Planning Policies

Strategic Plan

BART's Strategic Plan Framework (PDF) was adopted by the Board of Directors in 2015. The Framework includes a mission, vision, goals, and strategies along with a set of key indicators to gauge progress towards the eight goal areas.  

Station Access Policy 

Station Access Typology Map, updated January 2021

In June 2016, the BART Board adopted a new Station Access Policy to guide access practices and investments through 2025. Access investment priorities at each station are guided by the station's assigned access type, shown above. To inform development of a new policy, BART prepared a background report that identifies the current policy context, discusses recent trends, and examines selected best practices from other transit agencies. Read more about our efforts to update the policy and view all of BART's previous access policies and practices at www.bart.gov/AccessPolicy.

Multimodal Access Design Guidelines

Following the Board's adoption of the Station Access Policy in 2016, design guidelines were developed to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access at BART stations. 

BART’s Multimodal Access Design Guidelines provide easy-to-use guidance and minimum/maximum and recommended standards for planning access within BART’s station areas. This guide covers the area from the station faregates to the edge of BART’s property, and applies to connecting intersections.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) And Affordable Housing Policies

BART’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) program aims to help create great communities near stations through development of BART property and partnerships with cities. Read related policies, guidelines, procedures, work plans, studies and details about AB 2923 implementation at www.bart.gov/TOD

The TOD Policy also incorporates the Affordable Housing Policy, adopted by the BART Board in January 2016.

Sustainability 

BART's Sustainability Policy (pdf) - BART is committed to advancing regional sustainability by providing safe, affordable, equitable, and environmentally-friendly transit to move people to jobs, recreation and services. BART incorporates cost-effective sustainability through fulfillment of the following goals:

  • Advance smart land use, livable neighborhoods and sustainable access to transit.
  • Choose sustainable materials, construction methods, and operations practices.
  • Use energy, water, and other resources efficiently.
  • Reduce harmful emissions and waste generation.
  • Respond to risks from extreme weather, earthquakes, and other potential disruptions.
  • Improve patron and employee health and experience.
  • Serve as a leader in sustainability for transit agencies and the communities that BART serves.

Learn more in our sustainability section.

Art in Transit Policy

In 2015, the BART Board adopted its first Art in Transit Policy, which was updated by the Board in June 2018 to include a funding strategy for the Art Program.  More information on BART's art program can be found at www.bart.gov/art.

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

Hazard mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards. A hazard mitigation plan identifies the hazards a community or region faces, assesses their vulnerability to the hazards and identifies specific actions that can be taken to reduce the risk from the hazards. Read more about BART's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.