Liz Lindqwister

A car fatally struck an 80-year-old man in San Francisco&#8217;s Mission District on Wednesday afternoon, according to police.

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A car fatally struck an 80-year-old man in San Francisco's Mission District on Wednesday afternoon, according to police.

A car fatally struck an 80-year-old man in San Francisco&#8217;s Mission District on Wednesday afternoon, according to police.

The Chief Medical Examiner&#8217;s Office confirmed San Francisco resident Jian Huang as the crash victim. Huang&#8217;s next of kin have been notified.

The Chief Medical Examiner's Office confirmed San Francisco resident Jian Huang as the crash victim. Huang's next of kin have been notified.

The Chief Medical Examiner&#8217;s Office confirmed San Francisco resident Jian Huang as the crash victim. Huang&#8217;s next of kin have been notified.

Huang was crossing Valencia Street at 18th Street when a car turned left into the crosswalk and struck him, according to a report from San Francisco Bay Area Families for Safe Streets. Police found Huang unconscious and in critical condition before he was taken to the hospital.

Huang was crossing Valencia Street at 18th Street when a car turned left into the crosswalk and struck him, according to a report from San Francisco Bay Area Families for Safe Streets. Police found Huang unconscious and in critical condition before he was taken to the hospital.

&#8220;The driver whose vehicle hit the pedestrian stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators, who do not suspect impairment as a factor in the collision,&#8221; police said.

"The driver whose vehicle hit the pedestrian stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators, who do not suspect impairment as a factor in the collision," police said.

&#8220;The driver whose vehicle hit the pedestrian stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators, who do not suspect impairment as a factor in the collision,&#8221; police said.

This marks the 14th pedestrian death in San Francisco in 2023. Transit and safe street advocates have raised the alarm about the number of deadly collisions involving pedestrians.

This marks the 14th pedestrian death in San Francisco in 2023. Transit and safe street advocates have raised the alarm about the number of deadly collisions involving pedestrians.

“Our hearts go out to this man’s loved ones and community,” Walk San Francisco Executive Director Jodie Medeiros said in a statement. “We grieve for yet another life lost so senselessly on our streets.”

“Our hearts go out to this man’s loved ones and community,” Walk San Francisco Executive Director Jodie Medeiros said in a statement. “We grieve for yet another life lost so senselessly on our streets.”

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/21/no-right-turn-on-red-san-francisco-traffic-safety/">No More Right Turns on Red? Safety Advocate Pushes for San Francisco-Wide Ban</a>

No more right turns on red? Safety advocate pushes for San Francisco-wide ban

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/21/no-right-turn-on-red-san-francisco-traffic-safety/">No More Right Turns on Red? Safety Advocate Pushes for San Francisco-Wide Ban</a>

The city has responded to deadly vehicle-pedestrian collisions by announcing safety improvements for high-traffic and high-injury streets. After a 4-year-old girl was struck and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/san-francisco-fourth-king-quick-build-lane-change-by-activists/">killed at the Fourth and King streets intersection</a> in August, Mayor London Breed announced plans to close a southbound right-turn lane.

San Francisco activists barricade turn lane where 4-year-old girl was killed

The city has responded to deadly vehicle-pedestrian collisions by announcing safety improvements for high-traffic and high-injury streets. After a 4-year-old girl was struck and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/23/san-francisco-fourth-king-quick-build-lane-change-by-activists/">killed at the Fourth and King streets intersection</a> in August, Mayor London Breed announced plans to close a southbound right-turn lane.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is also adding adjustments <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/27/huge-changes-coming-to-one-of-sf-most-dangerous-streets/">to most of Lincoln Way</a>, after years of crashes and pedestrian injuries along the busy west-side roadway.

One of San Francisco&#8217;s most dangerous streets to undergo huge changes

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is also adding adjustments <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/27/huge-changes-coming-to-one-of-sf-most-dangerous-streets/">to most of Lincoln Way</a>, after years of crashes and pedestrian injuries along the busy west-side roadway.

Transit advocates have in the past <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/07/no-salvaging-center-bike-lane-valencia-cyclists/">criticized pedestrian and bicycle safety</a> on Valencia Street,&nbsp;a major north-south route through the Mission that’s been known to have&nbsp;<a href="https://sfgov.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b2743a3fc0b14dd9814cf6668fc34773" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">higher rates of serious or fatal collisions</a>.

