BART rail system?
Mar 13, 2009 | 8:16 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
BART rail system?
I'm visiting San Fran in a few months and have been reading about the BART system. The main problem I've had with metro systems is that you never really know how long you'll have to wait until you're on the platform.
Is the BART system running frequently, is it reliable?
I came across an app on iTunes for iPhone, it's called "Catch the ba", it supposedly gives you real time train arrivals on your iPhone, anybody have experience with this app?
Is the BART system running frequently, is it reliable?
I came across an app on iTunes for iPhone, it's called "Catch the ba", it supposedly gives you real time train arrivals on your iPhone, anybody have experience with this app?
Mar 13, 2009 | 8:58 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA 1K, DL Plat
Posts: 576
As far as iPhone apps, iBART (free) works very well. I wouldn't pay for any other iPhones apps because IMHO, going to BART Wireless (bart.gov/wireless) in your Safari browser is just as good. It may not be as glamorous as having an iPhone loaded with a lot of apps, but it works well.
BART customarily will operate trains at fifteen minute intervals or less during peak times. In my experience, I find this to be accurate of BART. Reliability? Well, there are never any guaranties, but I've never been inconvenienced. The BART website has plenty of information on schedules, and trip planning.
BART customarily will operate trains at fifteen minute intervals or less during peak times. In my experience, I find this to be accurate of BART. Reliability? Well, there are never any guaranties, but I've never been inconvenienced. The BART website has plenty of information on schedules, and trip planning.
Mar 13, 2009 | 10:40 pm
#3
In memoriam
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,020
Keep in mind that the BART system in the City of SF is VERY limited and not cover most of the city. If you are thinking something like the Paris Metro--BART ain't it.
Probably, for most travel in SF City you will be taking the Muni system which is mostly buses and trolleys; as well as the famous (and loads of fun) cable cars.
Enjoy your visit. ^
Probably, for most travel in SF City you will be taking the Muni system which is mostly buses and trolleys; as well as the famous (and loads of fun) cable cars.
Enjoy your visit. ^
Mar 14, 2009 | 12:08 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Sydney, NSW
Programs: QFF Gold, SQ Krisflyer
Posts: 299
I experienced BART firsthand recently. It took me a while to understand ticket purchase (SFO-Powell St was $10.70 return) but service was frequent.
My only complaint was lack of elevator at station at Powell St (likely elsewhere too). To add to inconvenience, the escalators at Powell Street were not working and I had to use stairs to get up and down with heavy luggage. Fortunately, my hotel (Parc55) was less than 50m from the station.
City train stations with airport line in Sydney, for instance, have elevators.
f
My only complaint was lack of elevator at station at Powell St (likely elsewhere too). To add to inconvenience, the escalators at Powell Street were not working and I had to use stairs to get up and down with heavy luggage. Fortunately, my hotel (Parc55) was less than 50m from the station.
City train stations with airport line in Sydney, for instance, have elevators.
f
Mar 14, 2009 | 12:24 am
#5
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
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Exiting the Powell St. Station
The BART trains at Powell Street Station are located three levels below the street.
Two separate elevators (referred to as Platform and Street) are needed to get from the train platform to the street.
When departing a Fremont Richmond Pittsburg/Bay Point bound train the elevator will be towards the front of the train at the far end of the platform. When departing a Daly City bound train the elevator will be towards the rear of the train at the far end of the platform.
The Platform elevator will take you to the concourse level where the station agent is located. The Platform elevator buttons are labeled "C" for Concourse, "M" for MUNI, and "P" for platform.
When you arrive at the concourse level you will need to exit the elevator and go right. From this point you must go approximately 60 feet to the Street elevator.
The Street elevator will take you to the street. When you exit the elevator at the street you will be on the corner of Market Street and Ellis Street. Note: After entering the Street elevator at the concourse turn and face towards the right. You will be exiting the elevator at the street in this direction.
The BART trains at Powell Street Station are located three levels below the street.
Two separate elevators (referred to as Platform and Street) are needed to get from the train platform to the street.
