BART Fare Gates Generate $10M Annually, But Chronicle Calls System "Dying"

The new secure fare gates have reduced maintenance costs, but the local newspaper is still portraying BART's future in a negative light.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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BART's new fare gates have generated an additional $10 million in annual revenue and reduced maintenance costs by 961 hours, according to data presented by the agency's general manager. However, the San Francisco Chronicle is continuing its negative coverage of BART, calling it a "dying rail system" despite the positive financial news.

Why it matters

The Chronicle's persistent negative framing of BART's financial situation could undermine public support for an upcoming ballot measure that would generate new tax revenue for the transit system. While BART faces real challenges, the newspaper's sensationalized coverage may be doing more harm than good.

The details

The new secure fare gates, now installed at all 50 BART stations, have reportedly saved the agency 961 hours in maintenance work by preventing vandalism and unwanted behavior in the stations. BART General Manager Bob Powers presented this data ahead of a board meeting where the agency will discuss plans to close over a dozen stations and curtail service if the November ballot measure fails.

  • The new fare gates have been installed at all 50 BART stations.
  • BART General Manager Bob Powers presented the data on the fare gates at a board meeting on Thursday.

The players

BART

The Bay Area Rapid Transit system, a major public transportation agency serving the San Francisco Bay Area.

Bob Powers

The general manager of BART.

Alicia Trost

A spokesperson for BART.

San Francisco Chronicle

A major daily newspaper serving the San Francisco Bay Area.

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What they’re saying

“When you see how dramatically these maintenance requests fell, the numbers tell us that these fare gates are preventing unwanted behavior that impacts the station environment. Those people are no longer entering BART.”

— Alicia Trost, BART spokesperson

What’s next

BART's board will be discussing the agency's doomsday plans to close over a dozen stations and curtail service if a November ballot measure fails to generate new tax revenue for the system.

The takeaway

While BART faces real financial challenges, the San Francisco Chronicle's sensationalized coverage of the transit system as a "dying rail system" could undermine public support for the upcoming ballot measure that could help secure its future. The positive impact of the new fare gates shows BART is taking steps to improve its financial situation, but the newspaper seems intent on portraying the agency in a negative light.