Growing up in Berkeley, CA, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system has been an integral part of my life and the lives of my peers. For countless families, BART serves as a crucial means of transportation, providing access to schools, workplaces, hospitals, and numerous essential activities. However, a recent trend in BART’s operational focus is endangering the very fabric of the inclusive community it once fostered.

In response to financial losses from fare evasion, BART has embarked on an expensive campaign to recover funds. While the intention to mend the system's financial health is understandable, it has become a deeply troubling issue due to its unintended consequences. BART's heavy investment in enforcement strategies has disproportionately affected black and brown riders, along with homeless individuals and those with mental health issues. This has sparked concerns of racial profiling and bias in enforcement practices, with communities feeling targeted and marginalized.

The millions spent on enforcement could, instead, be redirected towards creating a supportive and equitable environment. BART police should undergo mental health crisis training to better understand and assist individuals in distress. Moreover, decreasing or eliminating fare checks would alleviate the undue stress placed on vulnerable riders who depend on BART not only as a mode of transportation but as a beacon of community access.

By embracing these changes, BART can restore its commitment to being a safe and welcoming space for all citizens. We urge BART to re-evaluate their current policies and invest in community-centered solutions that prioritize mental health and equity, rather than punitive enforcement.

Please join us in calling on BART to adopt strategies that reflect care and equality for all its riders. Together, we can work towards a transit system that honors inclusivity and fairness for every individual. Sign this petition to demand that BART pivots its resources towards a fair, equitable, and mental-health-focused approach.