The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) marked a major milestone in its post-pandemic recovery in ridership, reporting its highest ridership figures in March 2026.
BART recorded its highest ridership month, highest average weekday ridership, and busiest single day since the pandemic, it announced on its website.
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, becoming the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic disrupted travel patterns. The March figures also outpaced the previous high of 5,346,890 exits recorded in October 2025.
Ridership in March 2026 finished 13% above budget and 20% higher than March 2025, continuing the upward trend seen in recent monthly reports.
One of the most notable days in the month was March 25 (227,300 exits), which became the busiest day and coincided with the San Francisco Giants’ Opening Day 2026. The surge demonstrates the transit system’s ability to transport large crowds to major regional events, BART said.
The previous highest ridership day was February 5, 2026, during the Super Bowl LX week, logging 225,830 exits.
Additionally, March marked a critical recovery benchmark, with weekday ridership surpassing 200,000 trips for the first time after the pandemic.
This builds on earlier highs, including October 2025, when weekday averages neared 200,000, signaling the continuing return of riders for work and daily travel.
Weekend travel, particularly Saturdays, posted some of the strongest gains, according to BART data. Average Saturday ridership jumped 38% from March 2025, fueled by events like the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade and No Kings Protest Day.
The increase underscores BART’s role beyond just a traditional commute, serving a mix of commuters and event-goers.
BART ridership was severely affected by the pandemic and remote work trends in the Bay Area. Before the pandemic, BART served about 405,000 trips on an average weekday.
BART connects the San Francisco Peninsula with communities in the East Bay and South Bay, with service extending as far as Millbrae, Richmond, Antioch, Dublin/Pleasanton, and Berryessa/North San José. The agency runs in five counties, with 131 miles of track, and 50 stations.
Persistent Financial Challenges
Despite the upward trend in post-pandemic ridership, fare revenue continues to fall short of the required funds to sustain BART operations, the agency said.
Even with the growing numbers, ridership alone cannot close the funding gap, and a new funding source is required.
The transit system faces a structural deficit of $350 million to $400 million, driven by long-term changes in commuting patterns, including remote and hybrid work. Its FY26 budget was balanced with $35 million in ongoing cuts and cost controls.
The FY27 deficit is $376 million.
In February 2026, BART’s Board of Directors approved a contingency plan that included reducing service, closing stations, and increasing fares if the agency fails to secure new funding to close the projected deficit, SFGATE reported earlier this year.
The changes are expected to begin in January 2027, with service being reduced to three primary lines (Yellow, Blue, and Orange), and limited peak-direction service on the Red and Green lines.
Fares and parking fees will increase by 30%, raising the estimated average fare from $4.98 to $6.38, according to the report.
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