BART SFO and OAK ridership expected to soar over Thanksgiving holiday

BART expects SFO ridership to set new record

BART officials not only expect ridership to both San Francisco International (SFO) and Oakland International (OAK) airports to soar during the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend, officials also expect SFO ridership to set a new record.

BART believes that from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through the Monday after turkey day, about 60,000 people ñ or 7% more than last year - will use the Coliseum/Oakland Airport BART Station and about 43,000 riders ñ or 3% more than last year - will use BART's SFO Station, located in the international terminal.

BART officials attribute the increase in ridership to BART's low cost, high frequency service as well as its 95% passenger on-time record. Officials say more and more people are discovering that taking BART not only helps them avoid the Bay Area's gridlocked traffic so they can get to their planes on-time and stress-free, it also helps them save on the high costs of long-term parking and gas. In fact, the average BART ride from Downtown San Francisco costs $4.95. The average taxi ride costs between $27 and $37.

RECORD SFO RIDERSHIP
If the predictions come true, BART will set a ridership record for the number of people using the SFO station during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The SFO station is one of five on the new SFO/Millbrae extension, which also includes the Colma, South San Francisco, San Bruno and Millbrae Stations. The extension opened in June 2003.

BOOK EARLY FOR AIRPORT PARKING IN EAST BAY
Additionally, riders can avoid the high cost of airport parking by reserving a long-term parking space at $5/day at any East Bay BART parking lots, except at the West Oakland. and Coliseum/Oakland Airport Stations. To take advantage of the long-term parking offer, riders should book early by getting a permit over the phone (877) 700-PARK or securely online at www.bart.gov/parking.