Oakland, California’s Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) officials say the agency has generated $6 million in new revenue since the pandemic by leasing its underutilized parking lots to companies seeking daytime parking.

BART began offering select parking lots to non-BART riders to generate new revenue to help address its FY27 $376M operating budget deficit brought on by remote work.

To streamline the process and attract more business, BART recently launched a new online portal for those looking to rent at least 25 spaces for six months or more. Interest to date has come from local businesses looking for employee and fleet vehicle parking.

BART’s Revenue-Generating Plan

BART leases portions of its parking lots at all stations that offer parking, except for the six stations, which fill up with BART parkers on weekdays.

Restrictions to this new program include, but are not limited to, long-term parking storage, parking for nearby residences, or any commercial activity, such as car rentals. Limited exceptions can be made related to these restrictions for those who accept all maintenance and operations responsibilities for the permitted areas, officials said.

BART also offers special event permits to allow others to use parking lots or plazas for community events at a rate of about $2,000 per day in addition to operational costs.

“BART is looking to generate new revenue in creative ways,” said Chief Communications Officer Alicia Trost. “While demand at some of our lots exceeds supply on weekdays, many of them have capacity we can offer to others to generate new revenue. Our parking lots are also a great venue to hold outdoor events on the weekends, offering easy access to transit and parking spaces.”

Expanding the Plan

Long term, BART has active Transit-Oriented Development projects to build housing on BART’s parking lots and land to increase both ridership and lease revenue.

During the height of the pandemic, BART reimagined its parking lots as COVID testing sites, farmers markets, vaccination sites, and even rented parts of the Castro Valley Station parking lot to display model accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, which interested parties could tour ahead of purchasing a home.

BART has also hosted sold-out events in its parking lots to increase ridership.

The agency said it continues to explore revenue-generating ideas utilizing our existing resources.