No salvaging new center-striped bike lane on Valencia Street, San Francisco cyclists say

Transit advocates have in the past <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/07/no-salvaging-center-bike-lane-valencia-cyclists/">criticized pedestrian and bicycle safety</a> on Valencia Street,&nbsp;a major north-south route through the Mission that’s been known to have&nbsp;<a href="https://sfgov.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b2743a3fc0b14dd9814cf6668fc34773" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">higher rates of serious or fatal collisions</a>.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

Motorist fatally strikes 80-year-old pedestrian in San Francisco

Astrid Kane

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority announced Friday that the federal government has committed $5.1 billion to a project to extend BART farther into the South Bay, building four new stations and expanding access to downtown San Jose.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority announced Friday that the federal government has committed $5.1 billion to a project to extend BART farther into the South Bay, building four new stations and expanding access to downtown San Jose.

Termed the &#8220;<a href="https://www.vta.org/projects/bart-sv">BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension</a>,&#8221; the project will extend the system&#8217;s Green and Orange lines several miles from their current terminus at Berryessa/North San Jose Station. The train line will tunnel underground to connect with San Jose&#8217;s Diridon Station and eventually resurface at Santa Clara Station, where the line will end.

Termed the "<a href="https://www.vta.org/projects/bart-sv">BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension</a>," the project will extend the system's Green and Orange lines several miles from their current terminus at Berryessa/North San Jose Station. The train line will tunnel underground to connect with San Jose's Diridon Station and eventually resurface at Santa Clara Station, where the line will end.

Termed the &#8220;<a href="https://www.vta.org/projects/bart-sv">BART Silicon Valley Phase II Extension</a>,&#8221; the project will extend the system&#8217;s Green and Orange lines several miles from their current terminus at Berryessa/North San Jose Station. The train line will tunnel underground to connect with San Jose&#8217;s Diridon Station and eventually resurface at Santa Clara Station, where the line will end.

As Santa Clara <a href="https://www.caltrain.com/station/santaclara">is already served by Caltrain</a>, this project will effectively complete a ring around San Francisco Bay, connecting the region&#8217;s three biggest cities via downtown San Jose.

As Santa Clara <a href="https://www.caltrain.com/station/santaclara">is already served by Caltrain</a>, this project will effectively complete a ring around San Francisco Bay, connecting the region's three biggest cities via downtown San Jose.

As Santa Clara <a href="https://www.caltrain.com/station/santaclara">is already served by Caltrain</a>, this project will effectively complete a ring around San Francisco Bay, connecting the region&#8217;s three biggest cities via downtown San Jose.

According to the VTA, Friday&#8217;s $5 billion federal disbursement will be the second-largest transit-funding allocation in the country and the largest outside of New York. Additionally, it&#8217;s the largest infrastructure project in Santa Clara County&#8217;s history, with a price tag now estimated to be $12.7 billion. The VTA claims it has secured nearly all but approximately $700 million and there will be discussions between board and staff on how best to close that gap.

According to the VTA, Friday's $5 billion federal disbursement will be the second-largest transit-funding allocation in the country and the largest outside of New York. Additionally, it's the largest infrastructure project in Santa Clara County's history, with a price tag now estimated to be $12.7 billion. The VTA claims it has secured nearly all but approximately $700 million and there will be discussions between board and staff on how best to close that gap.

According to the VTA, Friday&#8217;s $5 billion federal disbursement will be the second-largest transit-funding allocation in the country and the largest outside of New York. Additionally, it&#8217;s the largest infrastructure project in Santa Clara County&#8217;s history, with a price tag now estimated to be $12.7 billion. The VTA claims it has secured nearly all but approximately $700 million and there will be discussions between board and staff on how best to close that gap.

Last year, a scathing report alleged that anticipated costs had ballooned far beyond the initial estimates and that Phase 2 <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/02/18/exclusive-feds-say-barts-san-jose-extension-likely-delayed-till-2034/">would not see passenger service for another decade at least</a>. In an email to The Standard, a spokesperson for the VTA said <a href="https://www.facebook.com/scvta">ground had broken on the project in mid-June</a> and &#8220;we anticipate passenger service to begin in 2037.&#8221;

Last year, a scathing report alleged that anticipated costs had ballooned far beyond the initial estimates and that Phase 2 <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/02/18/exclusive-feds-say-barts-san-jose-extension-likely-delayed-till-2034/">would not see passenger service for another decade at least</a>. In an email to The Standard, a spokesperson for the VTA said <a href="https://www.facebook.com/scvta">ground had broken on the project in mid-June</a> and "we anticipate passenger service to begin in 2037."

