By Transit California Staff
Crime on Bay Area Rapid Transit drops 41% in 2025
Crime on BART plummeted in 2025, a testament to the hard work of the BART Police Department and the effectiveness of BART's investment in initiatives and infrastructure that both increase safety and enhance the customer experience.
Overall crime on BART dropped 41% in 2025 compared to the previous year, with violent crime down 31% and property crime down 43%, according to the December 2025 Chief’s Monthly Report. Additional highlights include auto thefts decreasing by half year over year and robberies decreasing by 60%.
This substantial decrease in crimes in the system comes as ridership continues to grow steadily, with BART serving nearly 5 million more trips in 2025 than 2024, a year that also saw ridership growth in addition to a drop in crime.
“Safety is about more than enforcement. It’s about presence, partnership, and creating an environment where all riders feel comfortable using BART,” said BART Police Chief Kevin Franklin. “BART PD is committed to deterring criminal activity, responding quickly when help is needed, and ensuring riders feel safe throughout their journeys. These numbers demonstrate the impact of officers who are engaged and focused on building trust with the communities BART serves.”
“Riders are witnessing firsthand the improvements to safety, cleanliness, and customer experience that define the New BART,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers. “We’ve combined infrastructure upgrades, such as improved fare gates and station lighting, with additional safety presence and customer-centered service to make BART a comfortable experience for everyone who rides. I want to thank BART PD for their tireless commitment to serving the public.”
BART PD boosted the visible safety presence in the system by doubling officer presence systemwide and ensuring police are riding trains more. This approach is strengthened by BART’s ongoing use of unarmed Crisis Intervention Specialists, Transit Ambassadors, Fare Inspectors, and Community Service Officers.
Safety efforts were also bolstered by the installation of 715 new fare gates at all 50 stations, a project completed in August 2025, four months ahead of schedule. The taller, stronger fare gates are improving the station environment and deterring fare evasion and unwanted behavior. The number of riders who say they’ve witnessed someone not paying has dropped 59% in the last year.
BART also maintains a network of 4,000+ surveillance cameras, minimizing response time and holding suspects accountable, and continues to install LED lighting on platforms and in parking facilities to eliminate dark corners. Efforts such as these not only improve safety, but the entirety of the BART experience by making the system more welcoming and comfortable.
In 2025, BART PD continued its robust officer recruitment campaign with a $15,000 hiring bonus and a robust outreach strategy, including a dedicated JoinBARTPD.com recruitment site and the recent launch of a BART PD Instagram to reach potential recruits where they’re at.
Engineers Week 2026: BART's engineers are transforming the future of transit
Each year, Engineers Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the problem-solvers who shape the world around us. This includes the hundreds of BART engineers bringing to life ambitious projects that are redefining how the Bay Area moves. From advanced train control systems to strengthened electrical infrastructure, BART’s engineers are enacting the theme of this year’s Engineers Week – Transform Your Future – every single day.
BART's engineering workforce spans dozens of specialties, from civil and structural to traction power and construction management, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse expertise comes together to tackle large-scale challenges. Their work ensures the system remains safe, resilient, and ready for what's to come.
“Engineers are at the heart of everything we do at BART,” said General Manager Bob Powers, a Professional Engineer himself. “Their work doesn’t just improve BART operations – it strengthens communities and ensures that everyone who lives here has access to enriching opportunities and experiences.”
“BART’s engineers are truly an elite group of puzzle solvers driven by a passion for making a difference for the Bay Area” said Sylvia Lamb, Assistant General Manager for Infrastructure Delivery. “They leverage industry expertise to deliver safe reliable service for today’s passengers while maintaining an innovative vision for transforming tomorrow’s.”
What are BART engineers working on? Keep reading to hear about some of the exciting projects happening around the system.
Next Generation Fare Gates
BART recently completed installation of its Next Generation Fare Gates at all stations, modernizing fare control equipment for the first time in decades.
