A couple days ago a TO peeked out of his window, looked at the rest of the patrons waiting on the platform and joked, "What, nobody wants to go to Richmond?" (By that point all the Richmond riders had already boarded)

No, the rest were heading to SF. The TO said he'd been on an SF route the following day.

It was an amusing start to the morning.

What a useless gimmick. I don't think I've ever been able to log onto it. Maybe I'm expecting too much by trying to use it on the train, but who really sits on the platform using their laptop?

I tried to connect to download an iTunes file, and I wasn't even able to log in at the login screen before I had to exit the train. Four stops and no wifi. So stupid.

The Oakland City Council OKed the airport extension last night. The Chronicle has details.

Oakland leaders are poised to reject BART's proposal to build a 3.2-mile elevated train to the city's airport - a $522 million project that supporters say will create thousands of jobs but one that critics call a financial boondoggle.

The City Council will vote tonight on whether to endorse the project, which would bring riders from the Coliseum/Oakland Airport Station for $6 each way starting around 2013.

So, BART, why wasn't that switch problem at Lake Merritt fixed by the rush hour at the end of the day? It was a problem in the morning and it was a problem in the evening.

And what was up with the TO who would only say "We'll be moving shortly" and it was only at the very end he explained what the hell was going on?

And why, TO, did you decide to go at half speed between the 3rd to last and 2nd to last station for my ride? No explanation at all.

Maybe because it's Monday, but I'm so glad to be home.

Anybody see the new KRON.com "People Behaving Badly" on BART fare evasion? Score one for BART. LOL!!! I wish I knew how to link it. Maybe someone can do that. But it was pretty funny no less. That dude was on fire. Where is that kinda enforcement in SF???

The decisions have been made apparently. BART picks 4 consultant teams and will award 4 $15 million contracts. Sounds like pork barrel spending but here are the apparent results:

PGHWong
Stantec
The Allen Group / EPC
URS / B&C / CPM

Well you all fell for the phony "BART budget deficit" which allowed them to cut personnel, train frequency and raise fares. Meanwhile management gave itself a 3% raise last year, more than $400,000 in bonuses, a lucrative travel budget to exotic resorts, approved a $500,000,000 Oakland People Mover -- and stuck workers and riders with the bill. Why does BART have a 8-member PR department? To convince YOU that it's all in your best interest. Keep your eye on the elected BART Board of Directors. They're robbing you blind.

Recently, I had the opportunity to ride New Jersey Transit trains into New York City for a week. Here are my observations based on this (admittedly) limited experience.

NJ Transit Trains were newer and much cleaner than BART. They were double-decker trains, plastic/cloth seats, and every person got a seat even during rush hour. The trains had overhead racks for storing luggage and backpacks.

The fare was $15 round trip for a distance roughly equal to Pleasanton to SF ($12 round trip). A monthly pass would have made this cheaper.

I've been riding BART for well over 20 years and am getting fed up along with many others. I take the 0532 train out of Pleasant Hill (PH) and since the change went into effect on 9/14/09 usually it is standing room only or a couple of seats available by the time the train reaches PH. If I can get the to handicap seating I go there but at times seniors or others with disabilities have the seat however if when I do get a seat I now constantly have a rear front end directly in my face and I find that to be disgusting!

My BART ride has been pretty damn good for the past couple of months, but..... Looks like the screeching metal on metal sound is back when going through the tube. However, the ride is also a hell of a lot rougher now. Seriously feels like I am on the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland. What's the deal?

It was around 9pm on Friday night as I attempted to exit the D/P station when I realized that my ticket had been demagnatized by my cell phone. I was naturally upset because it was one of these high value tickets with a lot of money left. I cautiously approached the SA booth and to my surprise, instead of being confronted by the usual burly, surly, grumpy intimidating african american SA lady I usually see there, I am welcomed by a soothing "good evening sir, how may I help you?" from a very attractive and friendly female SA.

-Thanks old lady who decide IN THE DOORWAY (seriously) that she didn't want to be on that train (or in that car) after all.
-And thanks to the douchebags who take up entire seats with their crap and totally ignore the people who need seats until prodded.
-As well to the old man with his sleeping bag/blanket draped over his should and over people in the aisles. The joys of BART.

Im a regular bart ride I ride form pittsburg bay point to embarrado, I usually catch the 2:02 train or 1:47 that being said I like to ride in a car where its somehat peaceful what gets me to move or switch cars is one some asshole is caughing or snezzing and wont cover thier dam mouth 2 i hate loud ass people Im a black man so i see alltypes being stupid the qustions is what car to you take the louds ass people or the caughing asses, Im not about to go up and down on all 9 cars i usally choose thr front 3, beacuse they drop off right by the starirs in frisco