19th Street BART Elevators Getting Makeover

The elevators at Oakland’s 19th Street BART station closed for renovations today as part of BART’s ongoing project to clean and update all 127 elevators at its stations and garages. The 19th Street station’s elevators are scheduled to reopen Friday, where, according to BART officials, riders can expect new floors that will stay cleaner, freshly disinfected interiors, and repaired structures.

“It’s just time to do it,” BART spokesman Jim Allison said. “Everybody who owns a home knows that every once in a while you have to remodel.”

According to Allison, the elevators will receive high quality stainless steel diamond-plated flooring to replace the old flooring. According to BART officials, the old flooring material was more absorbent of liquids and odors, which led to the corrosion and damage.

“We hope that it will provide a more pleasant experience and a more reliable experience,” Allison said.

As repairs are going on, the elevators at the 19th Street station will not be in service. BART officials want to remind the public that those dependent on the elevators due to disability, luggage, or preference will need to change transportation plans during this time.

“We get a lot of complaints about escalator reliability, but the elevators serve people with disabilities and strollers,” Allison said. “That’s why this project is important to us.”

On Friday, as the 19th Street station’s elevators reopen, the elevators Oakland’s 12th Street BART station will close for repairs.

By Bay City News