Jobs in Oakland | Careers in Government

54Jobs found

Senior Labor Relations Representative
- Oakland, California
- BART
$128,685.00 - $194,958.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Education and Training
- Human Resources and Personnel
Buildings Worker SEIU (External Only)
- Oakland, California
- BART
$88,855.10 - $116,150.53 Annually
- Full Time
- Building Maintenance
- Building and Safety
- Construction and Skilled Trades
Expeditor/Clerk SEIU (External Only)
- Oakland, California
- BART
$70,762.64 - $92,500.30 Annually
- Full Time
- Clerical and Administrative Support
Principal Mechanical Engineer
- Oakland, California
- BART
$147,332.00 - $223,208.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Engineering
- Planning and Development
Principal Government & Community Relations Representative
- Oakland, California
- BART
$138,881.60 - $168,812.80 Annually
- Full Time
- Education and Training
- Planning and Development
- Political or Public Affairs
Senior Manager of Engineering Programs
- Oakland, California
- BART
$168,682.00 - $255,553.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
- Engineering
Attorney II/III
- Oakland, California
- BART
$180,489.00 - $273,443.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Legal Services
Track Worker SEIU (External Only)
- Oakland, California
- BART
$75,597.18 - $98,819.97 Annually
- Full Time
- Engineering
Employee Development Specialist, Maximo & Training Operations (Pool Posting)
- Oakland, California
- BART
$106,032.36 - $138,604.44 Annually
- Full Time
- Education and Training
- Parks and Recreation
Assistant General Manager - Acquisition, Stewardship, and Planning (AGM - ASP)
- Oakland, California
- East Bay Regional Park District
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
Track Equipment Operator (Internal)
- Oakland, California
- BART
$88,855.10 - $116,150.53 Annually
- Full Time
- Construction and Skilled Trades
- Public Works
Track Equipment Operator (External)
- Oakland, California
- BART
$88,855.10 - $116,150.53 Annually
- Full Time
- Construction and Skilled Trades
- Public Works
Senior Financial Services Specialist
- Oakland, California
- Alameda County
$44.53 - $59.68/hour; $92,622.40 - $124,134.40/year
- Full Time
- Accounting and Finance
Contract Compliance Supervisor
- Oakland, California
- Alameda County
$58.04 - $70.53/hour; $120,723.20 - $146,702.40/year
- Full Time
- Administrative Analysis and Research
- Clerical and Administrative Support
- Purchasing and Warehouse
- Regulatory and Licensing
Lateral Police Officer & Academy Graduate
- Oakland, California
- BART
$105,836.85 - $149,409.73 Annually
- Full Time
- Public Safety
Senior Administrative Analyst, AFSCME
- Oakland, California
- BART
$125,840.00 - $152,942.40 Annually
- Full Time
- Administrative Analysis and Research
- Clerical and Administrative Support
Technical Publications Administrator, SEIU (Internal) Pool Posting
- Oakland, California
- BART
$97,883.04 - $127,951.68 Annually
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
- Parks and Recreation
Technical Publications Administrator, SEIU (External) Pool Posting
- Oakland, California
- BART
$97,883.04 - $127,951.68 Annually
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
- Parks and Recreation
Central Maintenance Supervisor
- Oakland, California
- BART
$125,840.00 - $152,942.40 Annually
- Full Time
- Administrative Analysis and Research
- Building Maintenance
- Clerical and Administrative Support
Mail Services Supervisor (Pool Posting)
- Oakland, California
- BART
$82,469.09 - $107,802.86 Annually
- Full Time
- Clerical and Administrative Support
- Parks and Recreation
Senior Safety Specialist
- Oakland, California
- BART
$125,840.00 - $152,942.40 Annually
- Full Time
- Public Safety
Transit Ambassador
- Oakland, California
- BART
$65,041.81 - $79,887.39 Annually
- Full Time
- Political or Public Affairs
- Transportation or Transit
Senior Manager of Workforce Policy Compliance
- Oakland, California
- BART
$168,682.00 - $255,553.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
- Regulatory and Licensing
Entry-Level Police Officer
- Oakland, California
- BART
$105,836.85 - $149,409.73 Annually
- Full Time
- Public Safety
Senior Construction Engineer
- Oakland, California
- BART
$137,693.00 - $208,607.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Construction and Skilled Trades
- Engineering
Sheriff's Safety Aide
- Oakland, California
- Alameda County
$30.65 - $36.43/hour; $63,752.00 - $75,774.40/year
- Full Time
- Parks and Recreation
- Public Safety
Assistant General Manager - Facilities and Infrastructure
- Oakland, California
- East Bay Regional Park District
- Full Time
- Facilities Management
CORE Clinical Supervisor
