Bay Area transit agencies in partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Bay Area Air District are encouraging residents to ride transit on Tuesday, May 6, for All Aboard Bay Area Transit Day, coinciding with the start of Spare the Air summer smog season.

All Aboard Transit Day encourages people to get out and ride transit – or perhaps try it for the first time – as more people return to the office and as transit ridership grows. 

Remote work has had a significant impact on transit ridership and the fare revenue agencies rely on. Bay Area transit agencies have used federal and state pandemic emergency funds to prevent drastic service cuts, enhance safety and cleanliness on their systems, and to improve interagency schedule coordination to reduce travel times.

On All Aboard Transit Day, local transit agencies are showcasing their improved service and customer experiences. 

“Many people have not yet experienced BART’s new trains, fare gates, and safety patrols, as well as our cleaner trains and stations,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers. “We hope the Bay Area will join us in riding transit on May 6 to witness firsthand the improvements we’ve made and how enjoyable the transit experience can be.”

Tuesday, May 6, was chosen for All Aboard Transit Day because this day of the week has seen not only high transit ridership in the Bay Area, but also significant traffic on freeways, bridges, and roadways. 

“With spring in full bloom, more people are going more places,” noted Pleasant Hill Mayor and Metropolitan Transportation Commission Chair Sue Noack. “MTC encourages folks to take more of these trips by bus, train or ferry. We’re working with transit agencies all over the Bay Area to help them meet their funding challenges and to make the rider experience more comfortable and more convenient. All Aboard Bay Area Transit Day is a great chance to support our transit agencies and to see what’s new.”

“Muni riders experience firsthand our commitment to safe, reliable, and accessible transit,” said Julie Kirschbaum, SFMTA Director of Transportation. “More people are choosing Muni, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that public transit continues to connect communities across the city.”

“Taking the bus, train or ferry instead of driving is one of the most impactful ways Bay Area residents can help reduce air pollution and protect public health,” said Dr. Philip Fine, executive officer of the Bay Area Air District. “As we head into smog season, All Aboard Bay Area Transit Day is a great reminder that clean air starts with each of us making a simple choice.”

“Faster trips, more trains, and a smoother, quieter ride — Caltrain’s new electric trains deliver a better experience for riders and a cleaner future for our communities,” said Michelle Bouchard, Caltrain Executive Director. “Every ride helps cut pollution and protect the Bay Area for generations to come. We invite everyone to hop on board and experience the difference.”

“Local transit is the backbone of the Bay Area’s thriving economy, and SamTrans is proud to celebrate alongside our fellow agencies as we see ridership climbing throughout the region,” said SamTrans General Manager/CEO April Chan. “We’ve experienced tremendous growth ourselves and were recently honored by our peers as one of the best transit systems in the nation. With more routes, frequent service, free WiFi, and convenient on-demand options, there’s never been a better time to hop on board SamTrans!”

On May 6, transit agencies will offer free stickers and other swag items to riders throughout the day to thank them for riding, while also soliciting their feedback. 

MTC and Bay Area transit agencies have a joint website to share the various projects they are coordinating on to improve transit.