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Balboa Park Station in San Francisco is one of BART's 10 busiest, with about 13,000 daily customers, many of them City College of San Francisco students.
Tom Radulovich/BART Board Member
We've got city college over here, we've got buses boarding over here, but for years, patrons exiting the station have always been forced to exit here and then walk along the tracks here, which is kind of dirty, dark, dangerous and unlit. The pathway project that we are going to break ground on today is going to solve that problem. It's going to solve a big safety problem and it will finally connect this station to both Geneva Avenue and to Ocean Avenue and to City College."
BART Directors invited other dignitaries to a ground breaking ceremony August 21st to mark the beginning of a $5.1 million modernization project.
This drawing shows the new walkway that will be built on the west side of the station.
it marks the first project made possible by federal stimulus money, in this case $2 million.
James Fang/BART Board Member
This station shows you what we can do when everyone works together. This is truly not just a BART project but an entire San Francisco Bay Area project."
The first phase of this project is expected to be completed this year.
For more information on the Balboa Park improvements, click on www.bart.gov/news/articles/2009/news20090819.aspx.
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
Community Leaders Join BART Board In Urging Lawmakers To Approve Citizen Oversight Of BART Police
Call for action for Citizen Oversight of the BART Police Department
Strike Averted, Tentative Agreement Announced
Hours before Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555 (ATU) employees were scheduled to walk off their jobs, BART management and the union resolved their differences on Sunday afternoon and reached a tentative agreement for a new four-year contract.
BART is working to eliminate an estimated $310 million, four-year deficit amid a decline in ridership, state transit funding and sales tax revenue. The BART Board had set a target of cutting $100 million in labor costs over four years.
BOARD MARKS MAJOR MILESTONE BY ADOPTING CITIZEN OVERSIGHT OF BART PD
STATE LAWMAKERS URGED TO FINALIZE CITIZEN OVERSIGHT
In a unanimous vote, the BART Board of Directors reached a major milestone August 13, 2009 in delivering on its commitment to improve police services and public confidence by approving independent citizen oversight of the BART Police Department.
“Today’s Board action is truly historic,” BART Board Member Carole Ward Allen said. Ward Allen chairs the BART Police Department Review Committee, which Board President Thomas Blalock created following the January 1 shooting of Oscar Grant on the platform of Fruitvale Station by a former police officer. “What we approved today has one of the strongest components of citizen oversight in the state of California. The process now moves to the state legislature. We urge our state representatives to take swift action so we can implement citizen oversight this year as we continue to work to make the BART Police Department the best it can be.”
“We have a dedicated, professional and highly trained police force at BART and we want to keep it that way,” Director Joel Keller said. Keller is the vice chair of the committee. “Citizen oversight, if done properly, can help us achieve that.”
BART NEEDS CHANGE IN STATE LAW TO MOVE FORWARD
BART is a special district created by the state legislature and requires an amendment of the BART Act to create citizen oversight as adopted by the Board today.
The citizen oversight the Board adopted encompasses two major areas where legislative change is required to meet its stated purpose. The first area involves the creation of the position of independent police auditor. Because the auditor would report directly to the Board, the position requires an amendment to the BART Act.
The second area requires amending the General Manager’s authority to provide for a role for the auditor and the board in the discipline process for members of the police department. In BART’s newly adopted citizen review, both the independent auditor and the Board would each have a role in recommending discipline, which also requires an amendment to the BART Act.
“We are only seeking permissive changes to state law,” BART Board Member Tom Radulovich said. Radulovich has been a long supporter of BART Police citizen oversight and sits on the BART Police Department Review Committee. “The citizen oversight we adopted today is based on what members of the community have told us they want. It incorporates the community’s needs and the best elements of the various citizen oversight entities at police departments around the Bay Area and beyond.”
CITIZEN OVERSIGHT RESULT OF COMMUNITY INPUT
The Board adopted the citizen oversight model after months of careful study of existing citizen oversight entities and by hearing from the community at public meetings and through written comments.
“Today’s action sends a clear message that this Board is committed to fulfilling its promises,” BART Board Member Lynette Sweet said. Sweet also sits on the BART Police Department Review Committee. “We told the community we would adopt a strong citizen oversight of BART Police this year, and today we delivered on that promise. Now we need help from state legislators to amend the law so we can implement citizen oversight.”
CITIZEN OVERSIGHT MODEL AVAILABLE ONLINE
The citizen oversight model adopted by the Board is available online at www.BART.gov
Bart Ney/Caltrans Spokesman
And your challenge will be getting across the bay Labor Day weekend because the Bay Bridge will be completely shut down to traffic
No bridge? No problem.
Luna Salaver/BART Spokeswoman
"When the Bay Bridge is closed, BART is open"
BART will run round the clock on Labor Day weekend.
Bart Ney/Caltrans spokesman
BART is our best resource for providing trips across the Bay, and we're going to be expanding their service to 24 hours while the bridge is out of service."
But only 14 stations will stay open after midnight, and trains will only run hourly in the wee hours of the morning.
For a list of stations and more on the 24 hour service, visit www.bart.gov
It's important to note that 24-hour BART service will not extend into the morning of Tuesday, September 8th.
BART has provided round the clock service before when the seismic retrofit of the Bay Bridge has required a closure.
This time, the bridge work involves a tricky maneuver.
This animation shows what's going to happen.
"Once traffic is cleared, the original bridge will be severed, and a 300 foot long section of that bridge will be slid to the north side of the island, allowing us to slide in our new section and connect it to both sides, allowing traffic to flow once again onto our new detour structure."
You can learn more about the bridge retrofit work at www.baybridgeinfo.org
We've put a link to the site in the text version of the story.
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
BART is going to use these....to do this:
Lift a 25 ton rail car.
More than 900 solar panels installed at the Richmond yard will provide enough power to lift rail cars and peform other essential maintenance work.
BART is also replacing lighting at the shop with more energy efficient bulbs, slashing energy usage by a third.
Projects like this could save BART 3.4 million dollars over the next 20 years while giving BART a stable, green source of energy.
