Money Pays off with Improved Earthquake Safety Oct 18, 2016

This time we look at what BART is doing to prepare for earthquakes. Eathquake Safety Program Manager Thomas Horton talks about the progress BART has made in recent years to protect the system from the next Big One.

An Afternoon on Patrol with BART Police Oct 18, 2016

An inside look at what it’s like to be on patrol with a BART police officer. Sergeant Michael Williamson talks about why he still loves his job after 13 years with BPD.

Moving Oral Histories of Tanforan at San Bruno BART Oct 18, 2016

BART can take you many places around the Bay. But in this case, it offers a trip back to the past….to one of our darkest chapters in American history.

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