The new gates feature advanced sensors, improved accessibility for people using wheelchairs, bikes, and strollers, and a more secure, durable design that helps deter fare evasion while improving passenger flow. The systemwide rollout was completed ahead of schedule and is already enhancing reliability and the overall rider experience. BART engineers are now using the fare gate’s advanced sensors to optimize their performance.
Communications-Based Train Control
One of the most ambitious efforts underway is Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), which will replace BART’s legacy fixed-block signal system with a modern, communications-based platform. The project represents a generational upgrade to rail operations, fundamentally changing how the agency manages train movement, capacity, and reliability for decades to come. By allowing trains to operate more precisely and closer together, CBTC will increase throughput through the busiest parts of the system, including the transbay corridor, helping deliver more frequent and dependable service.
Implementing the technology requires installing new trackside communications equipment, onboard systems, and advanced control software while maintaining daily passenger service. It is widely considered one of the most ambitious signaling modernizations in U.S. transit and showcases the scale and technical complexity of BART’s engineering work.
Traction Power Cable Replacement
Behind every BART trip is a vast electrical network that supplies power to the trains. BART’s traction power cable replacement program is renewing aging 34.5kV sub-transmission cables that distribute electricity from substations to traction power facilities across the system.
Replacing these decades-old cables improves reliability, increases capacity, and reduces the risk of service disruptions, ensuring trains have the consistent power needed to provide continuous and frequent service. The new cables will also be used for traction power substation control and to monitor other vital BART assets.
Investing in the Next Generation of Engineers
Engineers Week is also about inspiring future problem-solvers. BART’s Engineering Internship Program provides paid, hands-on opportunities for college students and recent graduates to work directly with staff engineers on active capital, maintenance, and a wide range of other engineering projects and initiatives. Interns gain experience in areas such as design support, field inspections, construction coordination, data analysis, and systems testing, and the opportunity to apply core engineering principles and contribute to real-world improvements across stations, track, power, and train control. Five engineering interns who participated in the 2025 program were later hired full-time as Junior Engineers.
Students interested in learning more can visit bart.gov/internships. The application period will open this spring.
OCTA Honors Outstanding Employees of the Year for Contributions to Orange County Transportation
Three employees representing coach operations, maintenance and administration are recognized for excellence during the 2025 calendar year
The Orange County Transportation Authority has announced its Employees of the Year, recognizing three exceptional individuals whose dedication and performance throughout the last year have helped OCTA continue to provide safe, reliable and innovative transportation services throughout Orange County.
Each year, OCTA honors outstanding employees from three areas of the agency – coach operators, maintenance staff and administrative personnel – who exemplify the agency’s core values and commitment to organizational excellence.
The Employees of the Year, recognized at a February Board of Directors meeting, are:
“These employees represent the very best of OCTA and the people who make our transportation system work every day,” said OCTA Chair Jamey M. Federico. “Through their dedication, professionalism and commitment to safety and service, they have a direct and lasting impact on our riders, our colleagues and the communities we serve. I am proud to recognize their outstanding contributions.”
Cynthia Guardado, Coach Operator of the Year, began her career with OCTA in July 1988 and has been a model of professionalism, dedication and integrity for nearly four decades. She recently achieved an extraordinary milestone: 35 years of safe driving, representing thousands of service hours and an unwavering commitment to safety and customer service.
In addition to her exemplary driving record, Guardado serves as a behind-the-wheel instructor, playing a vital role in training and mentoring new coach operators. Through her leadership and guidance, she helps strengthen OCTA’s culture of safety and prepare the next generation of operators.
Chris Pettit, Maintenance Employee of the Year, joined the agency in October 2008 and has consistently demonstrated exceptional technical expertise, professionalism and reliability. As a Senior Facilities Technician, Pettit plays a critical role in maintaining and repairing essential systems across OCTA facilities, including air conditioning systems, compressed natural gas equipment, bus wash systems, fire doors and lighting.