Bob Franklin/BART Board Member
Electricity costs can go up dramatically and it's important that we have a diversified portfolio of where we get our energy."
SunEdison is paying for the installation of the solar panels here at Richmond, the Hayward shop and at Orinda Station, where solar panel canopies will cover 40 parking spots.
Gail Murray/BART Board Member
The benefit to the people in Orinda is that 40 of those people will have covered parking now and the other benefit is that the Orinda Station will be powered almost entirely by those solar panels."
The BART Board's sustainability committee hopes this is just the beginning.
The sun will run our station and that will be a demonstration of things we'll be able to do at other BART stations."
I think it sends an important message that we're trying to be a green organization, and trying to let people know that BART is an energy efficient, more energy efficent way to travel than driving in the Bay Area."
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
Ralph Peet/BART Rider: " Definitely don't polute, that's definitely a no no."
There's little doubt many BART customers are concerned about global warming.
Gail Husson/BART Rider:" I feel like we should be doing as much as we can to prevent it."Nishant Greg/BART Rider:" I think it's a fairly common truth today that, yea, it exists and we have to do something about it."Now there's a way for riders to find out just how much they're contributing to the solution.It's called the carbon calculator and it's now part of BART.gov's Quickplanner. Steve Beroldo/Research Projects Analyst:" It takes the distanceof that trip and makes an estimate of how much CO2 would've been admitted had they used a car for that trip rather than BART and then providese them with an estimate of CO2 reduced."If you take just one trip on BART, it won't make a huge difference...but if you take BART each weekday for a year instead of driving, you can save nearly 6,000 pounds of airpolluting carbon dioxide.Nishant Greg/BART Rider:" Wow! That's huge."Ralph Peet/BART Rider: " Well I catch the BART all the time so that's a good thing."And carbon dioxide is by far the largest component of greenhouse gases.Steve Beroldo/Research Projects Analyst:" I think a lot of our passengers are concerned about the environment and it's good for us to provide them with an estimate of what it means to take BART rather than driving their car."
for more BART eco facts, check out BARTtv's Go Green category.
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
Naji Trufant/BART Rider:
"I love recycling. I recycle a lot. I recycle anything from plastic bags to cloth to clothing to ...you name it!"
Most BART riders agree: recycling is worth the effort.
Alyssa Coutre/BART Rider
"That's what today's world is all about. It's recycling, and you know, it's coming up with...it's a team effort!"
You can be part of the team too.
if you're one of the tens of thousands of people who bring newspapers on board BART trains, take your newspaper with you.
There are recycling bins on the concourse level of each station.
"As we encourage all people to recycle, we do that here at BART."
If you're finished with your newspaper, toss in the bin and we'll take care of it.
And, for the less conscientious people who simply leave their newspapers and trash on the train...well, we take care of that too.
Jeff Baker/Asst. Maintenance Supt.
"For instance, in our Richmond yard, we have 10 recycling bins that get emptied every day so there is a tremendous amount of trash that is pulled off of our BART trains and ultimately we recycle a lot of the newspapers that come through the BART system."
Recyling the trash is an extra step, but one BART is willing to take to help the environment.
We even recyle cans and bottles - even though drinking on BART is against the law.
"Newspapers are the most commonly recycled item on BART. What's the most uncommon?"
"I don't know how they decided to roll it up into a train and leave it there but we found auto tires on the train."
It goes without saying but we'll say it anyway....please take your old auto tires to a proper recycling facility...and stash your newspapers in our recycling bins.
Jim Allison, BARTtv news
Remember what Mom always said about sharing, how great it is?
Well Fiona Murphy listened.
Fiona shares cars with other members of Zipcar.
It's a service that provides pay-as-you-go vehicles.
Sharing cars works so well for Fiona that she's ditched the hassles and costs of car ownership.
You'll find Zipcars at seven BART stations.
Jennifer Payne-Sleight/Zipcar
"We like to say we're the last mile in public transit so we, you know, once you get off at that BART station then you can actually pick up that car and maby go those extra few miles."
Fiona joined Zipcar online, so now she can reserve a car and use it only when she needs it.
"It's nice to be able to vary your plan accordingly to what your needs are are, it's a very flexible, available policy."
There are hundreds of Zipcars at locations throughout the Bay Area, but, as more people are learning, the combination of BART and shared cars is an especially convenient option.
"42% of Zipcar members increased their public transit use in conjunction with Zipcars."
Zipcar even features environmentally-friendly hybrids for those of us looking to soften our carbon footprint.
Our target is to be that convenient so people can either live without a vehicle or even choose to not drive a vehicle into the city or even ideally not have one car per household." Check Zipcar locations or even sign up by clicking on the link in the text version of this story.
Soon you could be zipping along the road minutes after stepping off a BART train.
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
It's a green fact: the same brakes that stop BART trains make them go.
The process is called regenerative braking.
Bob Franklin/BART Director
"That is recapturing the energy used to slow down a BART train going 70 miles an hour."
Henry Kolesar/BART Engineer
"When braking is requested of the vehicle, the motors go from a motoring mode to a generating mode and they become generatosrs. And, in that process, they are converting the kinetic energy of the vehicle back into electrical energy."
It's electrical energy that goes right into the 1,000 volt third rail, where another BART train can use it.
During rush hour, when power needs are the greatest, BART trains have actually been able to regenerate 100% of their braking energy for use by other trains.
It's the same technology used by hybrid cars but it's not new to BART.
"We've been doing it for a lot longer than there were hybrid cars."
That doesn't mean BART isn't looking for improvements.
BART engineers are researching energy storage devices which would be mounted under BART cars.
The energy would be used on the same car, eliminating any transimssion loss.
"We, as engineers, love those kinds of challenges."
For a detailed report on BART's energy efficiency, click on http://www.bart.gov/about/reports/index.aspx
Cheryl Stalter, BARTtv News.
