BART faces a $400 million annual deficit, forcing officials to consider closing 10 stations impacting 12% of riders. The agency's board meeting Thursday will present this worst-case scenario as pressure mounts for additional funding beyond a potential November ballot measure. Riders expressed concerns about losing access to critical stations like Oakland International Airport.

The transit agency has implemented fare gates at all 50 stations, generating $10 million annually while reducing maintenance hours by 961. BART spokesperson Alicia Trost noted the gates have also prevented unwanted behavior and vandalism at stations. The Embarcadero station alone saved 110 maintenance hours in just six months after installation.

Without additional funding, BART may reduce train service and implement layoffs. The agency has struggled with reduced ridership since COVID-19 and remote work trends, creating a financial crisis that threatens the Bay Area's public transit network. A board vote on the proposal is expected February 25.