Pettit’s problem-solving skills have delivered measurable value to the organization. Most notably, he successfully repaired two fire doors previously deemed unrepairable by outside contractors, resulting in nearly $20,000 in cost savings to OCTA.
He is widely respected for his collaborative approach, strong customer focus and commitment to teamwork.
Maria Brennan, Administrative Employee of the Year, serves as the agency’s Wellness Coordinator and is recognized for her leadership and innovation in strengthening OCTA’s wellness program and increasing employee participation across the organization.
Since joining OCTA in January 2023, Brennan has expanded participation in wellness programs through consistent outreach, nearly doubling participation among coach operators and maintenance employees. She has improved access to wellness resources by integrating fitness trainers into new employee orientation, expanding fitness classes and building educational partnerships. Brennan exemplifies OCTA’s core values through her integrity, collaboration and can-do spirit, helping advance the agency’s commitment to a healthy and engaged workforce.
For more information about OCTA programs and services, visit www.octa.net.
Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District Launches Free Seabright Shuttle
Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) is introducing the Seabright Shuttle, a free, flexible, curb-to-curb microtransit pilot service designed to support residents, employees, and visitors traveling within Santa Cruz’s Seabright neighborhood during the Murray Street Bridge Retrofit Project.
The Seabright Shuttle operates Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM, offering on-demand rides using METRO’s accessible ParaCruz vans. Riders can travel from their home or business to the nearest METRO bus stop—or from a bus stop to any destination within the Seabright service zone—making it easier to navigate the area without relying on a personal vehicle.
“Construction on the Murray Street Bridge has created temporary challenges for the Seabright community,” said Corey Aldridge, METRO CEO. “This shuttle provides a reliable, convenient, and accessible mobility option that keeps people connected to work, school, services, and the broader METRO network.”
How the Seabright Shuttle Works
Riders can book trips by calling METRO ParaCruz at (831) 425-4664 (phone bookings available until 5PM) or by using the Mobility by Ecolane App. Upon booking, riders receive a 30-minute pickup window, with typical wait times ranging from 5 to 45 minutes.
An accessible ParaCruz vehicle will pick riders up curbside.
Once onboard, riders are taken to the nearest METRO fixed-route stop for seamless connection to regular bus service. All Seabright Shuttle rides are free when connecting to or from a METRO fixed route bus.
SunLine Transit Agency Celebrates Transit Equity Day
In celebration of Transit Equity Day on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, SunLine Transit Agency was proud to offer free fares on all fixed-route services throughout the day. This initiative highlighted SunLine’s commitment to equitable access to reliable public transit as a fundamental right for everyone in the Coachella Valley.
Transit Equity Day is observed annually on February 4th to commemorate Rosa Parks’ birthday and her pivotal role in the fight for civil rights and transportation equality. By providing free fixed-route rides, SunLine honors her legacy and recognizes the essential role of public transit in promoting equity, access, and opportunity.
SunLine encouraged all Coachella Valley residents and visitors to utilize the free fixed-route service to explore the Coachella Valley, connect with essential destinations, and experience the benefits of sustainable public transportation.
Ferry ridership continues to boom
SF Bay Ferry’s ridership boom continues as it just completed its best January ever with a record 229,000 passengers.
SF Bay Ferry ridership hit a major milestone in January, exceeding 106% of 2019 levels, the agency’s highest monthly recovery mark. It also marks the second consecutive month in which SF Bay Ferry exceeded its 2019 ridership for the same month after the agency hit 100.1% of December 2019 ridership last month.
Over the past 12 months, SF Bay Ferry’s recovery rate is 95%. It carried 3 million passengers in 2025 for just the second time ever.
January saw a surge in weekday ridership as Downtown San Francisco’s recovery picks up steam and workers are choosing the ferry as their preferred commute option. Last month, SF Bay Ferry averaged 8,358 weekday transbay riders, not including direct service to Chase Center. That’s a 15% increase over last January and a 2019 recovery mark of 92%, the agency’s highest weekday rate since resuming full service in 2021.
