Report a Comment

I think the issue is partially that you are trying to use BART as a metaphor, but it is an incorrect metaphor. I think the fact that BART seems to keep being used here for the same flawed metaphor heightens the annoyance.

Even going to BART history, http://bart.gov/about/history/index.aspx it is clear that part of it's original goal was to connect the urban areas of SF and Oakland. This is still a major part of its function and there's the plan of joining in San Jose.

As for the inaccuracy of the rest of your metaphor, some data is at:

http://bart.gov/docs/StationProfileStudy/2008StationProfileReport_web.pdf

The chart on page 8 shows only half the users drove to their station and 30% walked. 74% walk at to their destination (page 11). This is car heavy, but far from a system built around the use of cars.

You can also look at regional maps:

http://www.bart.gov/docs/StationProfileStudy/SystemwideMaps_Regional.pdf

It's clear that a good portion of commuters stay in the easy bay and some even go from SF to Oakland for work.

by dd on Jun 8, 2009 3:18 pm • link • report