Community Leaders Join BART Board In Urging Lawmakers To Approve Citizen Oversight Of BART Police
Call for action for Citizen Oversight of the BART Police Department
BOARD MARKS MAJOR MILESTONE BY ADOPTING CITIZEN OVERSIGHT OF BART PD
STATE LAWMAKERS URGED TO FINALIZE CITIZEN OVERSIGHT
In a unanimous vote, the BART Board of Directors reached a major milestone August 13, 2009 in delivering on its commitment to improve police services and public confidence by approving independent citizen oversight of the BART Police Department.
“Today’s Board action is truly historic,” BART Board Member Carole Ward Allen said. Ward Allen chairs the BART Police Department Review Committee, which Board President Thomas Blalock created following the January 1 shooting of Oscar Grant on the platform of Fruitvale Station by a former police officer. “What we approved today has one of the strongest components of citizen oversight in the state of California. The process now moves to the state legislature. We urge our state representatives to take swift action so we can implement citizen oversight this year as we continue to work to make the BART Police Department the best it can be.”
“We have a dedicated, professional and highly trained police force at BART and we want to keep it that way,” Director Joel Keller said. Keller is the vice chair of the committee. “Citizen oversight, if done properly, can help us achieve that.”
BART NEEDS CHANGE IN STATE LAW TO MOVE FORWARD
BART is a special district created by the state legislature and requires an amendment of the BART Act to create citizen oversight as adopted by the Board today.
The citizen oversight the Board adopted encompasses two major areas where legislative change is required to meet its stated purpose. The first area involves the creation of the position of independent police auditor. Because the auditor would report directly to the Board, the position requires an amendment to the BART Act.
The second area requires amending the General Manager’s authority to provide for a role for the auditor and the board in the discipline process for members of the police department. In BART’s newly adopted citizen review, both the independent auditor and the Board would each have a role in recommending discipline, which also requires an amendment to the BART Act.
“We are only seeking permissive changes to state law,” BART Board Member Tom Radulovich said. Radulovich has been a long supporter of BART Police citizen oversight and sits on the BART Police Department Review Committee. “The citizen oversight we adopted today is based on what members of the community have told us they want. It incorporates the community’s needs and the best elements of the various citizen oversight entities at police departments around the Bay Area and beyond.”
CITIZEN OVERSIGHT RESULT OF COMMUNITY INPUT
The Board adopted the citizen oversight model after months of careful study of existing citizen oversight entities and by hearing from the community at public meetings and through written comments.
“Today’s action sends a clear message that this Board is committed to fulfilling its promises,” BART Board Member Lynette Sweet said. Sweet also sits on the BART Police Department Review Committee. “We told the community we would adopt a strong citizen oversight of BART Police this year, and today we delivered on that promise. Now we need help from state legislators to amend the law so we can implement citizen oversight.”
CITIZEN OVERSIGHT MODEL AVAILABLE ONLINE
The citizen oversight model adopted by the Board is available online at www.BART.gov
On Thursday, July 30, the BART Board of Directors helda special board meeting to discuss the draft proposal to create independent citizen oversight of the BART Police Department
The draft proposal of the citizen oversight model includes the following components:
• An independent auditor who is appointed by and reports directly to the BART Board of Directors
• An 11 member Citizen Board
• The power to investigate complaints against officers
• The power to recommend discipline against officers
April 21, 2009 BART held and industry forum for potential bidders on the Oakland Airport Connector Project. Video from the forum is posted in seven segments.
This is the first of seven segments.
April 21, 2009 BART held and industry forum for potential bidders on the Oakland Airport Connector Project. Video from the forum is posted in seven segments.
This is the second of seven segments.
April 21, 2009 BART held and industry forum for potential bidders on the Oakland Airport Connector Project. Video from the forum is posted in seven segments.
This is the third of seven segments.
BART held an industry forum on the Oakland Airport Connector Project on April 21, 2009. This is part four of seven.
Project
BART held an industry forum on the Oakland Airport Connector Project on April 21, 2009. This is part five of seven.
Play ball!
Baseball's back and riding BART to the game is an easy call.
Stephanie Wong/Daly City
It's easier than driving. Driving is really expensive, so it's a lot easier and it's on time."
Giants fan Stephanie Wong and her friend won tickets to this game by following BART on Twitter.
She regularly takes BART to both AT&T Park and the Coliseum.
About 20 percent of A's fans use BART to get to the Coliseum.
They simply get off at the Coliseum/Oakland Airport Station and take a short walk across the sky bridge.
Fans like Mike Cerrato know it's an even better deal on double play Wednesdays, featuring tickets to the game for just two dollars.
Mike Cerrato/San Leandro
Probably half of what we normally spend, yes, parking too. It's easier to park at BART and bring the kids to the game."
Buy Doubleplay Wednesdays tickets at myBART.org.
They run a lot of contests and they give out information about events around BART stations."
We've included a link to www.myBART.org.
Now if you're a Giants fan headed to AT&T Park, take BART to Embarcadero Station, head up one level to the Muni platform, and take Muni's T-third line or specially marked ballpark trains.
Jim Allison, BARTtv news.
Take BART to the San Francisco Symphony
Louisa Spier/San Francisco Symphony
There's a magic that happens when musicians, really incredibly trained and talented musicians, perform in front of a live audience."
With more than 220 performances a year, there are plenty of opporunities for you to experience the magic of the San Francisco Symphony.
"Bill Ritchen/SF Symphony Bassist
"The great thing with the San Francisco Symphony in the 25 years that I've been here is the willingness to change."
The San Francisco Symphony is widely considered to be among the country's most adventurous arts institutions, but getting there on BART is hardly an adventure.
In fact, it's downright easy.
Michael Hing/San Francisco
"I think it's the convenience, going from the office, the BART station is right outside my office building, and then it lets you right out here at the Civic Center so it's a great commute, very fast, very simple"
Take BART to Civic Center Station, exit at Grove and Market streets and follow Grove Street to Davies Symphony Hall.
Zac Morrison/Berkeley
"It's nice going by City Hall, I feel safe, there's security around, so it's nice."
Think the symphony is stuffy?
Think again.
The symphony recently began a series of after-concert parties featuring musicians from the orchestra performing non-classical music.