Last year, a scathing report alleged that anticipated costs had ballooned far beyond the initial estimates and that Phase 2 <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/02/18/exclusive-feds-say-barts-san-jose-extension-likely-delayed-till-2034/">would not see passenger service for another decade at least</a>. In an email to The Standard, a spokesperson for the VTA said <a href="https://www.facebook.com/scvta">ground had broken on the project in mid-June</a> and &#8220;we anticipate passenger service to begin in 2037.&#8221;

BART, it should be noted, is not involved in the construction. &#8220;VTA is designing it, building it and paying for it,&#8221; BART spokesperson Alicia Trost said. &#8220;Once VTA opens the stations, they will pay BART to run service there. But they will own the stations.&#8221;

BART, it should be noted, is not involved in the construction. "VTA is designing it, building it and paying for it," BART spokesperson Alicia Trost said. "Once VTA opens the stations, they will pay BART to run service there. But they will own the stations."

BART, it should be noted, is not involved in the construction. &#8220;VTA is designing it, building it and paying for it,&#8221; BART spokesperson Alicia Trost said. &#8220;Once VTA opens the stations, they will pay BART to run service there. But they will own the stations.&#8221;

This story has been updated with additional information from the VTA.

This story has been updated with additional information from the VTA.

BART to get more federal money than any transit project outside New York City

Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

San Francisco’s on-and-off flirtation with congestion pricing seems to be “on” again.

San Francisco’s on-and-off flirtation with congestion pricing seems to be “on” again.

At a little-watched transit board meeting, San Francisco County Transportation Authority commissioners, who are also the Board of Supervisors, described a field trip to New York City to learn more about the city’s January debut of congestion pricing.

At a little-watched transit board meeting, San Francisco County Transportation Authority commissioners, who are also the Board of Supervisors, described a field trip to New York City to learn more about the city’s January debut of congestion pricing.

The takeaway? It could work in San Francisco’s downtown, under the right conditions.

The takeaway? It could work in San Francisco’s downtown, under the right conditions.

SFCTA commission chair and Supervisor Myrna Melgar led the trip to New York City, flanked by SFCTA staff and Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Chyanne Chen.

SFCTA commission chair and Supervisor Myrna Melgar led the trip to New York City, flanked by SFCTA staff and Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Chyanne Chen.

“The program has been a resounding success,” Melgar said of New York’s congestion pricing.

“The program has been a resounding success,” Melgar said of New York’s congestion pricing.

Dorsey said the trip showed New York has a “proof of concept” that’s working.

Dorsey said the trip showed New York has a “proof of concept” that’s working.

While San Francisco is still recovering from the pandemic, Dorsey said, if downtown bounces back and the city builds more housing, traffic congestion may rise as a pressing issue.

While San Francisco is still recovering from the pandemic, Dorsey said, if downtown bounces back and the city builds more housing, traffic congestion may rise as a pressing issue.

“That might very well create a more welcoming and necessary environment for San Francisco to consider congestion pricing,” Dorsey said.

“That might very well create a more welcoming and necessary environment for San Francisco to consider congestion pricing,” Dorsey said.

The idea has <a href="https://sf.curbed.com/2019/4/3/18293205/san-francisco-congestion-pricing-traffic-tolls-new-york">sputtered into the civic conversation</a> repeatedly over the years, flaring up in 2021 during a transportation authority study of charging cars to enter downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf. The study has since been put on <a href="https://sfist.com/2022/08/16/hey-whatever-happened-to-that-downtown-sf-congestion-pricing-plan-its-been-paused-sfmta-says/">pause</a>.

The idea has <a href="https://sf.curbed.com/2019/4/3/18293205/san-francisco-congestion-pricing-traffic-tolls-new-york">sputtered into the civic conversation</a> repeatedly over the years, flaring up in 2021 during a transportation authority study of charging cars to enter downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf. The study has since been put on <a href="https://sfist.com/2022/08/16/hey-whatever-happened-to-that-downtown-sf-congestion-pricing-plan-its-been-paused-sfmta-says/">pause</a>.

Any move by city government to make driving or parking more difficult, even to aid transit, often invites political uproar. Transforming the Great Highway into a park has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/22/great-highway-recall-signature-gathering-joel-engardio/">sparked a recall threat</a> against Supervisor Joel Engardio, for instance. Raising parking meter rates, as the city is now considering, has also gotten drivers out of their cars and into City Hall, fuming.

‘Disruptive and costly’: Engardio blasts recall effort as signature gathering begins

Any move by city government to make driving or parking more difficult, even to aid transit, often invites political uproar. Transforming the Great Highway into a park has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2025/01/22/great-highway-recall-signature-gathering-joel-engardio/">sparked a recall threat</a> against Supervisor Joel Engardio, for instance. Raising parking meter rates, as the city is now considering, has also gotten drivers out of their cars and into City Hall, fuming.

New York experienced that too — President Donald Trump infamously called the program “dead” in a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/19/nyregion/trump-congestion-pricing-nyc.html">social media post</a> where he also referred to himself as a king.

