SAN FRANCISCO — According to early survey results from the transit agency's “seating lab” study, while many Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) passengers prefer wider seats, about 90 percent are willing to sacrifice about two inches from the current seats — the widest in the American transit industry at 22 inches — to allow for slightly wider aisles on new trains, SFGate reported.
BART is planning to replace the 669 cars in its fleet, some of them as old as the 38-year-old system itself. For the full story, click here.
BART may trim seat size
Agency’s “seating labs” with passengers show that while they prefer wider seats, about 90 percent are willing to sacrifice about two inches from the current seats to allow for slightly wider aisles.
June 7, 2011
1 min to read
More Rail
Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
Read More →
Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025
The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.
Read More →
Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says
The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.
Read More →
Keolis Retains Virginia Railway Express Contract
The new contract for Keolis and VRE will commence in July 2026, with the potential to expand to 15 years.
Read More →
California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
Read More →
People Movement: Virginia's DRPT Names New Director and More
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
Seattle Sound Transit Sets Launch Date for Crosslake Connection
This final component of the 2 Line will cross Lake Washington and connect with the 1 Line at International District/Chinatown Station, creating a fully integrated regional light rail system.
Read More →
LA Metro Approves Underground Rail for Sepulveda Transit Corridor
The agency’s selection aims to slash travel times from the San Fernando Valley to the Westside to under 20 minutes.
Read More →
Florida's Tri-Rail Taps Siemens Mobility for Modern Locomotive Procurement
Expected to enter service in 2029, these locomotives support the agency’s commitment to offer reliable and efficient rail transportation across South Florida.
Read More →
Austin Transit Partnership Advances Federal Funding Process for Light Rail Project
See how the agency’s transit project completed a Final Environmental Impact Statement within the federal two-year guideline.
Read More →