BART Police To Cite, Arrest Persistent Seat Hoggers

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- BART riders who take more than one seat on a train during the most crowded times of day could face fines and even arrest.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports Friday that the new rules start in the fall. The board adopted the new policy in April.

BART officials say first-time offenders will have their names entered into a database and be given a verbal warning. Those caught hoarding multiple seats a second time will be given a written warning, the newspaper reported. A third offense will end with a $100 citation with ticket costs rising from there. Arrests could follow for fourth time offenders.

People whose size or medical condition requires them to occupy more than one seat will be exempt. BART police will enforce the ordinance weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7:30 p.m., when trains are most crowded.