Research Reports

Final Train Car Model

In April and May, 2014, BART presented a life-sized model of its proposed new train car design to the public through a series of ten events throughout the Bay Area.  BART invited the public to tour the new car and provide feedback through talking to staff and completing survey forms.  In all, approximately 17,500 people attended the events, and a total of 7,666 surveys were collected.

Complete survey results are available through the links below.

Summary
Provides details about all of the events and contains a table of overall results.  More detailed information is available in the following appendices.

Appendix A – Complete Survey Results
Contains the questionnaire, results for all survey respondents, and all verbatim comments.

Appendix B – Survey Results by Demographic
Contains survey results by disability status, age, minority status, and income status.

Appendix C – Categorization of a Sample of Verbatim Comments
Contains a summary of coded comments from a random sample of 500 surveys.

Appendix D – North Berkeley Special Event
Contains a summary of the special event for passengers with disabilities held at North Berkeley on April 29lth.

Earlier Train Car Model and Prototype Seats

Here are links to customer survey results from earlier train car model events, prototype seat events, and a sample video loop online survey, all conducted in 2013.   BART solicited feedback on the new train car design via structured research sessions/surveys, as well as broad public outreach.  The research and outreach covered:

• the layout of the cars (demonstrated via a wooden model);
• the comfort of the new seats (demonstrated via seat prototypes);
• the content of the passenger information screens (demonstrated via a sample loop).

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Summary
The summary describes the objectives and methodologies used, and the appendices below contain the questionnaires and associated data.

Appendix A – Train Car Model:  “Pack the Train” Research Exercises
Structured research sessions (large group exercises) were conducted with a representative sample of BART riders onboard the wooden train car model.    Appendix contents include the questionnaire used and associated data (frequency tables and report of verbatim comments).

Appendix B – Train Car Model: In-Depth Interviews
Structured research sessions (one-on-one interviews) were conducted with randomly selected passengers with disabilities.   Appendix contents include a memo summarizing the results, research tools, and participant data.

Appendix C – Train Car Model: Public Outreach
The train car model was open to the public at the MacArthur Station in late July / early August, and attendees were encouraged to walk through the model and complete a questionnaire.  Appendix contents include the questionnaire used and associated data (frequency tables and report of verbatim comments).

Appendix D – Seat Prototypes: Research Exercises
Structured research sessions were conducted with a representative sample of BART riders on the seat prototypes.    Appendix contents include the questionnaire used and associated data (frequency tables and report of verbatim comments).

Appendix E – Seat Prototypes: Public Outreach
The seat prototypes were set up at nine different locations in the BART District, and attendees were encouraged to try all the different seats and complete a questionnaire.   Appendix contents include the questionnaire used and associated data (frequency tables and report of verbatim comments).

Appendix F – Passenger Information Screen Research
A random sample of BART riders provided input on the content for the new passenger information screens via an online survey.  Respondents watched a sample loop of the passenger information as part of the survey.  Appendix contents include the questionnaire used and a summary of results.

Appendix G – Fleet of the Future Design Update
BART staff presented a project update to the BART Board of Directors on January 9, 2014.  The update includes key feedback received, design features, and staff recommendations.