10 Questions with Patrick Brooke, BART’s EGIS whiz

Last year, BART launched a new series, 10 Questions, to highlight the many people around BART that work to keep the system running. We’ve profiled a Train Operator, a Station Agent, and a Facilities Maintenance Supervisor so far, each of whom is responsible for a different aspect of supporting BART. Some of these BART employees work on the frontline – in our stations and on our trains – but also behind-the-scenes – on trackways, at maintenance yards, or at headquarters in Oakland. Despite the differences in their job descriptions, every BART worker is unified by the same goal: deliver safe, reliable service to the Bay Area.  

Now, we’re turning the spotlight on Patrick Brooke, the keeper of the keys to BART’s Enterprise Geographic Information System (EGIS), which visualizes, analyzes, and interprets geographic information for a variety of uses.

“We support decision-making at all levels,” said Patrick. We’ll let him take it from here.

1. How long have you worked for BART?

Six months. Previously, I worked for the City of Brentwood for over 11 years.

2. What’s your role at BART?

I am the supervisor of BART’s Enterprise GIS (EGIS) program. EGIS provides maps, data and analysis, and other technical customer support to departments within the District.Our main priority is to create efficiencies. We support decision making at all levels in the District, can automate many repetitive tasks, and provide access to various types of data and analysis.

3. If you can remember, what is your earliest memory of riding the trains?

I initially rode BART often to attend user group meetings for work or to go see the San Francisco Giants.

4. What’s something that might surprise us about your job?

I think many people would be surprised to learn that the EGIS is much more than maps. While we provide staff many custom maps and applications, the EGIS team connects users to an array of data that can help solve many of their most complex technical problems.

5. Name your favorite BART station or route and why.

It’s the Yellow Line for sure. It is how I get to and from work every day.

6. What do you typically do to pass the time on the train?

I listen to audiobooks, music, educational and fictional podcasts, or watch educational videos on YouTube. Some of my favorite educational YouTubers are Johnny Harris, Half as Interesting, Wendover Productions, and RealLifeLore.

7. What’s on your desk besides your computer?

Snacks, headphones, and a reusable water bottle.

8. If you acquired a decommissioned legacy BART car, what would you transform it into?

I’d turn a BART car into a music rehearsal studio. I may even keep some of the seating so that a small audience could attend.

9. Here’s your chance to brag. What’s something cool about BART you’d like to highlight?

It’s the people. My role allows me the opportunity to interact with many different people throughout the district. Everyone I have worked with so far has been amazing. It’s my favorite part of the job.

10. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned at BART? 

I came from a smaller agency. BART is helping me adapt to the needs of a much larger and more diverse agency and has taught me a great deal in a short time.