Commuters Urged to Plan Ahead in Event of BART Strike

OAKLAND, CA — With the possibility of BART trains coming to a halt as early as July 1 due to labor contracts that expire at midnight June 30, Bay Area transportation officials are urging commuters to review their contingency plans for getting to and from work. Thousands more vehicles than usual are expected to crowd onto Bay Area streets, highways and bridges if there is a work stoppage at BART. Commuters are advised to carpool, take an alternative transit service, avoid peak driving periods by traveling earlier or later than usual, or even work at home if possible.

In the event of a disruption to BART service, other transit providers may be able to adjust their services where possible. But any such adjustments would replace only a small fraction of BART’s passenger-carrying capacity.

The Bay Area’s 511 traveler information system — available 24/7 on the Web at www.511.org or on the phone by dialing 511 — provides a comprehensive, one-stop resource for evaluating commute alternatives, including updates on BART’s service status, alternative transit and ridesharing options, real-time traffic and transit information, and other trip planning tools. The popular 511 Transit Trip Planner offers the ability to plan door-to-door transit trips that include or exclude BART. In addition to the 511 Transit Trip Planner, 511.org offers a RideMatch Service to help commuters instantly find a short-term or long-term carpool match, and an interactive map of carpool lanes and Park & Ride lots.

The 511.org Web site provides tips to help business owners and other employers develop alternative mobility plans to reduce the impact of a BART service disruption. 511 Employer Representatives can provide free consultations to help employers develop a contingency plan. To speak to a representative or to arrange a consultation, simply call 511, say “Rideshare,” and you’ll be transferred to the live operator.

MTC is the transportation planning, coordinating and financing agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area, and operates the region’s 511 traveler information system.

Contact:

John Goodwin: (415) 778-5262

Randy Rentschler: (415) 778-6780