When departing a Fremont Richmond Pittsburg/Bay Point bound train the elevator will be towards the front of the train at the far end of the platform. When departing a Daly City bound train the elevator will be towards the rear of the train at the far end of the platform.
The Platform elevator will take you to the concourse level where the station agent is located. The Platform elevator buttons are labeled "C" for Concourse, "M" for MUNI, and "P" for platform.
When you arrive at the concourse level you will need to exit the elevator and go right. From this point you must go approximately 60 feet to the Street elevator.
The Street elevator will take you to the street. When you exit the elevator at the street you will be on the corner of Market Street and Ellis Street. Note: After entering the Street elevator at the concourse turn and face towards the right. You will be exiting the elevator at the street in this direction.
Mar 14, 2009 | 1:50 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
Thanks very much for the valuable info, tips and links.
As for iPhone apps, I took a quick look at iBART, it seems to be very focused on planning your trip around the system, whereas the other one catch the ba seems to be more focused on giving you real time updates. I guess I'll have to see once there if I need any app at all.
Thanks again for the quick responses and help. If any of you do end up buying catch the ba, please let me know what your thoughts are.
You all have a great week end.
As for iPhone apps, I took a quick look at iBART, it seems to be very focused on planning your trip around the system, whereas the other one catch the ba seems to be more focused on giving you real time updates. I guess I'll have to see once there if I need any app at all.
Thanks again for the quick responses and help. If any of you do end up buying catch the ba, please let me know what your thoughts are.
You all have a great week end.
Mar 14, 2009 | 9:27 am
#7
Senior Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Francisco, CA
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The elevator at Civic Ctr. is out of service for repairs. The last series of rain storms wreaked havoc on escalators in downtown S.F. Bart/Muni stations. Most are working now.
OP: if you can give us an idea of your transportation needs, we can advise you if BART or Muni would be better alternatives. BART service is reasonably frequent and mostly quite reliable with later start times on Sat.-Sun., but as was pointed out, has only one trackway through the City of San Francisco.
OP: if you can give us an idea of your transportation needs, we can advise you if BART or Muni would be better alternatives. BART service is reasonably frequent and mostly quite reliable with later start times on Sat.-Sun., but as was pointed out, has only one trackway through the City of San Francisco.
Mar 14, 2009 | 10:01 pm
#8
Moderator: Hilton Honors, Practical Travel Safety Issues, Information Desk & San Francisco
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: San Francisco CA
Programs: UA, Hilton, Priceline, AirBnB
Posts: 11,319
Ditto
if you post some ideas of where you'll be going we have many public transport experts here!
BART is definitely more reliable OVERALL than MUNI but doesn't go everywhere you might want to go. It covers Downtown and the mission district very well, but not GG Park or other western sites.
BART is definitely more reliable OVERALL than MUNI but doesn't go everywhere you might want to go. It covers Downtown and the mission district very well, but not GG Park or other western sites.
Mar 15, 2009 | 12:07 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
Thanks all. Well for now no clear idea of where I'll end up. I have friends on around Berkeley and Dublin. Then I think I'd like to visit the city, not sure what yet.
I'm interested in nice typical local places, that it be good coffee places, or restaurants, or.. pretty much anything that makes San Francisco what it is. I know there is chinatown, union square, fisherman's, coit toyer.. I'd like to see that and also some cool places locals go hang out at. I like nice water views, maybe I'll even rent a mountain bike and find trails... I'm open to any suggestions. I saw the sticky on places to see, I bookmarked it and will read it.
I was hoping to take the BART around the city but it seems from what you guys are saying MUNI may be better.
I'm interested in nice typical local places, that it be good coffee places, or restaurants, or.. pretty much anything that makes San Francisco what it is. I know there is chinatown, union square, fisherman's, coit toyer.. I'd like to see that and also some cool places locals go hang out at. I like nice water views, maybe I'll even rent a mountain bike and find trails... I'm open to any suggestions. I saw the sticky on places to see, I bookmarked it and will read it.
I was hoping to take the BART around the city but it seems from what you guys are saying MUNI may be better.
