One year anniversary will mark one million rides on BART to OAK
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
November 21 marks one year of active service for the automated Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to OAK line between Oakland International Airport and Coliseum Station. Coincidentally, it is also expected to reach the one millionth passenger trip milestone at some point this weekend.
“The BART to OAK line is clean, modern and convenient for riders,” said BART spokesperson Jim Allison. “Based on feedback from our riders both in surveys and on social media, they agree and appreciate just how quick the ride is.”
BART to OAK rides saw a 36.5 percent increase in ridership compared to the AirBART shuttle bus previously serving as the link between BART and the airport. A constantly growing daily average of 3,300 entries and exits highlights the importance of a rail connection to air travel, especially as Oakland International continues to experience large increases in passenger traffic alongside expanded service routes.
“The airport is delighted to be celebrating our first year of partnership with BART by also commemorating the one millionth BART to OAK passenger,” said Oakland Airport spokesperson Keonnis Taylor. “It’s an exciting way to begin the holiday season and to continue the trend of growth the airport has seen this year.”
BART passenger surveys underscored the positive ridership numbers, reporting a 99 percent approval rating of the new train system, describing the service as either “good” or “excellent.” Reliability also helped boost passengers’ perceptions: BART to OAK had a 99.7 percent service availability rating during the previous quarter.