- Oakland, California
- Alameda County
$62.24 - $75.65/hour; $129,459.20 - $157,352.00/year
- Administrative Analysis and Research
- Clerical and Administrative Support
- Public Health
POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
- 530 Water Street, Oakland, California
- Port of Oakland
$10,890.00 - $13,067.00 Monthly
- Full Time
- Construction and Skilled Trades
- Public Works
Supervisor of Crisis Intervention and Outreach Programs
- Oakland, California
- BART
$136,200.00 - $158,052.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Administrative Analysis and Research
- Clerical and Administrative Support
- Human and Social Services
Director of Labor Relations
- Oakland, California
- BART
$193,124.00 - $292,584.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
- Human Resources and Personnel
Assistant Chief Executive Officer - Alameda County Employees Retirement Association (ACERA)
- Oakland, California
- Alameda County Employees Retirement Association
$209,289.60 - $294,486.40 yearly
- Full Time
- Accounting and Finance
- Administration and Management
Train Control Electronic Technician (External Only)
- Oakland, California
- BART
$88,855.10 - $116,150.53 Annually
- Full Time
- Engineering
Electrician (SEIU) (External)
- Oakland, California
- BART
$88,855.10 - $116,150.53 Annually
- Full Time
- Construction and Skilled Trades
Board Administrative Officer/District Secretary
- Oakland, California
- Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit)
$190,000-$210,000
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
Assistant Director of Finance
- 1111 Broadway Suite 800, Oakland, California
- Alameda County Transportation Commission
$157,664.00
- Full Time
- Accounting and Finance
Vehicle Systems Engineer (Electrical)
- Oakland, California
- BART
$128,685.00 - $194,958.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Construction and Skilled Trades
- Engineering
- Utilities
Manager of Traction Power Engineering
- Oakland, California
- BART
$168,682.00 - $255,553.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
- Engineering
Assistant Superintendent of Rolling Stock and Shops Maintenance
- Oakland, California
- BART
$157,647.00 - $238,835.00 Annually
- Full Time
- Accounting and Finance
- Building Maintenance
- Clerical and Administrative Support
Principal Operations Planner
- Oakland, California
- BART
$138,881.60 - $168,812.80 Annually
- Full Time
- Planning and Development
General manager
- Oakland, California
- East Bay Regional Park District
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
Registrar of Voters Temporary Assignments, TAP (SAN)
- Oakland, California
- Alameda County
$28.85/hour or $31.08/hour
- Full Time
- Records Management
- Other
Senior Program Analyst Communications
- Oakland, California
- Alameda County Transportation Commission
$129,402
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
- Community Relations or PR and Marketing
Principal Program Analyst Communications
- Oakland, California
- Alameda County Transportation Commission
$150,068
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
- Community Relations or PR and Marketing
Child Welfare Worker II
- Oakland, California
- Alameda County
$54.12 - $62.11/hour; $105,534.00 - $121,114.50/year
- Full Time
- Human and Social Services
Administrative Analyst (Provisional Appointment)
- Oakland, California
- Alameda County
$115,148.80-$176,529.60 Yearly
- Full Time
- Accounting and Finance
- Administration and Management
- Administrative Analysis and Research
- Public Information and Intergovernmental Affairs
- Other
Information Systems Analyst
- Oakland, California
- Alameda County
$55.85 - $74.84/hour; $116,168.00 - $155,667.20/year
- Full Time
- Administrative Analysis and Research
- Information Technology and Communication Services
Information Systems Specialist
- Oakland, California
- Alameda County
$44.97 - $57.39/hour; $93,537.60 - $119,371.20/year
- Full Time
- Information Technology and Communication Services
Child Welfare Worker II
- Oakland, California
- Alameda County
$54.12 - $62.11/hour; $105,534.00 - $121,114.50/year
- Full Time
- Human and Social Services
Air Interdiction Agent - Elite Pilot Opportunities with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Oakland, Maryland
- U.S. Customs and Border Protections
$
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
Bomb Technician
- Oakland, Maryland
- U.S. Navy
$
- Full Time
- Legal Services
Meteorologist
- Oakland, Tennessee
- U.S. Navy
$
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
Computer Field Technician
- Oakland, Florida
- U.S. Navy
$
- Full Time
- Engineering
Computer Field Technician
- Oakland, Maryland
- U.S. Navy
$
- Full Time
- Engineering

