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BART offers 5,000 Freedom Train flash passes to MLK Day celebrants

BART "Freedom" trains will once again carry riders from throughout the Bay Area on Monday, Jan. 16, to Northern California’s largest celebration honoring the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “As in past years, BART is providing 5,000 special 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. BART flash passes to the event Organizing Committee to distribute free to groups or individuals who make reservations,” BART Board President John McPartland said.   This year’s events incorporate the theme ”Renewing the Dream,” and will take place at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco from 10 am – 5 pm on Monday.  BART riders attending the event can go to the Powell Street or Montgomery Street stations, and then take a short walk to the Yerba Buena Center.   BART will operate on a Saturday schedule on Monday, January 16 with service beginning at 6:00 am.

BART COMMUNITY EVENTS

In addition, BART is cosponsoring the 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Musical Tribute at the Oakland Paramount starring Mavis Staples, PopLyfe, Oakland's Interfaith Choir and more on Sunday January 15.   For tickets and more information on the Oakland event, visit www.mlktribute.com .

On Wednesday, Jan. 18, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee will be honoring Dr. King at noon in the Kaiser Auditorium (2nd floor).   The honorable Willie Brown will be the keynote speaker and BART Board member Lynette Sweet will act as Mistress of Ceremonies. This program is free and features spoken word by local youth and a performance by the Afoutayi Dance and Drum Company.

How to Get a Free Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Train Flash Pass

  • ·          Go online at www.norcalmlk.co.cc/  
  • ·          Check your email for a confirmation email
  • ·          The email confirmation will advise you the station to go to for your pass
  • ·          MLK volunteers will be stationed at select BART stations during the hours of 8:30 am - 10:30 am on Monday, Jan. 16, to distribute reserved passes.