Acting like the politicians they are, the BART Directors refused to invite a former BART member to an event. The event was to “celebrate” new BART fair gates—that she championed when on the Board.
“The upgrades are designed to reduce fare evasion, increase reliability, and enhance the overall rider experience. Officials, including Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, gathered at the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Station on Thursday night to mark the occasion and highlight the benefits of the project. BART Board President Mark Foley and Director Matt Rinn emphasized the importance of restoring rider confidence and modernizing outdated infrastructure. “These new gates reflect our renewed focus on safety, efficiency, and public trust,” said Rinn.
Obviously, they did not want to admit THEY did not create this project—so they pretend to be the creators. This is why politicians are not respected.
New BART Fare Gates Celebrated! Politicians Emerge From Hibernation To Stand Near Something That Actually Works
Claycord, 5/30/25 https://www.claycord.com/2025/05/30/new-bart-fare-gates-celebrated-politicians-emerge-from-hibernation-to-stand-near-something-that-actually-works/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKnPJVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFMN1UxUUlSTnVXbjVvRXhSAR75VNs-cE0kpaiXvMhPnNsXd7QeYt4CYXTvV0XctGTkL11SORjV26vUXCC-Fg_aem_ehg6AGtWl1y2CMwUedkWNg
BART has completed the installation of Next Generation Fare Gates at all 12 stations in Contra Costa County, marking a major milestone in its systemwide modernization effort. The new gates feature faster processing, transparent barriers, and improved accessibility for riders using mobility devices, strollers, or luggage.
The upgrades are designed to reduce fare evasion, increase reliability, and enhance the overall rider experience. Officials, including Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, gathered at the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre Station on Thursday night to mark the occasion and highlight the benefits of the project. BART Board President Mark Foley and Director Matt Rinn emphasized the importance of restoring rider confidence and modernizing outdated infrastructure. “These new gates reflect our renewed focus on safety, efficiency, and public trust,” said Rinn.
Pleasant Hill Mayor and MTC Chair Sue Noack noted that the upgrades are already contributing to an increase in paid ridership, while East Bay Leadership Council CEO Mark Orcutt called the project “a smart investment in regional economic competitiveness.” The project, according to BART, was made possible through funding from the California Strategic Growth Council, Caltrans, the California Transportation Commission, Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), the Federal Transit Administration, and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
Claycord Note: BART may have unveiled new gates, but they still haven’t unlocked the ability to say ‘thank you’ to the public. For all the fanfare, ribbon-cutting, and self-congratulation, the most important contributors—Bay Area riders and taxpayers—were noticeably absent from the acknowledgments listed in their press release. It’s the public’s continued support, through fares, taxes, and unrelenting patience, that makes any modernization possible.