FEATURED JOBS

Featured Employers

Senior Labor Relations Representative
- Oakland, California United States
- BART
- May 15, 2026
- $128,685.00 - $194,958.00 Annually - Full Time
BART

The BART story began in 1946. It began not by governmental fiat, but as a concept gradually evolving at informal gatherings of business and civic leaders on both sides of the San Francisco Bay. Facing a heavy post-war migration to the area and its consequent automobile boom, these people discussed ways of easing the mounting congestion that was clogging the bridges spanning the Bay. In 1947, a joint Army-Navy review Board concluded that another connecting link between San Francisco and Oakland would be needed in the years ahead to prevent intolerable congestion on the Bay Bridge. The link? An underwater tube devoted exclusively to high-speed electric trains. Since 1911, visionaries had periodically brought up this Jules Verne concept. But now, pressure for a traffic solution increased with the population. In 1951, the State Legislature created the 26-member San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit Commission, comprised of representatives from each of the nine counties which touch the Bay. The Commission's charge was to study the Bay Area's long range transportation needs in the context of environmental problems and then recommend the best solution. The Commission advised, in its final report in 1957, that any transportation plan must be coordinated with the area's total plan for future development. Since no development plan existed, the Commission prepared one itself. The result of their thoroughness is a master plan which did much to bring about coordinated planning in the Bay Area, and which was adopted a decade later by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). The BART Concept is BornThe Commission's least-cost solution to traffic tie-ups was to recommend forming a five-county rapid transit district, whose mandate would be to build and operate a high-speed rapid rail network linking major commercial centers with suburban sub-centers. The Commission stated that, "If the Bay Area is to be preserved as a fine place to live and work, a regional rapid transit system is essential to prevent total dependence on automobiles and freeways." Thus was born the environmental concept underlying BART. Acting on the Commission's recommendations, in 1957, the Legislature formed the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, comprising the five counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo. At this time, the District was granted a taxing power of five cents per $100 of assessed valuation. It also had authority to levy property taxes to support a general obligation bond issue, if approved by District voters. The State Legislature lowered the requirement for voter approval from 66 percent to 60 percent. Between 1957 and 1962, engineering plans were developed for a system that would usher in a new era in rapid transit. Electric trains would run on grade-separated right-of-ways, reaching maximum speeds of 75-80 mph, averaging perhaps 45 mph, including station stops. Advanced transit cars, with sophisticated suspensions, braking and propulsion systems, and luxurious interiors, would be strong competition to "King Car " in the Bay Area. Stations would be pleasant, conveniently located, and striking architectural enhancements to their respective on-line communities. BART employees in the 1970s. Hundreds of meetings were held in the District communities to encourage local citizen participation in the development of routes and station locations. By midsummer, 1961, the final plan was submitted to the supervisors of the five District counties for approval. San Mateo County Supervisors were cool to the plan. Citing the high costs of a new system-plus adequate existing service from Southern Pacific commuter trains - they voted to withdraw their county from the District in December 1961. With the District-wide tax base thus weakened by the withdrawal of San Mateo County, Marin County was forced to withdraw in early 1962 because its marginal tax base could not adequately absorb its share of BART's projected cost. Another important factor in Marin's withdrawal was an engineering controversy over the feasibility of carrying trains across the Golden Gate Bridge. BART had started with a 16-member governing Board of Directors apportioned on county population size: four from Alameda and San Francisco Counties, three from Contra Costa and San Mateo, and two from Marin. When the District was reduced to three