New York experienced that too — President Donald Trump infamously called the program “dead” in a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/19/nyregion/trump-congestion-pricing-nyc.html">social media post</a> where he also referred to himself as a king.

Far from scuttled, congestion pricing <a href="https://gothamist.com/news/mta-sees-green-with-congestion-pricing-as-tolls-bring-in-100m-during-first-2-months">has brought in more than $100 million</a> in New York since its launch in January, helping the city reinvest in transit.

Far from scuttled, congestion pricing <a href="https://gothamist.com/news/mta-sees-green-with-congestion-pricing-as-tolls-bring-in-100m-during-first-2-months">has brought in more than $100 million</a> in New York since its launch in January, helping the city reinvest in transit.

Supervisor Myrna Melgar leads a meeting of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) board on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The board has floated the idea of exploring congestion pricing in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1668" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8756394269_sfcta_018.jpg?w=2500" alt="A city official sits in a chair in legislative chambers." class="wp-image-381513"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Myrna Melgar leads a meeting of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) board on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The board has floated the idea of exploring congestion pricing in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8756394269_sfcta_018.jpg?w=2500" alt="A city official sits in a chair in legislative chambers." class="wp-image-381513"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supervisor Myrna Melgar leads a meeting of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) board on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The board has floated the idea of exploring congestion pricing in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Although the SFCTA paused studying downtown congestion pricing, there’s still ongoing analysis into congestion pricing on Treasure Island and on nearby freeways, Melgar said, making it “very helpful” to learn about New York’s path.

Although the SFCTA paused studying downtown congestion pricing, there’s still ongoing analysis into congestion pricing on Treasure Island and on nearby freeways, Melgar said, making it “very helpful” to learn about New York’s path.

By all measures it’s been successful, Melgar said, with traffic congestion eased, and 60,000 fewer vehicle trips into New York City each day since the launch.

By all measures it’s been successful, Melgar said, with traffic congestion eased, and 60,000 fewer vehicle trips into New York City each day since the launch.

Chen, another supervisor who attended the trip, lauded New York’s “amazing” outreach in nine languages, increased foot traffic to businesses, and the funding generated for local transit by charging drivers. New York transit officials also saved money by placing toll devices on existing traffic infrastructure.

Chen, another supervisor who attended the trip, lauded New York’s “amazing” outreach in nine languages, increased foot traffic to businesses, and the funding generated for local transit by charging drivers. New York transit officials also saved money by placing toll devices on existing traffic infrastructure.

“That’s something I took away [from the trip]: how can we bring it back to San Francisco to improve our cost effectiveness and efficiency?” Chen said.

“That’s something I took away [from the trip]: how can we bring it back to San Francisco to improve our cost effectiveness and efficiency?” Chen said.

An entity to administer and collect tolls would need to be established to enact congestion pricing. That could be an existing entity or a new tolling authority, the transportation authority <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/2019-11/MAPS_study_final_lo_res.pdf">wrote in a study</a>.

An entity to administer and collect tolls would need to be established to enact congestion pricing. That could be an existing entity or a new tolling authority, the transportation authority <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/2019-11/MAPS_study_final_lo_res.pdf">wrote in a study</a>.

Dorsey acknowledged the public pushback that can sometimes follow proposals to charge drivers. But, he said, congestion pricing echoes a new book from Ezra Klein and Drek Thompson called “<a href="https://www.vox.com/politics/405063/ezra-klein-thompson-abundance-book-criticism">Abundance</a>,” as part of a movement asking elected Democrats to govern “effectively.” And, he added, the people he spoke to in New York City ultimately are warming up to congestion pricing — even when they were vocal in opposition.

Dorsey acknowledged the public pushback that can sometimes follow proposals to charge drivers. But, he said, congestion pricing echoes a new book from Ezra Klein and Drek Thompson called “<a href="https://www.vox.com/politics/405063/ezra-klein-thompson-abundance-book-criticism">Abundance</a>,” as part of a movement asking elected Democrats to govern “effectively.” And, he added, the people he spoke to in New York City ultimately are warming up to congestion pricing — even when they were vocal in opposition.

“It was interesting to talk to cab drivers and just to people who are just like, ‘yeah, I was against this, but you know what it’s working,’” Dorsey said.

“It was interesting to talk to cab drivers and just to people who are just like, ‘yeah, I was against this, but you know what it’s working,’” Dorsey said.

Congestion pricing in SF? Officials see hope after NYC charges drivers

Joel Umanzor

BART unveiled prototypes of its highly anticipated new fare gates at the West Oakland Station on Thursday, receiving raves from some and cautious optimism from others.

BART unveiled prototypes of its highly anticipated new fare gates at the West Oakland Station on Thursday, receiving raves from some and cautious optimism from others.

