BART awards fare-gate contract to STraffic America

Bay Area Rapid Transit in San Francisco has awarded a contract to STraffic America to install fare gates designed to overhaul system safety.

The gates will bring a new look to stations, boost safety by reducing fare evasion and improve accessibility for riders in wheelchairs and those bringing bikes and strollers onboard, BART officials said in a press release.

The contract is valued at up to $47 million, with a base amount of $11 million, according to BART board presentation documents. The project is estimated to cost $90 million. To date, BART has secured $73 million of the total cost — $28 million in San Francisco County transportation agency funds, $23 million in BART funds, $15 million in federal funds and $6.5 million in state funds.

The gate design will feature clear swing barriers that will be very difficult for potential fare-evaders to push through, jump over or maneuver under, BART officials said. The gates also will be equipped with LED lighting on the swing barriers and the pathways to help visually impaired riders.

BART and STraffic will develop an installation timeline and conduct stress tests on a gate design at a yet-to-be-determined station later this year, BART officials said. A prototype will be installed at West Oakland Station by year’s end.

The new gates are expected to be installed at all stations by 2026. BART now maintains 700 fare gates across its network.