From what I understand, no one really knows this for sure. But over on
flickr, one user got this "official" response:
Linton Johnson, Chief Spokesperson, BART wrote:Mr. Hall,
In general, you are legally allowed to take pictures of anything you can see on BART with the naked eye for your private purposes, as long as you are in the free area (ie, outside the fare gates). The same applies in the paid area (inside the faregates) as long as you are ticketed passenger and you are specifically going from point A to point B. You do not need a photography permit to do this. However, without one, you are subject to interrogation by BART employees, who may ask you to leave the premises or to stop taking pictures. Technically, they can legally interrogate you, however, they cannot legally tell you to stop taking pictures or remove you from the premises unless you are taking pictures of sensitive areas or you are violating another rule such as impeding the flow of customers, etc. Again, this ONLY applies if you are taking pictures for your personal use, and your primary motivation to be on BART is to travel from point A to point B.
But, if you are taking pictures as part of a group, a school project, or for or on behalf of an organization or company, you are required to have a permit. BART assess permit fees. The fees are based upon a number of factors, including, but not limited to, what the pictures will be used for, when and where the photography shoot will take place on BART property, the number of crew members for the shoot, the number of BART personnel needed to facilitate the shoot and the BART equipment needed for the shoot such as train car rental, station rental, etc.
You may contact my office if you believe you need a permit.
Have a good weekend!
Linton Johnson
Chief Spokesperson
Department Manager
BART Media & Public Affairs
300 Lakeside Drive
18th Floor, Suite #1849
Oakland, CA 94612
510-464-7139 Desk
510-209-7409 Mobile
510-464-7103 Fax
510-899-2285 Pager (Best Way to Reach Me)
[email protected]
If you're really curious, you might want to just email her directly and find out for yourself.
Paul Borokhov
Last RRPicArch addition –
NJ Railfan.
Moderator of the
NJT and
California commuter forums