The “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/23/bart-moves-ahead-with-new-90m-gates-to-deter-fare-evasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">next generation fare gates</a>&#8221; are meant to deter fare evaders and reduce maintenance and will eventually replace all of the system’s current 700-or-so orange, fin-like gates by 2025. The project is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/senator-scott-wiener-tours-new-bart-fare-gate-location-west-oakland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">costing</a> BART $90 million.

BART moves ahead with new $90M gates to deter fare evasion

BART unveils preparations for new gates to deter fare evaders

The “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/23/bart-moves-ahead-with-new-90m-gates-to-deter-fare-evasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">next generation fare gates</a>" are meant to deter fare evaders and reduce maintenance and will eventually replace all of the system’s current 700-or-so orange, fin-like gates by 2025. The project is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/senator-scott-wiener-tours-new-bart-fare-gate-location-west-oakland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">costing</a> BART $90 million.

The “<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/23/bart-moves-ahead-with-new-90m-gates-to-deter-fare-evasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">next generation fare gates</a>&#8221; are meant to deter fare evaders and reduce maintenance and will eventually replace all of the system’s current 700-or-so orange, fin-like gates by 2025. The project is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/22/senator-scott-wiener-tours-new-bart-fare-gate-location-west-oakland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">costing</a> BART $90 million.

At the West Oakland Station, three tall polycarbonate gates and two metal gates with perforated holes stood in place of the old pneumatic barriers. The prototype gates were approximately six inches off of the ground and well over six feet tall.

At the West Oakland Station, three tall polycarbonate gates and two metal gates with perforated holes stood in place of the old pneumatic barriers. The prototype gates were approximately six inches off of the ground and well over six feet tall.

The five new fare gates that were opened at BART's West Oakland Station seen on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_5463.jpg?w=2500" alt="The five new fare gates that were opened at BART's West Oakland Station seen on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023." class="wp-image-236054"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The five new fare gates that were opened at BART&#8217;s West Oakland Station were seen on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_5463.jpg?w=2500" alt="The five new fare gates that were opened at BART's West Oakland Station seen on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023." class="wp-image-236054"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The five new fare gates that were opened at BART's West Oakland Station were seen on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_5463.jpg?w=2500" alt="The five new fare gates that were opened at BART's West Oakland Station seen on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023." class="wp-image-236054"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The five new fare gates that were opened at BART&#8217;s West Oakland Station were seen on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

To the left of the new installations, a sixth gate—which will feature a <a href="https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2023/news20231228-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mechanical door-locking system</a>—is expected to be ready for use at West Oakland in four to six weeks for testing, according to BART spokesperson Alicia Trost. Once the new locking system is ready to be deployed, all the gates throughout the system will have it.

To the left of the new installations, a sixth gate—which will feature a <a href="https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2023/news20231228-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mechanical door-locking system</a>—is expected to be ready for use at West Oakland in four to six weeks for testing, according to BART spokesperson Alicia Trost. Once the new locking system is ready to be deployed, all the gates throughout the system will have it.

“The gates in place now have a software door brake,” Trost said. “The mechanical one is meant to prevent a forced opening from continuous pressure.”

“The gates in place now have a software door brake,” Trost said. “The mechanical one is meant to prevent a forced opening from continuous pressure.”

Trost added that the prototypes are not the final versions of what riders should ultimately expect and that the agency will choose one type of door before moving into the next phase of the new fare gate process.

Trost added that the prototypes are not the final versions of what riders should ultimately expect and that the agency will choose one type of door before moving into the next phase of the new fare gate process.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/27/bart-muni-fiscal-cliff-rescue-funds-fare-evasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bay Area Transit Gets $747M Lifeline, but There’s a Catch for BART and Muni</a>

Bay Area transit gets $747M lifeline, but there&#8217;s a catch for BART and Muni

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/11/27/bart-muni-fiscal-cliff-rescue-funds-fare-evasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bay Area Transit Gets $747M Lifeline, but There’s a Catch for BART and Muni</a>

The sixth gate with a new mechanical door locking system, seen here inside a secure area, is set to be added at West Oakland Station in the coming weeks, according to BART officials.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_5478.jpg?w=2500" alt="The sixth gate with a new mechanical door locking system, seen here inside a secure area, is set to be added at West Oakland Station in the coming weeks, according to BART officials." class="wp-image-236055"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The sixth gate with a new mechanical door locking system, seen here inside a secure area, is set to be added at West Oakland Station in the coming weeks, according to BART officials.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_5478.jpg?w=2500" alt="The sixth gate with a new mechanical door locking system, seen here inside a secure area, is set to be added at West Oakland Station in the coming weeks, according to BART officials." class="wp-image-236055"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The sixth gate with a new mechanical door locking system, seen here inside a secure area, is set to be added at West Oakland Station in the coming weeks, according to BART officials.</figcaption></figure>

“We will select only one door type after initial testing at West Oakland to be used moving forward,” she said. “We are looking to see how the doors hold up and if one type requires more maintenance or causes problems.”

