BART reports a 23% drop in violent crime across its system
OAKLAND — After years of declining ridership and public criticism over safety concerns, BART officials said a recent drop in crime is a sign their efforts are working.
Newly released statistics from BART show a 23% drop in violent crime across the system for the first three months of the year, compared to 2024. BART Police Chief Kevin Franklin attributed the decline to an increased law enforcement presence.
"I think that presence, we're seeing the customer perception of how many officers and how many civilians you're seeing out there increasing, and we're seeing crime stats go down during that period of time," said Franklin. "It's been very busy, but the presence is the key."
For lifelong rider Itza Sanchez, that presence is making an impact. Just six months ago, she said she would never have dared to use her laptop while riding the train.
Today, things feel different.
"In the last six months, for sure, I have felt safer," Sanchez said. "A year ago, if you were to ask me this question, I don't know that I would be having my laptop out or kind of engaging in my technology in that way."
Still, Sanchez remains alert while commuting, often choosing seats with safety in mind.
"There have been times when I have moved cars because the current individuals that were in a car definitely did not make me feel safe," she said.
She continues to take precautions, like sitting near the aisle to avoid being blocked in but said she's had to do it less in recent months.
"I feel like over the course of the last six months, you don't have to as much anymore, but it's still an active behavior that you do just to keep yourself safe."
BART General Manager Bob Powers said the crime reduction is a milestone worth celebrating.
"I mean, that's 23% is a lot. It's like one out of five, right? I mean, it's a lot and it's a lot to do with the decisions that we've made," he said.
That sentiment was echoed by local leaders, including members of the BART Board of Directors and Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, a former BART Board President, who joined Powers aboard a train to recognize the system's recent progress.
Sanchez said she feels the difference not just personally, but in terms of how BART serves the region.
"If riders don't feel safe, they're not going to want to use it. If it's not affordable, they're not going to want to use it," she said. "All of those things put together really have an impact, not only on our usage, but also just the institution that is BART and the importance that it is in the Bay Area."
Fare evasion continues to undercut BART's financial recovery in the post-pandemic era, as the agency races to install new faregates custom-designed to reduce fare evasion. Powers said BART is halfway through installing new fare gates, with 25 stations still awaiting upgrades.
The agency is ahead of schedule, Powers noted, and said full installation can be expected by the end of the year.