counties, the Board was reduced to 11 members: four from San Francisco and Alameda, and three from Contra Costa. Subsequently, in 1965, the District's enabling legislation was changed to apportion the BART Board with four Directors from each county, thus giving Contra Costa its fourth member on a 12-person Board. Two directors from each county, hence forth, were appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The other two directors were appointed by committees of mayors of each county (with the exception of the City and County of San Francisco, whose sole mayor made these appointments). The five-county plan was quickly revised to a three-county plan emphasizing rapid transit between San Francisco and the East Bay cities and suburbs of Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The new plan, elaborately detailed and presented as the "BART Composite Report, " was approved by supervisors of the three counties in July 1962, and placed on the ballot for the following November general election. The plan required approval of 60 percent of the District's voters. It narrowly passed with a 61.2 percent vote District-wide, much to the surprise of many political experts who were confident it would fail. Indeed, one influential executive was reported to have said: "If I'd known the damn thing would have passed, I'd never have supported it. " The voters approved a $792 million bond issue to finance a 71.5 mile high-speed transit system, consisting of 33 stations serving 17 communities in the three counties. The proposal also included another needed transit project: rebuilding 3.5 miles of the San Francisco Municipal Railway. The new line would link muni streetcar lines directly with BART and Market Street stations, and four new Muni stations would be built. The additional cost of the transbay tube -- estimated at $133 million -- was to come from bonds issued by the California Toll Bridge Authority and secured by future Bay Area Bridge revenues. The additional cost of rolling stock, estimated at $71 million, was to be funded primarily from bonds issued against future operating revenues. Thus, the total cost of the system, as of 1962, was projected at $996 million. It would be the largest single public works project ever undertaken in the U.S. by the local citizenry. After the election, engineers immediately started work on the final system designs, only to be halted by a taxpayer's suit filed against the District a month later. The validity of the bond election, and the legality of the District itself, were challenged. While the court ruled in favor of the District on both counts, six months of litigation cost $12 million in construction delays. This would be the first of many delays from litigation and time-consuming negotiations involving 166 separate agreements reached with on-line cities, counties, and other special districts. The democratic processes of building a new transit system would prove to be major cost factors that, however necessary, were not foreseen.
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Job Details
- $128,685.00 - $194,958.00 Annually
- Full Time
- May 15, 2026
Job Description
Marketing Statement

Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.

Job Summary

Pay Rate Non-Rep Pay Band N06
Annual Salary Range: $128,685.00 (Minimum) - $194,958.00 (Maximum)
Note: The starting negotiable salary offer for this position will be $128,685.00 - $154,128.61 to commensurate with education and experience.

Report To
Manager of Labor Relations or Designee

Current Assignment

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is seeking a Senior Labor Relations Representative to join the Labor Relations team. The incumbent will perform complex and sensitive work within the Labor Relations Department.

This role exercises independent judgment and provides lead direction in collective bargaining agreement interpretation, grievances, disciplinary actions, and investigations. In addition, they will provide technical expertise in drafting clear and accurate labor relations documents, including settlement agreements, MOUs, side letters, and contract language proposals.

The incumbent will serve as a subject-matter expert and contribute to negotiations, settlement development, and arbitration. Responsibilities include analyzing grievances and disputes, advising managers on contract compliance and investigative procedures, preparing for disciplinary hearings and arbitration, evaluating past practices, reviewing policies and procedures, and coordinating with legal counsel as needed.