There are breathtaking views to enjoy and...it's free with a symphony ticket.
"I don't think there are two many symphony orchestras that have tried this kind of thing, getting younger audiences involved, getting people who like different styles of music other than classical music involved in the orchestra, it's a wonderful thing that's going on."
"It's a great opportunity for newcomers to the San Francisco Symphony to perhaps hear music they're more familiar with as well as a concert orchestra and, if they have a drink, they're in good hands taking BART home."
Maybe your style is taking the kids out instead of late night cocktails.
The San Francisco Symphony is very kid friendly. Since the San Francisco symphony was founded in 1911, almost 100 years ago, we have been performing concerts with young listeners in mind. We currently offer, concerts for kids, we have a music for family's series, we have heritage concerts."
For ticket information and much more on the symphony, click on http://www.sfsymphony.org/
And, if you decide to pay a visit to this BARTable destination, make sure you let the musicians know if you've enjoyed the concert.
The applause that we receive at the end of performances is the world to us."
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
Art in the Atrium.
It has a nice ring to it.
And it's perfect for busy BART riders who have just a moment to spare at SFMOMA.
"John Zarobell/Atrium Commission Assistant Curator
You can walk into the atrium, look up, bingo there they are.
spend a few minutes, you can take a brochure, and then you can move off and be on your way to the convention or lunch or whatever you come down here for."
But the two huge murals by artist Kerry James Marshall may just stop you in your tracks for a while.
"What you see are two landscapes that are strangely populated. However, it's not all easy to find. The artist isn't doing the work for you. He sort of leaves you information and produces a kind of game so you can decode the information he's put up there."
The murals not only depict the estates of founding fathers George Washington and Thomas Jefferson but the slaves who supported plantation life.
Like their role in much of written American history, the slaves in the artwork are concealed.
"This material in this mural is somewhat controversial. And that's something the artist has designed as part of his work. And as a contemporary museum, we are very committed to engaging with those issues that artists introduce."
The idea is to the use the atrium as a forum for public art.
Entrance into SFMOMA's Atrium is free, and it's an easy walk from BART's Montgomery Street Station to 147 Minna Street.
You can see the murals of Kerry James Marshall until 2010.
SFMOMA has some big exhibitions coming up - check www.myBART.org for possible discounts.
And check www.SFMOMA.com for the hours and ticket information for all that SFMOMA has to offer.
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
Transport yourself in time....or in thought....to Berkeley Repertory Theater, just steps from the Downtown Berkeley Station.
Megan Wygant/Berkeley Repertory Theatre
"We consistently produce some of the most innovative and experimental work in the Bay Area. We do at least two or three world premieres each season. This season we're doing four."
Berkeley Rep's reputation is international - it won a Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater - and it draws theater-goers from around the region.
"I think that about half of our audience would be from San Francisco"
Kevin Soriano is a theater -and BART- regular.
Kevin Soriano/San Francisco
"I've subscribed a few years ago and come to see five or six plays a season and I always take BART."
Meantime, Saint Mary's student Briana Ohene was among those who came to see a production of August Wilson's powerful play "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."
I came early because I was thinking I would get lost but when I got up here from BART I saw it right here. I said I'm early for no reason.
Early enough to enjoy everything the theater complex has to offer...and it's less than a block from BART.
Take BART to the Downtown Berkeley station and you're there.
I think if you factor in the cost of bridge tolls, the cost of parking the personal aggravation, it's sometimes easier to take BART.
For more information on Berkeley Rep, visit their website.
We've provided a link in the text version of this story.
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
BART Stops Where You Shop
Whether you're one of those who can't wait to get started on holiday shopping...
"I'm so excited! I can't wait for the tree lighting." »
or, like most of us....
"I just haven't started quite yet. That's going to be next week." and you're not quite ready.... BART will bring you to the doorstep of some of the Bay Area's best shopping.
BARTtv picked just three of the many shopping destinations to get you on your way.
First stop: Powell Street Station.
"I can get on BART and not have to go out in the rain to go to, say, Nordstrom in that center. It's easy and convenient."
CG: Karon Fields/Walnut Creek
Powell Street Station connects with the upscale shopping of Westfield's San Francisco Centre.
And the hustle and bustle of Union Square are just a couple of blocks away.
Take SOT Runs.. 0:00 .."
"My first time in the city was actually during the holidays and it just brings back those memories from freshman year. All my bags and my friends around me and everyone in the subway station, the BART station, has their bags and they're shopping too and the whole atmosphere is great."
Now let's head over to the East Bay.
A15646 07:24 to 07:31
CG: Anna Pekarek/Shopper
"I love this place. Why? I love Target."
Target is just one of the anchor stores at the Bayfair Center, which is connected to Bay Fair station by a short walkway.
CG: Gertie Williams/Hayward
"I live in Hayward and I take one stop and I'm at Bay Fair and there's all these stores. It's just so convenient and I feel so safe."
With over 50 shops, restaurants and more, you could spend an entire day at Bay Fair. But maybe you're looking for a more intimate shopping experience.
Mary Carpentier/Rockridge Market Hall
"This is based on a European style market feeling so you get your meat from one counter and your fish from another"
The Rockridge BART station is right across the street from College Avenue in Oakland, home to the Rockridge Market Hall and dozens of unique destinations for shoppers and foodies.
We've only scratched the surface. Find out more by clicking on http://www.mybart.org/destinations/
happy shopping!
Luna Salaver, BARTtv News.
Balboa Park Station in San Francisco is one of BART's 10 busiest, with about 13,000 daily customers, many of them City College of San Francisco students.
Tom Radulovich/BART Board Member
We've got city college over here, we've got buses boarding over here, but for years, patrons exiting the station have always been forced to exit here and then walk along the tracks here, which is kind of dirty, dark, dangerous and unlit. The pathway project that we are going to break ground on today is going to solve that problem. It's going to solve a big safety problem and it will finally connect this station to both Geneva Avenue and to Ocean Avenue and to City College."
BART Directors invited other dignitaries to a ground breaking ceremony August 21st to mark the beginning of a $5.1 million modernization project.
