The first new escalator has been installed at Powell Street Station.
Little by little, BART is continuing their facelift! The first of 41 brand-spanking-new escalators has now been installed at the Powell Street Station, with the rest coming soon to four downtown SF stations. They’re also offering 50% off on Clipper fare through the month of September, alongside many other Bay Area transit services.
The Market Street Escalator Project has put $96.5M into the upgrades. The new escalators feature safety enhancements, LED skirt lighting, lighter and more sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and improved reliability. One major improvement is the use of “sleep mode,” in which the escalators will slow down to save electricity when no one is using them. Alongside the escalator project is the Market Street Canopy Project, which will add 22 new entrances to downtown stations. Riders will see new entrance gates, screens, and video cameras.
Today the first of 41 rebuilt escalators coming to all four Market Street stations in San Francisco opened for service.
Mark Dana manages the project team to replace these escalators. He spoke to us in our newest episode for our podcast, “Hidden Tracks”. https://t.co/qKXbLLK5QD pic.twitter.com/DrrKn0vcZT
— SFBART (@SFBART) August 31, 2021
During the month of September, BART has also launched a 50% discount on Clipper fares! The discount comes in an effort to decrease Bay Area traffic and stimulate renewed use of the BART trains. You can also save 50% on Caltrain, get free fares on Fridays with AC Transit, and get free rides for youth on Muni. County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT Transit, and Wheels Bus will offer free rides all month long.
The rumors are true 😱@SFBART is back and better than ever, with 50% all fares across the Bay Area! Travel today 😎 pic.twitter.com/2hjIYMPwGD
— R211 Stan Account (@julestrainman) September 1, 2021
“This is a great day for our riders,” said BART Director Bevan Dufty. “Our repair teams have done incredible work to keep our aging escalators in the best operating condition possible, but those units have worn down through heavy use. Our riders have been loud and clear in telling us that replacing escalators needs to be a priority for BART and now we’re delivering on that demand.”
In May, SFMTA announced upgrades including track grinding for smoother rides, improved signage, and more. One significant change is the new Clipper Card option, in which you can use Clipper on your iPhone for BART, Muni, and more. No more fishing around in your bag for your card!
[Featured image: @coyah.hunt via Instagram]