Why does the BART train in the Bay Area not go directly to Oakland Airport?

Poor planning =)

The Oakland Airport was entirely inconsequential when the BART line was built in the 60’s, and they’re currently working on a solution, but that takes years.

The growth of low-cost regional carriers fueled the expansion of OAK, but rail transit in the SFBA is generally lagged by 10–15 years behind need.

When BART was initiated back in the 60’s SFO was the only international airport on the bay. Oakland and San Jose were minor. The second phase was planned with access to SFO and as Oakland has gained importance the use of shuttle bussesfrom the Colleaseum falls short of the need for a connection. Trying to run a train to the airport on a parallel to the current tracks or running a loop is not feasible. They are just starting a project where a people mover from the Collesseum station to the airport to be running by 2013. It will allow you to step from the train onto a continuously running system that goes the three mile distance to the airport

You can take a shuttle for a few bucks. Not a big deal. You even get a discount for presenting your BART ticket. For what it costs you to take BART to SFO, you’re still doing well.

Right now, the BART going directly to the airport is one of Oakland’s lesser concerns.

I used AirBart last year, and found it quite convienient. I’m sorry you don’t like it, but it gets the job done quickly and cheaply.

In case anybody’s interested the Bay Bridge is open 11/2 10:30 am

@filmfann “it gets the job done quickly and cheaply.” I disagree. $3 for a 5 minute ride? Just a way for BART to make some extra money. And the cash-only, no change thing is so inconvenient for people that haven’t used it before.

I always prefer the airporter van $20 to SFO, $40 to Oakland.

The next time someone asks you if you could pick them up at the airport, consider how much that $3 gets you.

@filmfann 40 miles in my hybrid car!