The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process:
Proven ability to communicate effectively and build strong working relationships with union representatives, management, and key stakeholders.
Highly organized with proven capacity to manage multiple complex assignments simultaneously.
Experience in conducting thorough investigations, including interviewing witnesses, and providing guidance to managers on investigative procedures and documentation standards.

Application and Selection Process

All applicants must apply online at www.bart.gov/jobs . Applications must be completed in full and include all requested information, including dates of employment, positions held, hours worked, and a detailed description of duties performed.

Applicants may attach a resume to provide supplemental information; however, the resume does not substitute for completing the application form in its entirety. Only information included in the application at the time of submission will be used to determine whether applicants meet the minimum qualifications for the position. All application materials must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received after the closing deadline will not be considered.

Applicants who require assistance with the online application process may contact the Talent Acquisition Division at (510) 464-6112 or employment@bart.gov .

The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: a skills or performance demonstration, a written examination, and/or panel or individual interview.

All applications will be reviewed by the Talent Acquisition Division to determine whether applicants meet the established Minimum Qualifications (MQs). Applicants who meet the MQs may be referred to the hiring department for further evaluation as part of the selection process.

The selected candidate must demonstrate a work history reflecting reliability and dependability, and may be required to provide copies of certificates, diplomas, or other documentation required by law, including proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Pre-employment processing will include a background check. This requirement does not apply to current full-time District employees unless the position requires additional evaluations or clearances.

Examples of Duties

Performs the more complex and difficult work of labor relations program operations and activities within the Labor Relations Department; provides lead direction or assistance in the more complex areas of the labor management program including agreement interpretation, grievances, disciplinary actions, negotiations, and settlements.

Leads and undertakes complex analysis of grievances, disputes and disciplinary actions; confers with employees and labor representatives; researches facts and past practices; makes recommendations for final resolution.

Prepares or assists in preparation for arbitration, grievance hearings and Skelley (pre-disciplinary due process) hearings; performs related investigations, including but not limited to witness interviews, advising managers in the performance of investigations; prepares documents or other physical evidence for use in such proceedings; coordinates the scheduling of witnesses; coordinates activities with other divisions or legal counsel as appropriate.

Acts as the District advocate in arbitrations involving lower-level disciplines and suspensions.

Assists in the preparation of a variety of labor relations documents and reports including settlement agreements, memorandums of understanding, side agreements and related documentation.

Participates in negotiations; conducts studies and performs research on positions and issues; evaluates alternatives and recommends solutions; prepares contract language.

Reviews and disseminates collective bargaining agreements; revises policies and procedures based on negotiations and document changes; and maintains records.

Advises management and supervisory personnel on new contract agreements, changes to policies and procedures and proper documentation techniques.

May assign and review the work of assigned staff; may assign tasks and projects; identifies and resolves problems; may provide input into formal work evaluation.

Trains assigned employees in their areas of work including specific methods, procedures, and techniques for assigned personnel services areas of responsibility.

Prepares reports, presentations, and documentation; maintains accurate records and files.

Evaluates trends, practices, and patterns in labor relations; analyzes data; prepares reports and documentation; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures; maintains accurate information, documentation, and records.

Responds to and resolves employee inquiries in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment.

Performs a variety of special projects relative to assigned responsibilities.

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends, legislation, and innovations in the field of labor relations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education :

A bachelor’s degree in industrial/labor relations, public administration, business administration, human resources management or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience :

Three (3) years of (full-time equivalent) verifiable professional labor relations experience.