“We will select only one door type after initial testing at West Oakland to be used moving forward,” she said. “We are looking to see how the doors hold up and if one type requires more maintenance or causes problems.”

The Standard spent two hours Thursday morning at West Oakland Station, observing riders entering and exiting the new gates alongside a heavy BART police and fare inspector presence.

The Standard spent two hours Thursday morning at West Oakland Station, observing riders entering and exiting the new gates alongside a heavy BART police and fare inspector presence.

Some riders had trouble passing through the gates after tapping their Clipper cards because their response time was slightly slower than that riders are accustomed to when passing through the old fin-like gates.

Some riders had trouble passing through the gates after tapping their Clipper cards because their response time was slightly slower than that riders are accustomed to when passing through the old fin-like gates.

San Francisco resident Darryl Pace said he was pleasantly surprised to see the new gates upon arriving at the West Oakland BART station.

San Francisco resident Darryl Pace said he was pleasantly surprised to see the new gates upon arriving at the West Oakland BART station.

San Francisco resident Darryl Pace stands at the entrance of West Oakland Station on Dec. 28, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_5475.jpg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco resident Darryl Pace stands at the entrance of West Oakland Station on Dec. 28, 2023." class="wp-image-236058"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco resident Darryl Pace stands at the entrance of West Oakland Station on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_5475.jpg?w=2500" alt="San Francisco resident Darryl Pace stands at the entrance of West Oakland Station on Dec. 28, 2023." class="wp-image-236058"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Francisco resident Darryl Pace stands at the entrance of West Oakland Station on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

“I wasn’t expecting to see this today,” Pace said. “I’m happy it is there because I pay my fare, and I hope that everyone else will do the same thing.”

“I wasn’t expecting to see this today,” Pace said. “I’m happy it is there because I pay my fare, and I hope that everyone else will do the same thing.”

Still, Pace said he was not optimistic that the new gates would curb fare evasion in the long term. He noted that the increased law enforcement at the station on Thursday was not typical.

Still, Pace said he was not optimistic that the new gates would curb fare evasion in the long term. He noted that the increased law enforcement at the station on Thursday was not typical.

“This is all for the show right now,” he said. “People are scandalous and will do what they have to do to get past those gates. Not everyone has the money, or they just don’t want to pay the money, so you know how devious people are.&#8221;

“This is all for the show right now,” he said. “People are scandalous and will do what they have to do to get past those gates. Not everyone has the money, or they just don’t want to pay the money, so you know how devious people are."

“This is all for the show right now,” he said. “People are scandalous and will do what they have to do to get past those gates. Not everyone has the money, or they just don’t want to pay the money, so you know how devious people are.&#8221;

BART has estimated that the rampant problem of fare evasion costs the system $15 million to $25 million per year, with more than 20,000 people hoisting themselves over or under the gates.

BART has estimated that the rampant problem of fare evasion costs the system $15 million to $25 million per year, with more than 20,000 people hoisting themselves over or under the gates.

One such fare evader named Jeff did seem deterred by the new barriers. Jeff, who declined to give The Standard his last name, was weighing other, cheaper options to get into San Francisco.

One such fare evader named Jeff did seem deterred by the new barriers. Jeff, who declined to give The Standard his last name, was weighing other, cheaper options to get into San Francisco.

The food courier who lives in West Oakland said he often jumps the fare gates and would most likely get on BART at another East Bay station so he could still take the train to Embarcadero without paying.

The food courier who lives in West Oakland said he often jumps the fare gates and would most likely get on BART at another East Bay station so he could still take the train to Embarcadero without paying.

A rider scans his Clipper card at the new fare gates inside BART's West Oakland Station on Dec. 28, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_5461.jpg?w=2500" alt="A rider scans his Clipper card at the new fare gates inside BART's West Oakland Station on Dec. 28, 2023." class="wp-image-236056"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A rider scans his Clipper card at the new fare gates inside BART&#8217;s West Oakland Station on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_5461.jpg?w=2500" alt="A rider scans his Clipper card at the new fare gates inside BART's West Oakland Station on Dec. 28, 2023." class="wp-image-236056"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A rider scans his Clipper card at the new fare gates inside BART's West Oakland Station on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_5461.jpg?w=2500" alt="A rider scans his Clipper card at the new fare gates inside BART's West Oakland Station on Dec. 28, 2023." class="wp-image-236056"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A rider scans his Clipper card at the new fare gates inside BART&#8217;s West Oakland Station on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

“The only place it looks like you can hop over is by the attendant booth, and by then it is not even worth it,” he said, laughing. “If push comes to shove, it is $3.50 from here to Embarcadero, so I may just have to fork it over.”

