Submitted by long-time correspondent, Edward Russell, who says:

Finally got a chance to see the updated BART map with the Oakland Airport Connector in person (see Edward’s photo below). Unlike the online map, they do depict Coliseum station as a transfer point with circles instead of just a dash.

[Editor’s note: BART’s simpler online map has now also been updated to show the OAC transfer at the Coliseum station in the same style as this map, so at least they’re consistent now.]

However, they shade the circles slightly – compared to white for other transfer stations – and do not use a circle for the actual OAC terminus. I’m of the opinion that a transfer is a transfer and there’s no need to depict the Coliseum station a different colour than other transfer points. I also think the OAC line should have a circle as well. Thoughts?

Transit Maps says:

I totally see where Edward is coming from, but I actually think there is a difference between the two kinds of transfer stations, even if it’s only very slight and not actually explained that well on the map itself.

First off, let’s look at why certain stations are designated as transfer stations in the BART system – as all the trains stop at all the stations, you could technically transfer between the different lines at any of them. However, it’s not necessarily advantageous to do so for the rider: you might have to wait a long time for the next train, or you might have to go up to the concourse and down to another platform. As I understand it, each of the five “white” transfer stations in the BART system were specifically chosen because they’re the most convenient for riders. MacArthur and 19th St/Oakland stations even denote this reason on the map: they offer timed cross-platform transfers to other lines (in one direction at each station). Balboa Park is designated as a transfer station over Daly City because it offers better connections to Muni services. Bay Fair and San Bruno are a little less useful than the others, simply being the last stations before two routes diverge, but at least that’s pretty logical.

My theory is that as Coliseum station is not the preferred transfer station for the three “main” BART lines that pass through (Bay Fair fulfills that role) but is only for transferring to the OAC, a visual distinction is made between the two “types” of transfer to reinforce that concept. In short, “Transfer here ONLY for the OAC”.

However, I definitely agree with Edward that the Coliseum end of the OAC route line should be a “transfer circle” instead of a “terminus bar”. I guess the map could be trying to suggest that riders emerging from the OAC “choose” one of the circled main line routes, but I’d prefer consistency in the approach to iconography myself.

Side note: it’s really nice to see these newer in-station BART maps acknowledge the other rail transit options in the Bay Area – Muni Metro (even the historic F line!), Caltrain and Amtrak are all shown (but not VTA light rail or the cable cars).

Source: DearEdward/Flickr