Substitution :

Additional professional experience as outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

Other Requirements :

Must be able to work long hours for extended periods.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of :
Operations, services, and activities of a labor relations program.
Methods and techniques of collecting and analyzing data.
Principles and practices of labor relations management.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Principles and practices of negotiations, grievance/arbitration procedures and conflict resolution.
Rules of labor contract interpretation in arbitration.
Basic rules of evidence that commonly apply in contract administration matters.
Grievance and grievance arbitration procedures.
Basic methods of organizing for and carrying out litigation in arbitration including, but not limited to, case investigation and design, calendaring and monitoring of relevant deadlines, identification, use of or differentiation of relevant laws and case precedents, presentation of physical, demonstrative, and testimonial evidence, preparation and presentation of oral and written argument, making motions and objections, conducting cross examination, and other related activities.
Relevant laws and regulations as they relate to the labor contracts (e.g., FMLA and attendance management, FLSA, overtime pay, etc.) and potential litigations brought forth by employees.
Basic principles of bargaining unit determination.
Basic principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Current and complex principles and practices of labor relations contract development and administration.
Current office software including oral presentation software, spreadsheet software and word processing software.
Related Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Skill in :
Performing a variety of complex professional level duties in support of the District's labor relations programs.
Planning, organizing, assigning, and reviewing the work of assigned staff.
Coordinating labor relations programs.
Interpreting and applying contract obligations contained in bargaining agreements.
Working effectively with labor unions.
Researching and evaluating labor relations issues.
Organizing and writing technical memoranda, reports, settlement proposals, etc.
Conducting labor relations training programs.
Interpreting and explaining District labor relations policies and procedures.
Preparing clear and concise reports.
Maintaining accurate files and records.
Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Equal Employment Opportunity GroupBox1

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at employment@bart.gov .

Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs .

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) prides itself in offering best in class benefits packages to employees of the District. Currently, the following benefits may be available to employees in this job classification.

Highlights

Medical Coverage (or $350/month if opted out)
Dental Coverage
Vision Insurance (Basic and Enhanced Plans Available)
Retirement Plan through the CA Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)

2% @ 55 (Classic Members)
2% @ 62 (PEPRA Members)
3% at 50 (Safety Members - Classic)
2.7% @ 57 (Safety Members - PEPRA)
Reciprocity available for existing members of many other public retirement systems (see BART website and/or CalPERS website for details)

Money Purchase Pension Plan (in-lieu of participating in Social Security tax)

6.65% employer contribution up to annual maximum of $1,868.65

Deferred Compensation & Roth 457
Sick Leave Accruals (12 days per year)
Vacation Accruals (3-6 weeks based on time worked w/ the District)
Holidays: 9 observed holidays and 5 floating holidays
Life Insurance w/ ability to obtain additional coverage
Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
Survivor Benefits through BART
Short-Term Disability Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and Dependent Care
Commuter Benefits
Free BART Passes for BART employees and eligible family members.

Closing Date/Time: 5/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
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BART

The BART story began in 1946. It began not by governmental fiat, but as a concept gradually evolving at informal gatherings of business and civic leaders on both sides of the San Francisco Bay. Facing a heavy post-war migration to the area and its consequent automobile boom, these people discussed ways of easing the mounting congestion that was clogging the bridges spanning the Bay. In 1947, a joint Army-Navy review Board concluded that another connecting link between San Francisco and Oakland would be needed in the years ahead to prevent intolerable congestion on the Bay Bridge. The link? An underwater tube devoted exclusively to high-speed electric trains.

Since 1911, visionaries had periodically brought up this Jules Verne concept. But now, pressure for a traffic solution increased with the population. In 1951, the State Legislature created the 26-member San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit Commission, comprised of representatives from each of the nine counties which touch the Bay. The Commission's charge was to study the Bay Area's long range transportation needs in the context of environmental problems and then recommend the best solution.

The Commission advised, in its final report in 1957, that any transportation plan must be coordinated with the area's total plan for future development. Since no development plan existed, the Commission prepared one itself. The result of their thoroughness is a master plan which did much to bring about coordinated planning in the Bay Area, and which was adopted a decade later by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).

The BART Concept is Born
The Commission's least-cost solution to traffic tie-ups was to recommend forming a five-county rapid transit district, whose mandate would be to build and operate a high-speed rapid rail network linking major commercial centers with suburban sub-centers.

The Commission stated that, "If the Bay Area is to be preserved as a fine place to live and work, a regional rapid transit system is essential to prevent total dependence on automobiles and freeways."

