BART Board votes to close up to 15 stations if tax measure fails

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The BART Board of Directors voted 8-1 to adopt an Alternative Service Plan that would close up to 15 stations in Contra Costa County if a proposed regional sales tax measure fails to pass in November 2026. The plan also includes reducing service to 3 lines with 30-minute frequencies, closing stations at 9pm, and increasing fares and parking fees by up to 50%.

Why it matters

The proposed cuts are a response to BART facing a structural deficit of $350M to $400M due to ridership still being down 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Without new revenue, BART says it has no choice but to make drastic service reductions to balance its budget.

The details

The Alternative Service Plan includes specific details on the proposed cuts, including a 63% reduction in train hours starting in January 2027, closing up to 15 stations and/or 25% of system track miles by July 2027, and increasing fares and parking fees by up to 50%. The BART Board will be responsible for deciding which specific stations to close.

• The Phase 1 station closures would take effect in January 2027.
• The Phase 2 segment closures, including shutting down the Pittsburg/Bay Point and Antioch stations, would take effect in July 2027.

What’s next

The BART Board will be responsible for deciding which specific stations to close as part of the Alternative Service Plan if the Connect Bay Area Measure fails to pass in November 2026.