This drawing shows the new walkway that will be built on the west side of the station.
it marks the first project made possible by federal stimulus money, in this case $2 million.
James Fang/BART Board Member
This station shows you what we can do when everyone works together. This is truly not just a BART project but an entire San Francisco Bay Area project."
The first phase of this project is expected to be completed this year.
For more information on the Balboa Park improvements, click on www.bart.gov/news/articles/2009/news20090819.aspx.
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
Community Leaders Join BART Board In Urging Lawmakers To Approve Citizen Oversight Of BART Police
Call for action for Citizen Oversight of the BART Police Department
Strike Averted, Tentative Agreement Announced
Hours before Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555 (ATU) employees were scheduled to walk off their jobs, BART management and the union resolved their differences on Sunday afternoon and reached a tentative agreement for a new four-year contract.
BART is working to eliminate an estimated $310 million, four-year deficit amid a decline in ridership, state transit funding and sales tax revenue. The BART Board had set a target of cutting $100 million in labor costs over four years.
BOARD MARKS MAJOR MILESTONE BY ADOPTING CITIZEN OVERSIGHT OF BART PD
STATE LAWMAKERS URGED TO FINALIZE CITIZEN OVERSIGHT
In a unanimous vote, the BART Board of Directors reached a major milestone August 13, 2009 in delivering on its commitment to improve police services and public confidence by approving independent citizen oversight of the BART Police Department.
“Today’s Board action is truly historic,” BART Board Member Carole Ward Allen said. Ward Allen chairs the BART Police Department Review Committee, which Board President Thomas Blalock created following the January 1 shooting of Oscar Grant on the platform of Fruitvale Station by a former police officer. “What we approved today has one of the strongest components of citizen oversight in the state of California. The process now moves to the state legislature. We urge our state representatives to take swift action so we can implement citizen oversight this year as we continue to work to make the BART Police Department the best it can be.”
“We have a dedicated, professional and highly trained police force at BART and we want to keep it that way,” Director Joel Keller said. Keller is the vice chair of the committee. “Citizen oversight, if done properly, can help us achieve that.”
BART NEEDS CHANGE IN STATE LAW TO MOVE FORWARD
BART is a special district created by the state legislature and requires an amendment of the BART Act to create citizen oversight as adopted by the Board today.
The citizen oversight the Board adopted encompasses two major areas where legislative change is required to meet its stated purpose. The first area involves the creation of the position of independent police auditor. Because the auditor would report directly to the Board, the position requires an amendment to the BART Act.
The second area requires amending the General Manager’s authority to provide for a role for the auditor and the board in the discipline process for members of the police department. In BART’s newly adopted citizen review, both the independent auditor and the Board would each have a role in recommending discipline, which also requires an amendment to the BART Act.
“We are only seeking permissive changes to state law,” BART Board Member Tom Radulovich said. Radulovich has been a long supporter of BART Police citizen oversight and sits on the BART Police Department Review Committee. “The citizen oversight we adopted today is based on what members of the community have told us they want. It incorporates the community’s needs and the best elements of the various citizen oversight entities at police departments around the Bay Area and beyond.”
CITIZEN OVERSIGHT RESULT OF COMMUNITY INPUT
The Board adopted the citizen oversight model after months of careful study of existing citizen oversight entities and by hearing from the community at public meetings and through written comments.
“Today’s action sends a clear message that this Board is committed to fulfilling its promises,” BART Board Member Lynette Sweet said. Sweet also sits on the BART Police Department Review Committee. “We told the community we would adopt a strong citizen oversight of BART Police this year, and today we delivered on that promise. Now we need help from state legislators to amend the law so we can implement citizen oversight.”
CITIZEN OVERSIGHT MODEL AVAILABLE ONLINE
The citizen oversight model adopted by the Board is available online at www.BART.gov
Bart Ney/Caltrans Spokesman
And your challenge will be getting across the bay Labor Day weekend because the Bay Bridge will be completely shut down to traffic
No bridge? No problem.
Luna Salaver/BART Spokeswoman
"When the Bay Bridge is closed, BART is open"
BART will run round the clock on Labor Day weekend.
Bart Ney/Caltrans spokesman
BART is our best resource for providing trips across the Bay, and we're going to be expanding their service to 24 hours while the bridge is out of service."
But only 14 stations will stay open after midnight, and trains will only run hourly in the wee hours of the morning.
For a list of stations and more on the 24 hour service, visit www.bart.gov
It's important to note that 24-hour BART service will not extend into the morning of Tuesday, September 8th.
BART has provided round the clock service before when the seismic retrofit of the Bay Bridge has required a closure.
This time, the bridge work involves a tricky maneuver.
This animation shows what's going to happen.
"Once traffic is cleared, the original bridge will be severed, and a 300 foot long section of that bridge will be slid to the north side of the island, allowing us to slide in our new section and connect it to both sides, allowing traffic to flow once again onto our new detour structure."
You can learn more about the bridge retrofit work at www.baybridgeinfo.org
We've put a link to the site in the text version of the story.
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
Tips on Protecting Yourself and Your iPod
:NARRATOR: BART Police officers are on the job 24/7 protecting your safety but even their presence, and the watchful eyes of security cameras, can't entirely prevent robberies in the BART system.
OFFICER BRANDO CRUZ/BART POLICE DEPT.: "Crime is rare in the BART system."
There are only about 15 robberies per month on BART but about 11 % of those involve one of the latest robbery targets: the Apple iPod.
The familiar white earbuds can be a tip off to potential criminals.
OFFICER BRANDO CRUZ: "Suspects know the white iPod earphones, when someone is utilizing those and not paying attention, they understand you're using an Apple iPod, which can be anywhere from $200 to $500 for the actual iPod. If you use an aftermarket headset, or type of headphone, you may be less of a target to suspects."
NARRATOR: In fact, it's a good idea to keep any valuables, including electronic gadgets, out of view.
And be aware of your surroundings. Don't hesitate to report something suspicous.
