Why aren't there more services at BART stations?
My wife and I were chatting last night, and we got to wondering--why aren't there more services targeted at commuters at BART stations? A few ideas came to mind immediately as we were chatting:
- Dry Cleaners/Laundry (drop off your stuff in the morning, pick it up on the way home)
- Mobile Car Wash (they'll come by and wash your car while it's parked at BART--many companies have this service)
- Reheatable meals-to-go (pick up something to take home in the evenings)
- Car repair drop off (drop your car off for servicing, talk to the service advisor right at the station, your car's back by the time you return.)
- Oil change (same as above).
- Banking
- Gift/Chocolate Shop (for last-minute anniversary gifts)
- ...and I'm sure there are many more
I know there are flower shops in some stations, and that there are a few new cafes opening, but it seems like this is a huge potential revenue stream that BART's not taking advantage of. Maybe there's a reason, but I certainly don't see it....
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San Bruno station has all the
San Bruno station has all the above right next to the station - It's called the Tanforan Mall. Glen Park and Montgomery have flower stands right outside the paid areas.
With the exception of the
With the exception of the auto related services mentioned in the thread, some of the services mentioned have either been tried or in place at some of the stations. For "in-station" facilities such as the free area, there is limited space. Unless kiosks such as those in North Concord or some of the newer station can be used, the developer must build from scratch and around the existing infrastructure of the BART Station - a very expensive proposition. Connecting utilities such as electrical, water and sewage into a station is expensive and complicated. (I think we would collectively wet our pants if we knew the development/construction costs for the new Peet's shops at BART).
Finally, demographics: venues such as Grand Central Terminal, Union Station in Washington, Montreal's underground downtown shopping/transit station have a dual design - a destination site for shopping and dining; while most BART stations are simply a transit station. Shops would only be busy from 8AM to 10AM and then from 2PM-5PM - a rather tough environment to staff and make profitable. Then a potential vendor especially in the downtown area must compete with the Embarcadero Center, SF Centre, and the host of other services in the downtown area. Outlying BART stations couldn't generate the revenue/traffic to make it work.
Very good points! I can
Very good points! I can remember a DVD rental place that opened in one of the spaces at the Concord North station. It lasted about 6 months before they closed up.
The only thing that might work would be outfitting the secure area with the same type of high end vending machines similar to the one's that are in use at SFO.
Actually they tried a car
Actually they tried a car service where they would change your oil and wash your car while you were at work. This was several years ago at the Fremont Station, but it went out of business.
Good to know. Thanks Basel
Good to know. Thanks Basel and Trickster.
(I thought the idea was a little too obvious to not ahve been thought of before!)
Hell, I would just be happy
Hell, I would just be happy with an open bathroom at EVERY God damn station.