With beautiful weather and special winter fare promotions, the ferry system also registered huge weekend numbers, carrying nearly 2.5 times the amount of weekend riders from January 2019. Over the past 12 months, SF Bay Ferry has increased weekend ridership from its pre-pandemic record by 47%.
Congress Approves $94.3 Million in Mobility-Related Funding for 2028 Olympic, Paralympic Games
Metro to work with USDOT, LA28 on Games-Related Transportation Assistance
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) applauds Congress for including $94.3 million in mobility-related funding for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the recently enacted transportation spending law that passed Congress with strong bipartisan support and was signed into law today by the President.
“We appreciate the leadership from the California Congressional delegation, including Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, and Representatives Pete Aguilar and Norma Torres on the House Appropriations Committee for their support of this critical funding,” said Metro Chair Fernando Dutra. “This bipartisan effort, which also included support from Secretary Duffy, Administrator Molinaro, and the staff of the US Department of Transportation, will be essential for success. We look forward to collaborating with the federal government to deliver a world-class experience for everyone coming to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
This critical funding will allow Metro to keep moving forward on the Games Enhanced Transit System (GETS), including advance service planning, initial leasing costs for land, design for temporary bus facilities and station experience enhancements. Additionally, the funding will support the final design and engineering for key station improvements, mobility hubs and light rail improvements; final design and engineering for the Games Route Network; and planning and design for quick build pedestrian enhancements for venue areas.
“The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a time for America to shine on the world stage – and we know that transportation will be a key part of the visitor experience,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “We appreciate this bipartisan support from Congress and this Administration, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to provide the needed resources so everyone coming for America’s Games can have a gold medal experience in 2028.”
In addition to the $94.3 million for the 2028 Games, the funding bill also included approximately $9.1 million for World Cup 26 transportation assistance (out of a total of $100 million), $2.3 million for bus stop enhancements, $15 million for transit safety funding (for the top 10 transit agencies) and $149 million for the Vermont bus rapid transit line.
SamTrans celebrates 50 years in 2026 with anniversary web page, commemorative buses and public events
SamTrans will mark its 50th anniversary later this year with a series of celebrations honoring five decades of public transit service in San Mateo County, beginning with the launch of a dedicated 50th anniversary web page, the debut of commemorative bus wraps and a slate of public-facing events.
The 50th anniversary web page will continue to grow in the coming months with historical milestones, rider stories and updates on upcoming celebrations. SamTrans also unveiled one of two 50th anniversary wrapped buses during its February Board of Directors meeting. The buses will bring the milestone directly to riders throughout the county on a daily basis.
Established on July 1, 1976, SamTrans will officially mark its 50th anniversary this coming July 1, recognizing five decades of connecting communities, jobs and essential services across San Mateo County.
The public celebration will continue later in the year with Rider Appreciation Day on Sept. 1, the start of Bay Area Transit Month, when SamTrans will offer a nostalgic 25-cent fare — matching the cost of a ride when the agency first began service.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, SamTrans will invite the community to celebrate its 50th anniversary with an outdoor event at the agency’s new headquarters adjacent to the Millbrae Transit Center. The celebration will bring together riders, employees and community partners to reflect on SamTrans’ history and look ahead to the future of transit in the county.
“For 50 years, SamTrans has played a vital role in connecting people to opportunity,” said April Chan, SamTrans general manager and CEO. “This anniversary is about honoring the communities we serve, the employees who make the service possible and the riders who have been part of our story since the beginning.”
In the months ahead, SamTrans will continue sharing anniversary memories, historical moments and celebration updates across its social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky. Key details and announcements will also be featured in the SamTrans Next Stop e-Newsletter, providing riders and the community with regular updates throughout our anniversary year.