Thus was born the environmental concept underlying BART. Acting on the Commission's recommendations, in 1957, the Legislature formed the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, comprising the five counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo. At this time, the District was granted a taxing power of five cents per $100 of assessed valuation. It also had authority to levy property taxes to support a general obligation bond issue, if approved by District voters. The State Legislature lowered the requirement for voter approval from 66 percent to 60 percent.

Between 1957 and 1962, engineering plans were developed for a system that would usher in a new era in rapid transit. Electric trains would run on grade-separated right-of-ways, reaching maximum speeds of 75-80 mph, averaging perhaps 45 mph, including station stops. Advanced transit cars, with sophisticated suspensions, braking and propulsion systems, and luxurious interiors, would be strong competition to "King Car " in the Bay Area. Stations would be pleasant, conveniently located, and striking architectural enhancements to their respective on-line communities.

BART employees in the 1970s.

Hundreds of meetings were held in the District communities to encourage local citizen participation in the development of routes and station locations. By midsummer, 1961, the final plan was submitted to the supervisors of the five District counties for approval. San Mateo County Supervisors were cool to the plan. Citing the high costs of a new system-plus adequate existing service from Southern Pacific commuter trains - they voted to withdraw their county from the District in December 1961.

With the District-wide tax base thus weakened by the withdrawal of San Mateo County, Marin County was forced to withdraw in early 1962 because its marginal tax base could not adequately absorb its share of BART's projected cost. Another important factor in Marin's withdrawal was an engineering controversy over the feasibility of carrying trains across the Golden Gate Bridge.

BART had started with a 16-member governing Board of Directors apportioned on county population size: four from Alameda and San Francisco Counties, three from Contra Costa and San Mateo, and two from Marin. When the District was reduced to three counties, the Board was reduced to 11 members: four from San Francisco and Alameda, and three from Contra Costa. Subsequently, in 1965, the District's enabling legislation was changed to apportion the BART Board with four Directors from each county, thus giving Contra Costa its fourth member on a 12-person Board. Two directors from each county, hence forth, were appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The other two directors were appointed by committees of mayors of each county (with the exception of the City and County of San Francisco, whose sole mayor made these appointments).

The five-county plan was quickly revised to a three-county plan emphasizing rapid transit between San Francisco and the East Bay cities and suburbs of Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The new plan, elaborately detailed and presented as the "BART Composite Report, " was approved by supervisors of the three counties in July 1962, and placed on the ballot for the following November general election.

The plan required approval of 60 percent of the District's voters. It narrowly passed with a 61.2 percent vote District-wide, much to the surprise of many political experts who were confident it would fail. Indeed, one influential executive was reported to have said: "If I'd known the damn thing would have passed, I'd never have supported it. "

The voters approved a $792 million bond issue to finance a 71.5 mile high-speed transit system, consisting of 33 stations serving 17 communities in the three counties. The proposal also included another needed transit project: rebuilding 3.5 miles of the San Francisco Municipal Railway. The new line would link muni streetcar lines directly with BART and Market Street stations, and four new Muni stations would be built.

The additional cost of the transbay tube -- estimated at $133 million -- was to come from bonds issued by the California Toll Bridge Authority and secured by future Bay Area Bridge revenues. The additional cost of rolling stock, estimated at $71 million, was to be funded primarily from bonds issued against future operating revenues. Thus, the total cost of the system, as of 1962, was projected at $996 million. It would be the largest single public works project ever undertaken in the U.S. by the local citizenry.

After the election, engineers immediately started work on the final system designs, only to be halted by a taxpayer's suit filed against the District a month later. The validity of the bond election, and the legality of the District itself, were challenged. While the court ruled in favor of the District on both counts, six months of litigation cost $12 million in construction delays. This would be the first of many delays from litigation and time-consuming negotiations involving 166 separate agreements reached with on-line cities, counties, and other special districts. The democratic processes of building a new transit system would prove to be major cost factors that, however necessary, were not foreseen.
BART
- Oakland, California, United States
- https://www.BART.gov
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