Bart is overrated (Pleasanton, Dublin: subways, compared, resident)

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by evolve

So I had to take the bart from Fruitvale to SFO. Almost 10 bucks one way...?!?
Why should I take the bart when I can drive my own car for 2-3 bucks?
I have used the Sub system in NYC and the EL system in Chicago and it doesn't cost nearly as much, not to mention it's a flat rate; not your destination.

I also heard they have a surplus...i wonder why?

So I say thanks but no thanks.

BART is definitely over priced. I like the flat rate system. In San Diego the Trolley is somewhat of a hybrid distance/flat rate system and it makes a lot more sense that way.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by matt345

My main problem with BART is that it's an extremely wasteful use of expensive heavy rail. There's no reason why a full-fledged subway line needs to go all the way out to Pittsburg, Dublin, or Fremont. For example, on the Pittsburg/Bay Point line, once you get beyond say Walnut Creek, the stations become nothing more than a series of park and rides. Service to these areas should have been accomplished using Commuter Rail (Caltrain). Instead of building extensions to Livermore, BART should concentrate on expanding service in the inner urban core, ie where potential ridership is the highest.

To further illustrate my point consider this: BART has 104 miles in total track with 43 stations; by comparison the DC Metro has 106 miles of track with 86 stations. You tell me which system is the more useful and efficient use of essentially an equal amount of track.

The thing is, BART was meant as a fast way to cover longer distances, not necessarily a mirror of true subway systems. BART also has many complications that most other systems don't; one of the major sticking points was funding from the counties which it serves. This is why even today BART does not serve Marin County. They were as difficult about this as they are about everything else. Then, some cities have different rules than others. For example, in Oakland, BART mainly followed the various zoning in the areas it serves which is why it's mostly above ground except in the downtown Oakland area. However, Berkeley did not want elevated tracks at all which is why when BART gets to the Oakland-Berkeley city limit near Adeline and MLK Jr. Way, it goes underground and remains there until El Cerrito. There were also some other issues in Berkeley which in part is why it does not go from downtown to North Berkeley as a straight shot but rather makes a sharp turn and goes under Ohlone Park only to make another sharp turn to head north again.

These are just a few of the problems BART faces and is one reason the stations are often erratically placed.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by Kenseone

Isn't some of the cost related to how clean the trains and stations are? Compared to the subway in NY it's spotless.

That and BART stations are rather expensive to maintain. Compared to the San Diego Trolley which you can just walk up to and even take a chance of getting on for free. BART would send a SWAT team after you lol.

[mayorhaggar]

^
You can still be a cheapskate bum on Muni. God forbid BART makes sure people are actually paying.

[Mr. Fantastic]

Try skipping the turnstile in Civic Center. I saw three black kids get chased after ONTO a train for doing it.

[Gentoo]

Originally Posted by mayorhaggar

^
You can still be a cheapskate bum on Muni. God forbid BART makes sure people are actually paying.

Not saying I would do such a thing. the citations in SD run about 120 bucks, not worth it for a 2.50 fare. The flip side of it is that it makes BART's operating cost higher.

[Taboo2]

Originally Posted by evolve

So I had to take the bart from Fruitvale to SFO. Almost 10 bucks one way...?!?
Why should I take the bart when I can drive my own car for 2-3 bucks?
I have used the Sub system in NYC and the EL system in Chicago and it doesn't cost nearly as much, not to mention it's a flat rate; not your destination.

I also heard they have a surplus...i wonder why?

So I say thanks but no thanks.

NY subway is nasty. Even when it cost only 50 cents to ride it was a sick place.... Sick smelly people touching you.. Smells like **** in the summer and Big ass Rats all year round. Bigger than MY DOG.

People take a dump on the train in NY. The El isn't to bad.

What planet are you on that it would only cost 2-3 bucks to get to SFO from ANYWHERE on the east bay side?

[xoSushi]

I have to disagree with you. How else will I get across the city in less than 10 minutes? BART is very reliable and has never once broken down on me, unlike MUNI. I do agree that it is a bit pricey.

[Mr. Fantastic]

Originally Posted by Taboo2

NY subway is nasty. Even when it cost only 50 cents to ride it was a sick place.... Sick smelly people touching you.. Smells like **** in the summer and Big ass Rats all year round. Bigger than MY DOG.

People take a dump on the train in NY. The El isn't to bad.

What planet are you on that it would only cost 2-3 bucks to get to SFO from ANYWHERE on the east bay side?

Umm, BART isn't much better. There are tons of smelly bums on BART, and I have seen feces on the trains (dog, human, or otherwise). BART is a cesspool of germs and diseases.

[Taboo2]

Originally Posted by Mr. Fantastic

Umm, BART isn't much better. There are tons of smelly bums on BART, and I have seen feces on the trains (dog, human, or otherwise). BART is a cesspool of germs and diseases.

Sorry man, but you have no credibility when you say anything on this website.

You just lie to much to make your point.