BART expects record ridership to SFO during Christmas week

50,000 riders expected to take BART to SFO airport

BART officials expect ridership to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Station during Christmas week to soar even above last year's record-setting levels. From December 21 to December 27, BART is predicting 50,000 people will use the SFO Station. That's about 2,000 or 4% more people than during Christmas week of 2004 and about 10,000 or 25% more people than during the Christmas week of 2003 ? the first year the station opened.

WHY THE RIDERSHIP INCREASE?
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 believe more and more people have discovered taking BART not only helps them avoid the Bay Area's gridlocked traffic 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.

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.

ABOUT THE SAN MATEO COUNTY EXTENSION
The SFO Station is one of five stations through San Mateo County. The Colma Station opened in 1996, the other four stations, South San Francisco, San Bruno, SFO and Millbrae opened in June 2003. SamTrans and BART jointly operate the extension. SamTrans is responsible for paying the extension's operating costs.