BART fare gate overhaul accelerates as San Mateo County joins regional push to modernize public transit infrastructure across the Bay Area
San Mateo County, California – Last Friday, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors authorized a major budget allocation meant to upgrade the fare gate systems throughout several BART stations, thereby modernizing public transit. Unanimous vote among the supervisors, the resolution set aside $10.3 million to replace aging fare gates at five key stations: Daly City, Colma, Millbrae, San Bruno, and South San Francisco.
This financial pledge is included in a larger, $90 million project meant to improve fare gates all across the BART system in the Bay Area. Approval’s urgency was motivated by a necessity to obtain a contractor for the project, which called for a financing commitment by the following Monday, March 31. The county hopes to guarantee the continuous advancement of the project by this proactive action.
This project has a layered funding structure. Although the San Mateo County Transit Agency usually controls the distribution of money for transportation projects, the urgency of the funding promise was very important for progress.
The county said that BART intends to pursue funding under the Measure W Regional Transit Connection Program, a resource resulting from a 30-year half-cent sales tax authorized by voters in 2018. The county has a backup plan should BART not obtain this funding or deem it inadequate; it would suggest a repayment plan to the city councils of the impacted areas.
The upgrades are a continuation of a system-wide effort by BART, which has already seen half of its 50 stations receive new fare gates since December 2023. The drive for modernization is excellent given 17 other stations, including Concord and El Cerrito, planned for similar modifications within the year.
In a statement, Board President David Canepa—who also sits on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission—underlined the need of these improvements.
“Ensuring a safe, efficient, and reliable transit system is essential for San Mateo County residents,” Canepa said to Mercury News. By installing modern fare gates, the county is looking to enhance security, curb fare evasion, and improve the overall rider experience.
The importance of these upgrades is underscored by recent improvements in safety across the BART system. Latest BART data shows a significant drop in crime rates; total incidents are down 17% in 2024 relative to last year. This indicates a good change in the post-COVID-19 era, including an 11% drop in violent crimes and an 18% drop in property crimes.
The new fare gates are not just about aesthetics or modernity; they are designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind. Upgraded systems will provide better access for wheelchair users as well as those with bicycles and strollers by including cutting-edge technology meant to increase operational dependability and safety.
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This significant investment in transportation infrastructure shows San Mateo County’s dedication to keeping a world-class transit system that satisfies the changing needs of its population, so guaranteeing the county stays well-integrated into the larger regional network.
