Seamless Transit: How to Make the Bay Area Public Transit Function Like One Rational, Easy-to-Use System

The fragmented nature of public transit in the San Francisco Bay Area, where there are more than two dozen transit operating agencies, makes the system less efficient and usable. Increasing market share for transit will require integration of services into an effective, easy-to-use network. Five barriers are identified: poor information about how to make a trip involving more than one transit provider; difficult transfers; fare structures that penalize riders using more than one operator; limitations of current electronic fare payment; and, gaps and duplications in the region’s transit service offerings. This report provides background information that explains the current fragmented system and difficulties in coordination. It offers several case studies describing successful integration in other areas. It recommends that agencies simplify the transit system itself and do a more effective job of explaining transit options and improving user experiences. A plan of action tied to specific strategies and recommendations is provided.