Re-envisioning Access to the MacArthur BART Station

The MacArthur BART Station in Oakland, California, is the geographic center of the BART rail network. Given its strategic location and frequent train and bus service, BART’s long-range plan calls for re-envisioning the station as an urban rather than suburban station. Proposed redevelopment of the station’s surface parking lot offers an opportunity to shift to this urban focus, where the primary modes of access would be walking, biking, or transit rather than single-occupant-vehicle. The proposed MacArthur Transit Village includes five new buildings to accommodate up to 675 for-rent and for-sale residential units, and up to 49,000 square feet of neighborhood-serving retail and commercial uses, live/work units, and a community center. In line with BART’s urban station vision, the development would replace BART patron parking at only half of the current 618 parking spaces. However, current demand for patron parking both within the station and on surrounding neighborhood streets is high. Thus, a key challenge with the Transit Village proposal is to maintain or enhance current BART ridership levels at the station despite the reduction in parking. The recently completed MacArthur BART Access Feasibility Study responds to this challenge, identifying strategies to improve multi-modal access to the station. Recommendations are prioritized for non-auto access alternatives including walking, transit, and bicycling. Additionally, to ensure efficient auto access for those who must drive, innovative parking strategies are identified. This paper summarizes the key considerations, objectives, and access strategies from the Access Feasibility Study.