“The only place it looks like you can hop over is by the attendant booth, and by then it is not even worth it,” he said, laughing. “If push comes to shove, it is $3.50 from here to Embarcadero, so I may just have to fork it over.”

Jeff added that BART&#8217;s per-ride fare policy isn&#8217;t fair to regular riders, noting that other cities, such as New York, offer an option of a flat rate for unlimited rides during a certain time period.

Jeff added that BART's per-ride fare policy isn't fair to regular riders, noting that other cities, such as New York, offer an option of a flat rate for unlimited rides during a certain time period.

Jeff added that BART&#8217;s per-ride fare policy isn&#8217;t fair to regular riders, noting that other cities, such as New York, offer an option of a flat rate for unlimited rides during a certain time period.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/11/clipper-card-upgrade-awaits-bart-riders-next-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here’s When You Can Tap Your Credit Card on BART and Muni</a>

Here&#8217;s when you can tap your credit card on BART and Muni

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/11/clipper-card-upgrade-awaits-bart-riders-next-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Here’s When You Can Tap Your Credit Card on BART and Muni</a>

&#8220;In the Bay, we have this one-time fare,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Am I riding on a roller coaster or riding public transportation?&#8221;

"In the Bay, we have this one-time fare," he said. "Am I riding on a roller coaster or riding public transportation?"

&#8220;In the Bay, we have this one-time fare,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Am I riding on a roller coaster or riding public transportation?&#8221;

A group of riders told The Standard they came to West Oakland to test the new gates and see if they were truly effective at stopping those attempting to push through or tail other riders.

A group of riders told The Standard they came to West Oakland to test the new gates and see if they were truly effective at stopping those attempting to push through or tail other riders.

Clark Merrick (far left) stands alongside his friends Sam Jeffs, Lukas Chiu and Sergio Zygmunt in front of the newly opened fare gates at West Oakland Station on Dec. 28, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1875" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_5482.jpg?w=2500" alt="Clark Merrick (far left) stands alongside his friends Sam Jeffs, Lukas Chiu and Sergio Zygmunt in front of the newly opened fare gates at West Oakland Station on Dec. 28, 2023." class="wp-image-236059"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Clark Merrick (far left) stands alongside his friends Sam Jeffs, Lukas Chiu and Sergio Zygmunt in front of the newly opened fare gates at West Oakland Station on Dec. 28, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_5482.jpg?w=2500" alt="Clark Merrick (far left) stands alongside his friends Sam Jeffs, Lukas Chiu and Sergio Zygmunt in front of the newly opened fare gates at West Oakland Station on Dec. 28, 2023." class="wp-image-236059"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Clark Merrick (far left) stands alongside his friends Sam Jeffs, Lukas Chiu and Sergio Zygmunt in front of the newly opened fare gates at West Oakland Station on Dec. 28, 2023.</figcaption></figure>

“We came to find out and see if we could mess with them,&#8221; said Clark Merrick, who traveled to the station from San Mateo County with three of his friends after reading about the new gates on social media. &#8220;We hope it makes an improvement.”

“We came to find out and see if we could mess with them," said Clark Merrick, who traveled to the station from San Mateo County with three of his friends after reading about the new gates on social media. "We hope it makes an improvement.”

“We came to find out and see if we could mess with them,&#8221; said Clark Merrick, who traveled to the station from San Mateo County with three of his friends after reading about the new gates on social media. &#8220;We hope it makes an improvement.”

In terms of preference, the group said the polycarbonate gates were more attractive but the metal ones felt more secure.

In terms of preference, the group said the polycarbonate gates were more attractive but the metal ones felt more secure.

Merrick added: “I’m personally toward whatever is the cheapest long-term solution.”

Merrick added: “I’m personally toward whatever is the cheapest long-term solution.”

BART plans to announce the next eight stations where the prototype gates will be installed at its Jan. 11 board meeting.

BART plans to announce the next eight stations where the prototype gates will be installed at its Jan. 11 board meeting.

BART riders react as new security gates installed at West Oakland station

Tomoki Chien

The suspect accused of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/13/deadly-stabbing-outside-downtown-sf-bart-embarcadero-station/">fatally stabbing a man</a> last month near the Embarcadero BART station won&#8217;t face charges, the San Francisco district attorney&#8217;s office said Monday.

