[Published: August 17, 2021]

Are you considering transit as you return to campus but feeling a little uncertain? Perhaps you remember the pre-COVID days of crowded trains while riding BART or Caltrain? For those considering dipping their toes into the public transportation waters, it may help to know what we’re seeing and hearing. 

According to the Federal Transit Agency, transit ridership in some communities across the nation is nearing 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels. While local ridership is increasing, the Bay Area hasn’t quite hit those marks. In fact, according to the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, toll tags show that while Bay Bridge traffic has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, transit ridership lags significantly. 

Caltrain reports that weekday ridership is about 12 percent of pre-pandemic levels and 40 percent on weekends. In anticipation of a greater increase from those returning to the office and classes, Caltrain is offering a record 104 trains per weekday and restoring Baby Bullet express trains starting Monday, Aug. 30. 

Those in the Stanford community who have commuted to campus or Stanford Redwood City on public transit report that trains and buses are still not full. In addition, BART has been regularly reporting data on train occupancy levels. These data indicate there appears to be enough room to socially distance. 

If you are contemplating a commute to campus via transit, the following may be of interest: 

  • BART’s Aug. 2 return to near-regular service, with expanded hours and 15- minutes headways, offers more room for riders to physically distance.
  • Starting Aug. 30, Caltrain will be running more trains than ever before, expanding its peak period service and evening frequency.  
  • Whereas finding a parking space at stations and park-and-rides proved challenging in the past, commuters are finding that it’s easier to find open parking spaces at stations and park-and-rides these days. 
  • Federal regulations still require everyone—including those who are fully vaccinated —to wear a mask while on transit and in indoor stations and hubs. 

For additional insights on transit health and safety, these stories could shed some light: 

If you have questions or need help with your transit commute, we’re here to help. Contact us at commuteclub@stanford.edu or request a one-on-one commute consultation.

We recognize that commuting is a personal choice, especially at this time. Stanford commuters are encouraged to assess and select the option(s) that best meet their needs. Information we provide about commute options is provided as a courtesy for those who need it and is not intended to encourage specific commute mode choices.