Mar 15, 2009 | 12:45 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Portland
Posts: 11,687
Thanks all. Well for now no clear idea of where I'll end up. I have friends on around Berkeley and Dublin. Then I think I'd like to visit the city, not sure what yet.
I'm interested in nice typical local places, that it be good coffee places, or restaurants, or.. pretty much anything that makes San Francisco what it is. I know there is chinatown, union square, fisherman's, coit toyer.. I'd like to see that and also some cool places locals go hang out at. I like nice water views, maybe I'll even rent a mountain bike and find trails... I'm open to any suggestions. I saw the sticky on places to see, I bookmarked it and will read it.
I was hoping to take the BART around the city but it seems from what you guys are saying MUNI may be better.
I'm interested in nice typical local places, that it be good coffee places, or restaurants, or.. pretty much anything that makes San Francisco what it is. I know there is chinatown, union square, fisherman's, coit toyer.. I'd like to see that and also some cool places locals go hang out at. I like nice water views, maybe I'll even rent a mountain bike and find trails... I'm open to any suggestions. I saw the sticky on places to see, I bookmarked it and will read it.
I was hoping to take the BART around the city but it seems from what you guys are saying MUNI may be better.
Mar 16, 2009 | 2:23 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: London NW10
Programs: UA 1K 1.5MM, BA Blue, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 214
BART Senior reduced rate ticket
For persons over 65 years old, a discount BART ticket (ticket value USD24costs USD 9 with no expiry date) is on sale at the Airport Information kiosk directly opposite the exit from Customs on the arrival level of International terminal G. (The ticket has a green stripe.) It is not on sale at the stations. As the return fare from the airport to downtown San Francisco is USD10.70, this is a bargain as it can be used for two return journeys for less than the normal fare for one journey.
For journeys within San Francisco, Muni is cheaper than BART - the ticket pricing structure is designed that way to protect Muni revenue.
Before exiting a downtown BART station, collect a Muni discount coupon from a machine near the barriers. This will give 25 cent reduction on Muni fares to and from the station within 24 hours.
Train frequency has been reduced off-peak: every 20 minutes to/from the airport.
For journeys within San Francisco, Muni is cheaper than BART - the ticket pricing structure is designed that way to protect Muni revenue.
Before exiting a downtown BART station, collect a Muni discount coupon from a machine near the barriers. This will give 25 cent reduction on Muni fares to and from the station within 24 hours.
Train frequency has been reduced off-peak: every 20 minutes to/from the airport.
Mar 23, 2009 | 12:06 pm
#13
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 237
Not sure if this is the right place for this. If not, please re-direct.
Will have a lay-over in SFO, I decide to make it an over night stop (arrive late Friday, depart early Sunday). I will staying in a hotel near SFO, but would like to spend the day in the city, walking around Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown and if possible, visit Alcatraz.
The question is which is the best way, by public transport/shuttle to go into and out of (these areas) of the city from the airport. It is likely I will try to make the most of my day in the city, so will be heading back late in the day.
Grateful for any information, advice and suggestions.
Will have a lay-over in SFO, I decide to make it an over night stop (arrive late Friday, depart early Sunday). I will staying in a hotel near SFO, but would like to spend the day in the city, walking around Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown and if possible, visit Alcatraz.
The question is which is the best way, by public transport/shuttle to go into and out of (these areas) of the city from the airport. It is likely I will try to make the most of my day in the city, so will be heading back late in the day.
Grateful for any information, advice and suggestions.
Mar 23, 2009 | 2:16 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SEA
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Posts: 683
You can take a ferry to the Rock from Fisherman's Wharf. You can take a cable car from there to Chinatown. I think the closest stop to the Wharf is Embarcadero, but I normally don't travel that line. The Bart website will have the details or check Hopstop.com which is pretty good.
Mar 23, 2009 | 3:19 pm
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Portland
Posts: 11,687
You can take a ferry to the Rock from Fisherman's Wharf. You can take a cable car from there to Chinatown. I think the closest stop to the Wharf is Embarcadero, but I normally don't travel that line. The Bart website will have the details or check Hopstop.com which is pretty good.
http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/