February posts highest ridership week since the pandemic, underlining BART’s critical role during major events like the Super Bowl

BART carried more than a million riders during Super Bowl LX week, the highest ridership week for BART since the pandemic. Thursday, Feb. 5, was also the highest ridership day since the pandemic with 225,832 trips, per BART's February Ridership Snapshot.

Preliminary ridership numbers for March are strong. Over February and into March, Saturday ridership reached 85% of pre-pandemic levels, and March to date is 14% higher compared to the same period a year ago. Tuesday, March 24, is now the third-highest post-pandemic ridership day with more than 221,000 trips.

The surge in February ridership was driven largely by fans and visitors traveling to destinations across San Francisco for Super Bowl-related events and celebrations. The strong performance highlights BART's ability to move large crowds quickly and efficiently, connecting the region during moments of peak demand.

With global events like the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, BART will continue to play a key role in transporting residents and visitors to major destinations throughout the Bay Area.

February ridership highlights:

• Total trips: 4.5 million (+13% year-over-year)

• Average weekday ridership: 191,099 (+11% year-over-year)

• Average Saturday: 129,183 (+27% year-over-year)

• Average Sunday: 77,296 (+15% year-over-year)

Saturdays saw particularly impressive growth, reflecting increased demand for events, entertainment, and weekend travel across the region.

In February, more than 685,000 trips were taken using Tap and Ride, up 7% compared to the previous month, reflecting continued adoption of contactless payment options that speed up station entry and improve the rider experience.

Ridership alone cannot close the funding gap

Even with continued growth, fare revenue has not returned to pre-pandemic levels and is not enough on its own to fully fund operations. Like transit agencies nationwide, BART faces a structural budget deficit as remote and hybrid work patterns reduce traditional commute trips. Read more about BART's funding deficit here.

Find comprehensive BART ridership reports here and daily ridership numbers here.