San Mateo County BART stations are slated for a substantial makeover, with the BART Board of Directors earmarking close to $12 million for capital improvements aimed at enhancing the rider experience. According to a release from BART, the investment will focus on infrastructural refurbishments and customer-friendly upgrades, as part of the agency's broader Station Glow-Up Strategy.
Improvements planned for the San Mateo County stations cover a range of updates, including brighter LED lighting to enhance safety. The strategy also involves roof repairs to address water leakage that affects both commuters and BART equipment. Additional adjustments are also in the works, including intensified cleaning efforts to remove bird droppings, landscaping enhancements, and the removal of outdated, graffiti-prone metal bus shelters.
Over the past year, BART has intensified its focus on station maintenance within the county, adding two more janitorial staff members to its permanent roster to increase cleaning frequency. “Revitalizing these stations is part of what we like to call the new BART,” BART Board President Mark Foley articulated in a statement obtained by BART. The initiative also extends to tactile station elements, with floors, benches, and gutters undergoing repairs. Meanwhile, a fresh coat of paint and the removal of outdated installations, such as phone booths and irreparable art pieces, have been implemented at specific locations, including Colma Station.
Work is scheduled to commence in early 2026 and is expected to be completed before the end of the year. The benefits of these improvements are not just aesthetic; they represent BART's dedication to making the stations more functional and welcoming. Notably, Millbrae Station is expecting the installation of gutter and downspout repairs to tackle persisting leak issues. Furthermore, the introduction of innovative fare gates at all San Mateo County stations in September stands as a significant stride in BART’s continued regional investment efforts.
BART's role in San Mateo County isn't just infrastructural—it's essential to the mobility of the region, facilitating approximately 25 percent of all transit boardings among operators in the county.
