The good news for BART officials is the transit system is setting ridership records.
The bad news is there isn't enough room for everybody.
BART officials said Thursday they are trying to ease what they call "train strain" because of the increasing number of riders.
In 2012, BART carried 114 million passengers, breaking all previous ridership records. Transit officials are expecting even more customers in 2013.
The problem is this increase in ridership is packing BART cars, especially during commute hours.
BART officials said they are putting every possible car into service that they can. However, their fleet, one of the oldest in the nation, requires more and more frequent maintenance.
On a typical weekday, BART is using 573 of its 669 train cars during peak commute hours. That's one of the highest utilization rates in the country.
BART officials are asking riders to make things easier by moving to the center of the car when they board to make room for riders who will enter at later stops. They are also asking bicyclists to observe the rules when riding BART.
Relief is on the way, but it'll be a few years. which are expected to roll onto the system beginning in 2018.
What has been your experience? Are BART trains more crowded? Are you able to find a seat? Share your knowledge in our comment sections.
