Is commute via BART unrealistic??

Question

Would a daily commute from Concord/Martinez area to UCB on a daily basis be unrealistic? Are there a lot of people who do it and are the many people who miss the train due to capacity?

Thanks

Answer 1

Depends on what you define as "unrealistic". You will have to transfer trains and it looks like the commute from station to station is about 40 minutes (not including the time it takes to travel TO the station from your home and FROM the station to your classes)

BART is usually more reliable than say the T in Boston. Depending on when your class times are, it's not a bad way to commute, although the BART fares have increased a bit. Delays due to weather, accidents, debris on the tracks, medical emergencies, etc do happen from time to time, so you should probably factor that in.

Depending on when your class times are, you shouldn't find that the trains are full. BART ridership has gone up, but unless you leave during heavy commute hours (ie, 7AM to 9 AM), trains typically have room, although you might not get a seat.

Use the BART trip planner so you know when you can catch the trains on their website: http://bart.gov/

Good luck!!

Answer 2

Well, yes and no. From Martinez to UCB a bus would be a lot more pratical. Specifically the WestCat route 30Z express from Martinez to Richmond then an AC Transit bus to Berkley which would drop you directly on campus. BART could be used but would cost more and require more transfers.

Answer 3

should be okay (check with UCB transportation dept ) I know UCLA has van pools

UCB might do the same thing)

Answer 4

No, it's perfectly reasonable.  With bay area traffic, it's probably more reliable than driving.  But it will be long.  Can't you get a dorm at Berkeley?

Answer 5

I have taken the BART many times.  It is a great way to travel.  Save a tree, ride a train