A recent comprehensive survey of Bay Area transit riders has revealed surprising insights into how people perceive safety on different modes of public transportation, shedding light on significant contrasts between BART and bus riders. This fresh trove of data, published by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), helps deepen our understanding of post-pandemic transit use and public sentiment around safety in the region.
The MTC’s year-long Snapshot Survey, conducted between Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, canvassed 160,000 riders across the Bay Area to explore ridership trends after COVID-19 shook public transportation patterns. This survey interrupts the traditional, less frequent onboard surveys that usually span several years, providing a more immediate snapshot of how riders feel today.
One of the most eye-opening revelations from the survey is the stark difference in perceived safety between BART trains and AC Transit buses. Only 13% of BART riders reported feeling “very safe” during their trips, whereas double that number—27%—of bus riders expressed that same level of confidence. This is particularly notable given ongoing efforts by BART to enhance security, such as installing taller gates at entrances and increasing police visibility on trains and platforms in recent years.
The survey also highlights significant income disparities between different transit users. Approximately 60% of AC Transit bus riders fall into the low-income bracket, earning less than $50,000 annually. In contrast, only about one-third of BART riders report similar income levels, and ferry riders are predominantly wealthier, with just 8% in the low-income range. These economic differences are reflected in access to private vehicles: only 26% of weekday AC Transit passengers have a car, compared to 53% of BART users and a striking 77% of ferry riders.
Beyond safety perceptions, the data shows that transit ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, with about half of surveyed riders using transit primarily for commuting to work, down from 60% before COVID-19. The cost of transit remains a barrier as well, with a quarter of respondents saying they would ride more if fares were more affordable.
Recognizing the complex dynamics among transit modes, the new MTC dashboard—built with the open-source Tableau Public platform—makes these data points accessible and understandable for a wide audience, from researchers and policy advocates to everyday transit riders. It enables direct comparisons across 16 Bay Area transit agencies, offering detailed views into demographics, rider income, safety perceptions, and priorities for service improvements.
Understanding these nuanced perceptions is critical for planners and policymakers. Initiatives like the San Pablo Avenue Project and the Transbay Rail Crossing plan have already leveraged such survey findings to advocate for more comprehensive regional transit improvements that better meet residents’ needs and concerns.
The new survey insights underscore the importance of continuing investments not only in infrastructure but also in public safety and affordable access as the Bay Area shapes the future of transit. For many riders, feeling secure is as essential as timeliness or frequency—and addressing these perceptions can be key to boosting ridership and transit equity throughout the region.
As the metropolitan area continues its transit recovery, embracing these data-driven perspectives will play a vital role in fostering a safer, more inclusive, and more reliable transportation network for all Bay Area residents.