Embarcadero stabbing: Cops hunt killer carrying briefcase

The suspect accused of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/13/deadly-stabbing-outside-downtown-sf-bart-embarcadero-station/">fatally stabbing a man</a> last month near the Embarcadero BART station won't face charges, the San Francisco district attorney's office said Monday.

The suspect accused of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/13/deadly-stabbing-outside-downtown-sf-bart-embarcadero-station/">fatally stabbing a man</a> last month near the Embarcadero BART station won&#8217;t face charges, the San Francisco district attorney&#8217;s office said Monday.

&#8220;We are unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the suspect was not acting in self-defense,&#8221; the DA&#8217;s office wrote to The Standard. &#8220;It is always our goal to prosecute cases ethically, fairly and impartially,&#8221;

"We are unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the suspect was not acting in self-defense," the DA's office wrote to The Standard. "It is always our goal to prosecute cases ethically, fairly and impartially,"

&#8220;We are unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the suspect was not acting in self-defense,&#8221; the DA&#8217;s office wrote to The Standard. &#8220;It is always our goal to prosecute cases ethically, fairly and impartially,&#8221;

Jonathon Wright, 36, was booked into a San Francisco jail on suspicion of murder nearly two weeks after the Nov. 13 stabbing. He had been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/25/embarcadero-murder-suspect-caught-on-bart-without-ticket/">arrested</a> at a San Leandro BART station when transit agency police said he didn&#8217;t have proof of payment for riding the train.

Embarcadero murder suspect caught on BART without ticket

Jonathon Wright, 36, was booked into a San Francisco jail on suspicion of murder nearly two weeks after the Nov. 13 stabbing. He had been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/25/embarcadero-murder-suspect-caught-on-bart-without-ticket/">arrested</a> at a San Leandro BART station when transit agency police said he didn't have proof of payment for riding the train.

Jonathon Wright, 36, was booked into a San Francisco jail on suspicion of murder nearly two weeks after the Nov. 13 stabbing. He had been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/25/embarcadero-murder-suspect-caught-on-bart-without-ticket/">arrested</a> at a San Leandro BART station when transit agency police said he didn&#8217;t have proof of payment for riding the train.

Police investigate a deadly stabbing in downtown San Francisco, near the Embarcadero station, on November 13, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1882" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1000017409.jpg?w=2500" alt="Police investigate a deadly stabbing in downtown San Francisco, near the Embarcadero station, on November 13, 2024.A street scene shows three police officers standing near a white tent, with yellow caution tape cordoning off the area. There are trees and a building in the background." class="wp-image-332050"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The suspect was arrested at a San Leandro BART station when transit agency police said he didn&#8217;t have proof of payment for riding the train.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1000017409.jpg?w=2500" alt="Police investigate a deadly stabbing in downtown San Francisco, near the Embarcadero station, on November 13, 2024.A street scene shows three police officers standing near a white tent, with yellow caution tape cordoning off the area. There are trees and a building in the background." class="wp-image-332050"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The suspect was arrested at a San Leandro BART station when transit agency police said he didn't have proof of payment for riding the train.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1000017409.jpg?w=2500" alt="Police investigate a deadly stabbing in downtown San Francisco, near the Embarcadero station, on November 13, 2024.A street scene shows three police officers standing near a white tent, with yellow caution tape cordoning off the area. There are trees and a building in the background." class="wp-image-332050"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The suspect was arrested at a San Leandro BART station when transit agency police said he didn&#8217;t have proof of payment for riding the train.</figcaption></figure>

The DA&#8217;s office said in its statement that police had probable cause to arrest Wright, but &#8220;criminal prosecutions require proof beyond a reasonable doubt to proceed.&#8221;

The DA's office said in its statement that police had probable cause to arrest Wright, but "criminal prosecutions require proof beyond a reasonable doubt to proceed."

The DA&#8217;s office said in its statement that police had probable cause to arrest Wright, but &#8220;criminal prosecutions require proof beyond a reasonable doubt to proceed.&#8221;

The unidentified stabbing victim was seen in security footage collapsing on Market Street near Main Street.

The unidentified stabbing victim was seen in security footage collapsing on Market Street near Main Street.

“Every resident and visitor deserves to feel safe, whether they are riding transit or walking our streets,” Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie posted <a href="https://x.com/daniellurie/status/1856750527205527750?s=46&amp;t=XHTt7crz0jAu-2_PuczCSQ">on X</a> after the incident. “Public safety is my top priority as we work to build a thriving San Francisco.”

“Every resident and visitor deserves to feel safe, whether they are riding transit or walking our streets,” Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie posted <a href="https://x.com/daniellurie/status/1856750527205527750?s=46&amp;t=XHTt7crz0jAu-2_PuczCSQ">on X</a> after the incident. “Public safety is my top priority as we work to build a thriving San Francisco.”

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