On trains, you can contact the Train Operator by using the intercom at the end of each car.
In stations, pick up a white courtesy phone or use a pay phone or cell to call BART Police toll free at 877 679 7000.
In fact, you should probably program this number into the speed dial function of your mobile phone.
BART Smart Tips for Bicyclists in Chinese
English Translation: Hello everyone, I am Vanessa Peng with a BART Smart tip.
Using your bicycle on BART is a cost effective and green way to get around.
For your safety and convenience, use a few BART Smart guidelines.
Keep the wheels clear of the door so other passengers can enter and exit the train.
Try not to block seats and be courteous to seniors and other passengers that need seats near the door
Check the BART schedule for the busiest times when non-folding bikes aren’t allowed on trains.
Folding bikes are allowed any time.
You'll find all the bike rules on our website at www.BART.gov/bikes.
I am Vanessa Peng for BARTtv News.
English Translation:
English Translation:
Hi everyone, I am Vanessa Peng with a BART Smart tip.
Using BART to connect with the airport is a terrific way to travel, especially with a few BART smart courtesies in mind.
Please keep your luggage with you at all times.
Please keep aisles and doorways clear.
And keep seats clear for your fellow passengers.
And if you would like more information, please log onto our website at www.BART.gov/airport. Vanessa Peng, BARTtv News.
English Translation: Hi everyone, I am Vanessa Peng with a couple of BART Smart reminders that will make your BART trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Help keep BART clean by taking your litter with you.
Please recycle – you can find recycling bins for newspapers near most fare gates.
And, as a courtesy to your fellow passengers, please don’t eat or drink on the train.
Keep your feet off the seats.
Be BART Smart for everyone's sake.
Vanessa Peng, BARTtv News.
They folded, mounted, and rode.
In support of the15th annual Bike to Work Day, BART Board members John McPartland, and Bob Franklin commuted from their homes to the May 14 Board Meeting---by bike.
Bob Franklin/BART Board Member: "We have a busy stressful day ahead of us and it was great to be able to unwind and prepare for work in a environmentally friendly way too."
More than 200,00 people participated in this year's Bike to Work Day-making it a record breaking event. But BART customers are creating records of their own. According to BART's recent station access survey, 3.5% of BART customers are now biking to BART-that's 40% more than 10 years ago!
John McPartland/BART Board Member: "The more the public transportation can be used and take the congestion off the highways as well as reduce air carbon footprints on the environment, better it is not only for the commuters, but for the rest of the world."
Bikers were treated to complimentary treats, a reusable goodie bag, bicycle information and words of encouragement from volunteers at hundreds of Energizer Stations-located along bike commute routes in all nine Bay Area counties.
Bike to and from BART, but remember that non-folding bikes are not allowed on trains during blackout times.
Folding bikes are always welcome on BART.
You'll find all the rules by clicking on the link in the text version of this story.
James Allison, BARTtv News.
Karl Petty of Orinda now has more time to catch up on his reading before his train to Berkeley.
That's because Karl can now pay for his BART fare and his daily parking fee with one smart card, the EZ Rider Card
Adding the parking function to the EZ Rider card has long been a goal of BART Board Member Gail Murray.
Gail Murray/BART Director
And so what I have a lot of complaints given to me about is the fact that people transpose their number and they come back and they have a parking ticket. This is going to solve that problem so I am very thrilled about it."
The EZ Rider card works a lot like a FastTrak....you have a balance on
it tied to a credit card or bank account. Each time you use it, money
is deducted from the account. And, once the balance goes below a
certain level, it's topped up again from your credit card or bank
account.
People who sign up for the EZ Rider parking program will get a hang
tag to display on their rear view mirror.
You'll be able to register for the program beginning November third.
Click on this https://ezrider.bart.gov
for a link to the EZ Rider Website.
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
An out-of-the ordinary ribbon cutting for an out-of the ordinary technology.
Steven Grover/eLock Technologies President
"So the concept is basically a parking meter with a locker attached."
A locker where you can safely store your bike on a pay-as-you go basis.
There are now 40 of these electronic Bike Link lockers at MacArthur Station, where BART hosted ribbon cutting and promotional giveaway.
Tom Radulovich/BART Board Director
"I am actually very pleased to be here today. I think this is yet another step in BART's commitment to becoming much more bike friendly."
Lynette Sweet/BART Board Director
"We're excited about this new system because this new technology is efficient, easy to use, secure and affordable."
MacArthur is one of eight stations that's had the electronic lockers installed in the first phase of this multi-phase project.
Tom Radulovich/BART Board Director
"These are a part of the first group of lockers. We have 202 lockers that are gonna go in, mostly I think in East Bay stations. Then there's another group following along behind them."
BART plans to have about 900 electronic lockers installed by 2012 thanks to grants from several groups.
These new electronic are replacing the old key lockers at many BART stations because they give more people a chance to use them.
A single electronic locker can be rented by five cyclists in a week.
The key lockers were available to just one renter on a yearly or quarterly basis.
Steven Grover/eLock Technologies President
"You're serving a lot more cyclists with less footprint."
The electronic lockers are perfect for someone like Rochelle Wheeler.
Rochelle Wheeler/BikeLink User
"I commute on bike to BART about maybe once to three times a week."
Rochelle paid $20 for a bike link card and now has a place to stash her bike and more at North Berkeley.
Rochelle Wheeler/BikeLink User
"I can take off my helmet and my gloves and my light and I can put them all in the locker with my bike so I don't have to lug those things around during the day."
Rochelle enters plenty of time on the meter to cover the time she will be using the locker. The electronic locker then deducts 3 cents an hour from the balance on her card. When she returns the eLocker calculates how much time was used and refunds any extra time back to her card.
Steven Grover/eLock Technologies President
"You can use your BikeLink card at Caltrain, at San Jose city hall..."
Click on www.bikelink.org for a map of locations and details on how you can get your card.
Steven Grover/eLock Technologies President
"BikeLink is all about trying to make it easier for you to use your bike to get to transit and use it for errands."
