BART Saw Ridership Boost During Closure Of Prominent Bay Area Freeway: Officials

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — When the Bay Area needed it the most, BART didn't cower; it jumped at the opportunity to save the day.

At least, according to transit officials, who say BART served as a "backbone" for the Bay Area amidst the closure of the I-80 Freeway over the sunny weekend.

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The eastbound I-80 was closed from Fourth to 17th streets over the weekend due to construction. The renovations were expected to cause major traffic issues, with one news publication calling it "carmageddon."

That was enough for people to choose to turn toward BART for reliable transportation, transit officials say.

Friday saw a 16% increase in ridership and 46% on Saturday and Sunday compared to the previous weekend, according to BART officials.

Although the increases were also bolstered by warm weather, compared to the previous week when it was rainy, which usually decreases ridership, they still "underscore BART’s critical role in keeping the region moving when major infrastructure is out of commission," BART officials said.

"The weekend’s ridership surge highlights how BART serves as essential infrastructure for the Bay Area," BART officials said. "...not only for daily commutes and events, but also during unexpected or planned disruptions to the region’s transportation network."

The increase also follows upward ridership trends, according to BART officials. April ridership has been 10% higher this year compared to 2025.

"BART will continue to play a vital role in supporting the Bay Area during major events, infrastructure projects, and other moments when reliable transit is needed most," BART officials said.