BART moves forward on Quality of Life Initiatives
The BART Board of Directors took action recently on two agenda items that are expected to improve the customer experience in the near future. In one vote, directors authorized BART staff to negotiate agreements to expand and continue successful quality of life initiatives. In a second, separate vote, directors greenlit a $32.7M modernization project at 19th St. Station in Oakland.
Quality of Life Initiatives
The Board voted to expand to the elevator attendant program to Montgomery St. and Embarcadero stations, tentatively scheduled to begin this Fall. First launched in April 2018 at Civic and Powell St. stations, the elevator attendant program has virtually eliminated inappropriate behavior in the elevators. Today’s Board action provides for $1.5 million in funding to contract with Urban Alchemy, former Hunters Point Family.
The Board’s vote also provides continued funding for clean and safe public toilets at street level at Powell St., 16th St. and 24th St. stations through the City’s Pit Stop program.
In addition, the Board voted to expand the Homeless Outreach Team (H.O.T.) program to Alameda and San Mateo counties (including the SFO airport) and to continue H.O.T. in Contra Costa county. The Contra Costa H.O.T. consists of two individuals who engage those experiencing homelessness in BART trains, stations and other BART property to connect them to available shelters and services.
BART employs a full-time Crisis Intervention Training Coordinator and Community Outreach Liaison who continues to work with H.O.T. in San Francisco and other counties BART serves. More information on this effort is available on BART’s social resources page.
19th St. Station Modernization
The Board also voted to award a contract to modernize 19th St. Station in Oakland, used by more than 13,000 riders on an average weekday. The contract calls for consolidation of the three paid areas into one paid area, enclosing the existing elevator into the paid area, installation of a new elevator from the platform to the concourse, LED lighting and renovation and reopening of the public restrooms. The contract also includes an optional work item for the painting of murals on walls adjacent to the trackways.
The $32,691,000 contract will be awarded to an Oakland company, Proven Management, Inc. Construction is expected to begin early next year.