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
Alan Hu/Folding Bike Owner
Folding bikes are a very real, very practical solution to some of today's problems."
Alan Hu is fond of folding bikes and he's not alone.
With the last year or so, with gas prices, we've seen a huge increase in folding bikes, again because folding bikes are so compatible with the commute."
Because folding bikes are becoming more popular and because they're allowed on any BART train at any time, BARTtv went to Fruitvale Bike Station for some tips on buying a folder.
Joy Franco/Alameda Bicycle
First thing you definitely want to look for is how easy the bike is to fold up"
Joy Franco of Alameda Bicycle says the more hinges, the more folding you'll be doing.
She says finding a stable bike is also important, but be careful about getting a bike that's too heavy.
If you're carrying it up and down some BART stairs, the last thing you want to do is have some 50 pound beast that you're lugging over your shoulder."
Other factors Joy suggests you consider: fenders and a rack for commuting convenience, tires designed for urban streets and a simple set of gears.
Of course, price is always a consideration.
Joy says you don't need to go break the bank but it's not wise to buy the most inexpensive folder you can find either.
Something in about the 5 to 600 dollar range is going to be a solid bike, no warranty issues, something that's going to last a long time."
For more information, click www.foldingcyclist.com.
And if you're not yet ready to invest in a folder, don't forget you can securley store your conventional bike for free at three bike station locations, including here at Fruitvale Bike station.
It's open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cheryl Stalter, BARTtv News
It didn't matter what kind of wheels you used -if any.... just as long as it wasn't a pair of these.
Amber Hoffmann Energizer Station Volunteer: "Today is bike to work day!"
"Good morning! Thanks for biking to work!"
We're celebrating biking to work and I hear it's also a spare the air day so that's exciting as well."
On the 15th Annual Bike to work day, thousands of Bay Area residents chose to ride to work rather than drive. The North Berkeley BART station was one of several "Energizer Stations" set up along the commute route, where bicyclists could stop to refuel.
"We have coffee from Peets and muffins."
Tune up.
"Good as new now."
And get a little exercise
"I bike to work every day."
Jim Durkin rides from his El Cerrito home to the Rockridge Station and then BARTs to his Walnut Creek office.
Jim Durkin/Bike Rider: "It's a little over seven miles. I basically treat it as my workout."
Some just wanted to show their support for pedal power.
Sybil Hatch/Bike Rider: " I actually work from home so I had to make an extra trip to come down here. It's a real important event I think."
Amber Hoffman/REI : " It's exciting and new and they"re really happy that it's happening."
Bike to BART. BART to work and everyone is happy. Check out www.BART.gov/bikes. for bike rules and regulations and make everyday a bike to work day.
Cheryl Stalter, BARTtv News.
Information for Passengers During Medical Emergencies
Hi, I'm Vanessa Peng and I will be telling you what to do if there is a medical emergency on a BART train or in a BART station.
If you are in a BART train and another passenger is experiencing a medical emergency, immediately go to an intercom located at either end of a BART car.
Push the button and be ready to tell the train operator the following information:
1. What car you are in. The car number is located above each end of your car.
2. Is there is an obvious injury.
3. The physical description of the patient.
4. Any other necessary details about the medical emergency.
After you tell the train operator the information, they can alert paramedics and BART police so they can be on their way and meet the train when it stops at the next station.
Remain calm and stay near the patient until paramedics and BART police arrive to your car.
When they arrive assist if possible.
If you are in a station during a medical emergency immediately approach a station agent or find a white courtesy phone. White courtesy phones are located on both platform and concourse levels.
Be prepared to tell the station agent:
1. Where to find the person that is suffering the emergency.
2. Is there is an obvious injury.
3. The physical description of the patient.
4. Any other necessary details about the medical emergency.
Once the paramedics arrive, assist if possible.
For other passenger safety guidelines click on http://www.bart.gov/guide/safety/safety.aspx
And watch for a future BARTtv News story about the specially-trained paramedics stationed along the BART system during rush hours to respond to emergencies quickly.
Vanessa Peng, BARTtv News.
A BART train speeds into Oakland's Rockridge Station, carrying hundreds of people going about their daily business.
Underneath the tracks and unnoticed by the passengers, BART contractors are hard at work in a race against time.
They are preparing for this:
the aftermath of a major earthquake.
Although BART bounced back within 24 hours of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake,
the transit agency isn't taking any chances when it comes to the next big one.
Molly McArthur/Project Spokesperson
"If that same earthquake occured on the Hayward fault in our own back yard, it would hit us very strongly. We feel that we have to get BART prepared for a 7.5 to 8.0 earthquake."
In fact, the US Geological Survey predicts a high probablility of at least one major Bay Area earthquake within the next 30 years.
Vanya Swift/Oakland
"I know that there's fault lines very close to here and it's good to have that extra assurance that things would be okay after there's an earthquake."
Kauado Fraiola/Berkeley
"It makes sense to be safe, period. Especially if people expect earthquakes."
BART's goal is not only make sure our riders are safe when a quake hits, but that the system is back up and running again quickly.
The transit system is simply too important to the Bay Area economy to imagine life without it
Rockridge is just one of 34 stations in the original system that's being retrofitted.
Crews here are working on the columns that support the tracks.
"One of the chief activities we have to do at BART is strengthen all of the columns that hold the aerial structure in place and the way we do that, while we're running trains by the way, is to dig out the footing, expose the footing itself add more concrete and rebar strengthening it, making it larger. A larger footing will keep that column upright."
All this work is being done with little disruption for riders.
You may not realize it, but workers are already retrofitting the Transbay Tube.
"We have maybe another year to a year and a half of work and that column is solid and secure."
For a more detailed look at the Tube work, watch Linton Johnson's story on BARTtv News.
"Let me take you over here.."
And for complete, updated information on the retrofit, click on the link in the text version of this story - you can even sign up for email updates on the Earthquake Safety Program.
Escalators are workhorses.
They pull you up...or take you down...and you probably don't give them much of a second thought.
But they do deserve a little respect, especially when it comes to safety.
