BART's fare enforcement system not increasing revenue nor making agency safer, new study says

A new study from the Center for Policy Equity questions BART's claims that its fare enforcement measures enhance safety and generate revenue. The research asserts that punitive measures fail to result in meaningful financial recovery or improved safety for riders. While some BART users express a heightened sense of security, others argue that fare enforcement disproportionately affects marginalized groups. BART reports a 23% drop in violent crime and a 50% decrease in overall crime rates attributed to new fare gates and increased citations. The agency aims to install new fare gates at all 50 stations by the end of the year, claiming these changes contribute to a safer environment.

In response to the study, BART noted that it would maintain its current strategies, which include expanding the use of crisis intervention specialists. The report highlights the need for BART to adopt a more cohesive strategy to tackle underlying issues related to fare evasion. Concerns remain regarding the impact of fare enforcement on low-income riders and communities of color.