San Francisco BART

San Francisco Peninsula and the East Bay are linked by BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). This is a 103-mile (165-km) rapid transit system with a highspeed fleet of trains, all wheelchair-accessible. In 2003 a new station opened in the San Francisco International airport.

 

TAKING A TRIP BY BART

 

1- BART trains operate daily until midnight. BART stops at five stations beneath Market Street – Civic Center, Powell, Montgomery and Embarcadero – and above ground in most outer areas. All trains from Daly City stop at city center stations before heading for the East Bay through a 4-mile (6-km) underwater tunnel. Transfers in the East Bay are possible at only two stations: MacArthur and Oakland City.

2- All BART tickets are issued by dispensing machines. To calculate your fare, look for the rates posted near the machines inside the BART stations.

3- Insert coins or bills here.

Machines will accept coins and notes, and some will accept debit/credit cards with a $20 minimum purchase.

4- The value inserted is shown here. To buy a round trip ticket, insert twice the amount for one-way fare.

5- Tickets are magnetically coded with the value, which is then printed on the ticket.

6- Your ticket is issued here. Each person traveling should have his or her own ticket.

7- To gain access to the platforms, you must run your ticket through a turnstile. The fare for your trip is automatically deducted from the ticket value. Before you leave the station you must also insert your ticket in the turnstile. If any value remains, your ticket will be returned as the turnstile opens.

8- All trains display their final destination: westbound to San Francisco/Daly City for example; east-bound to Oakland, Richmond, Bay Point or Fremont. Train doors open automatically. Platforms are marked with the end of the line in the direction in which the train is traveling.

9- Fortunately, BART stations have personnel on hand to answer questions and assist passengers with the machines. If you just want to explore the BART system without breaking your trip, inquire about an excursion fare. For information telephone 788-BART (788-2278) or visit www.bart.gov.

 

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