Dave Sanborn/BART Safety Dept.:
"It is a machine, it has no brain, it doesn't know what it's doing except getting people up and down, so please use it properly."
Using it properly includes following some common-sense guidelines.
The main thing for you to remember is that escalators are meant to transport people, not strollers, wheelchairs or bikes.
"Number one, the bicycles can run away and city hit other passengers, they get wedged in between the sides of the escalators and have rapid stops of the escalators."
Bikes and other wheeled devices belong on elevators, which you'll find at each of the 43 BART stations.
And if you're not on a bike or in a wheelchair, there are still things you can do to stay safe on an escalator.
"We ask everybody to hold on, not to rush, let the escalator do its job get them between floors, and then exit safely and move out of the way to so other people can also exit."
It's a common courtesy to stand to the right, allowing other passengers to walk up the escalator if they wish.
And if you see someone doing something unsafe on an escalator, don't confront them yourself.
"It would be better to just to point it out to one of our personnel and they've been trained to handle that situation."
You'll find more safety tips by clicking http://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2008.aspx
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
BART Buys More Security Cameras
At a recent news conference, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office of Homeland.Security handed BART a mock $5.4 million check to spend on new security cameras.
CAROLE WARD ALLEN/BART DIRECTOR & BART SECURITY COMMITTEE CHAIR:We appreciate your support in cutting through the red tape to quickly get the money to transit agencies like BART. Needless to say, BART needs the money and we plan to use it well.
While the symbolic check may have been fake, the money is most certainly for real -money that will help protect passengers like Phoenix Jackson.
PHOENIX JACKSON/OAKLAND RIDER: People want to be able to walk to their cars safely, people want to be able to ride the train or stand on the platform without fear.
LYNETTE SWEET/BART BOARD PRESIDENT: Since 9/11, we have spent $46 million on enhancing our security. So far we've been reimbursed about $20 million. BART has identified $250 million dollars in needed security upgrades. The list includes everything from more bomb sniffing dogs and police officers, to radiological, biological and chemical weapon detectors. But one of the most urgent needs is cameras.
LINTON JOHNSON: BART has at least one camera in every single station and this $5.4 million will help to go buy more cameras as well as improve the existing camera network. For security reasons, BART doesn't talk about how many cameras its going to buy with that $5.4 million or where those cameras are going to go.
LYNETTE SWEET/BART BOARD PRESIDENT: Actually, there will only be a very few people within the BART world that will know this information, but what we can say is the money will go a very long way in making our riders safer than they are today.Safer because not only can the cameras deter crime or terrorist activity...the Governor's Office says the cameras can also assist BART should an incident happen.
MATTHEW BETTENHAUSEN/DIRECTOR, CA OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY: In terms of response, when you have an incident, the ability for the command and control and for the operational center to get live feeds of what is going on so they can effectively direct a response is critical to saving lives.The $5.4 million is coming from Proposition 1B revenues - that's the nearly $20 billion bond measure voters approved a year ago.
CAROLE WARD ALLEN/BART DIRECTOR & BART SECURITY COMMITTEE CHAIR: Because there is no way passenger fares can cover the cost, so any money that we can get from outside sources such as Prop 1B funds really goes a long way to helping us fulfill our needs.And a long ways for passengers like Michael Moser who believes the cameras will make his rider safer.
MICHAEL MOSER/WALNUT CREEK RIDER: When I take BART, it's usually for work and the more security, all the better.
Linton Johnson, BARTtv News.
A horizontal high rise with limited exits.
That's how a Berkeley Deputy Fire Chief describes BART.
BART presents some unique challenges for the emergency responders in the 26 cities through which it runs.
"One, you've got communication challenges just above ground to below ground."
That's why this joint BART- Berkeley Fire Department Drill is so critical to passenger safety.
"Drilling is the heartbeat of a fire department."
The scenario is a fire on a train.
Two passengers are injured.
Berkeley firefighters must put out the fire and evacuate the injured to safety.
Just getting to the scene takes teamwork and planning.
"You've got a mile between stations that you might have to walk one direction or the other."
There's little room to maneuver and no time to spare.
" You've got to deal with conditions of ventilation down there, making sure the smoke is going in the right direction."
Controlling the fire is no easy task in itself, but the firefighters must also make quick decisions about where and how to get the injured victims to safety.
"That's an extensive operation. It's not as simple as walking up to someone's house and taking them down three or four steps to an ambulance."
In this drill, the Berkeley firefighters are able to respond to the emergency without a hitch.
Practicing with BART on a regular basis gives Bay Area first responders vital first-hand knowledge.
"We know what to expect, we've been there before, we've walked the tunnel, we've seen the things and you know, that leads to safer conditions for the passengers."
There are steps you as a passenger can take to increase safety too. Review the safety guide at http://www.bart.gov/guide/overview/safety.asp
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
Bart Ney/Caltrans Spokesman
And your challenge will be getting across the bay Labor Day weekend because the Bay Bridge will be completely shut down to traffic
No bridge? No problem.
Luna Salaver/BART Spokeswoman
"When the Bay Bridge is closed, BART is open"
BART will run round the clock on Labor Day weekend.
Bart Ney/Caltrans spokesman
BART is our best resource for providing trips across the Bay, and we're going to be expanding their service to 24 hours while the bridge is out of service."
But only 14 stations will stay open after midnight, and trains will only run hourly in the wee hours of the morning.
For a list of stations and more on the 24 hour service, visit www.bart.gov
It's important to note that 24-hour BART service will not extend into the morning of Tuesday, September 8th.
BART has provided round the clock service before when the seismic retrofit of the Bay Bridge has required a closure.
This time, the bridge work involves a tricky maneuver.
This animation shows what's going to happen.
"Once traffic is cleared, the original bridge will be severed, and a 300 foot long section of that bridge will be slid to the north side of the island, allowing us to slide in our new section and connect it to both sides, allowing traffic to flow once again onto our new detour structure."
You can learn more about the bridge retrofit work at www.baybridgeinfo.org
We've put a link to the site in the text version of the story.
Jim Allison, BARTtv News.
