BART nets $6.8 million in federal funds for security improvements

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $6.8 million to Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to fund safety and security efforts.

The money will enable BART to continue to deploy its Critical Asset Patrol (CAP) team, which consists of seven officers and one sergeant who ride trains during peak passenger travel times and special events.

The funds also will be used for interoperable radio communications systems and upgraded security cameras at the Powell Street, Civic Center and 16th Street stations in San Francisco.

BART will convert its analog security cameras at the 16th Street station to digital cameras, which will align them with existing digital technology at other downtown San Francisco stations, according to a BART press release.

The camera modernization was included in BART General Manager Grace Crunican's safety and security action plan presented to the agency's board earlier this month. Crunican introduced the plan after a fatal stabbing at BART's MacArthur Station in Oakland, California.

BART's board has voted to advance certain components of the plan, including expanding its digital camera network in stations, parking lots and garages.

"The [FEMA] grant provides an extra boost to the important steps we're already taking to improve the safety and security of BART riders," Crunican said.