Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) has started a new program called ‘Managers Riding Trains.’ The initiative began in January 2024. It requires BART’s top managers to regularly ride the trains they oversee. The goal is to help managers understand the daily experiences of riders. The program was discussed in a recent episode of the ‘Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART’ podcast, hosted by Chris Filippi from BART’s Communications Department.
BART General Manager Bob Powers led the creation of the program. Powers joined BART in 2012 and became General Manager in 2019. He spoke about the challenges of managing the organization and highlighted the importance of teamwork among staff. Powers said that being present in the system helps him focus on BART’s main goal: providing safe, clean, and reliable transportation.
Powers stated that the General Manager is responsible for all decisions at BART. He said the job can be demanding, but staying connected with staff and riders helps him address challenges. He believes that direct interaction with the system is important for leadership…