Besides an excess of BART police and bike theft, this is an essential part of any bay area transit-rider's life... the transfer point for most East Bay trains, this station is a functional gateway to my ability to MOVE. Thank you BART. Plentiful parking. One memory... one night a couple years back I saw a couple of young kids of color running up to the platform laughing. Soon after, the attendant on the loudspeaker: "TO you young boys who jumped the turnstyles, don't think you've gotten away. Return immediately to the ticket office" They begrudgingly went, and when they got there, were cuffed by police. The woman was screaming at them, calling them drug-addict punk "n" word kids. I almost jumped at her through the glass. How can a BART worker have so much venom in her for 2 middle-school-aged youth? -3 stars for the hatred 6 stars for the convenience of BART --- = 3 stars. read more

This station is so pimped out, it has valet parking! Coming from Vegas, it made me feel right at home. Seriously, it has free valet parking... but it's not open late, so it's mainly for the commuting crowd. It seems like a good way to maximize the parking space at a high demand lot. I tried it out... easy to use. You still have to pay the$1 for regular parking, but the dudes wouldn't even take a tip. Nice deal if you're not afraid to leave your car keys with a random guy all day. read more

MacArthur BART is a typical BART station. It's a good transfer point. It's got a lot of urine. Sometimes there is a cool guy who sits outside crocheting hats and selling them. However -- WARNING TO ALL BIKERS: DO NOT leave your bike locked at MacArthur BART. Doesn't matter if its midday or if you have the craziest, high-security bike lock known to man. IT WILL GET STRIPPED. Find an alternative. read more

When you take into consideration the odds stacked against this station's success, it does pretty well overall. It's extremely busy and yet is relatively clean. I know a lot of people complain about having to go downstairs and then back upstairs to transfer, but it's a pretty painless process, and with the number of tracks this station has, I don't know how else they could work it. When I need to transfer from a Fremont to a San Francisco train here, the train is always waiting, and they give you plenty of time to cross the platform. Finally, although I've only used it three times, this place has a pretty good parking lot. read more

Picture yourself snorkeling somewhere warm, where the water is crystal clear and you can see that there is an ivory white sandbar below you with a few sand dollars shinning in the warm tropical sun. You swim onwards and see a tropical parrot fish and chase after it...and then it hides in a nearby reef. The colors are beautiful...you see more tropical fish hiding here... Okay, you are in Oakland. No tropical fish here. The fish are crack heads and the Macarthur Bart station is a haven for the crack heads that roam here. This is a great place to catch the Bart as it has many intersections, always has Bart police and cabs here, and there is the lovely and free Emeryville-Go-Around which stripes the City of Emeryville. Just don't wait outside counting your ones...that's fish food. read more

About 6 years ago, while living in Russian Hill in the city, I drove by Macarthur Bart and thought to myself "I'd never live around here and if I did, I'd never take Macarthur Bart." Fast forward to 2006 and I'm living in Rockridge and choosing MacArthus Bart over Rockridge due to the choice of taking either the RIchmond or Pittsburg/Bay Point lines to my job in S. San Francisco. Sure, Rockridge Bart is cleaner, safer, and in a better area. But aside from the parking lot getting full by 7:30, there isn't much that can't be tolerated at Macarthur Bart. The homeless people leave you alone, there are a ton of shuttles, lots of trains into the city, and it's only 4 stops to the city. I'm not going to bitch over cleaniness, since it's more relaxing taking BART than it is to deal with the tolls on the Bay Bridge. read more

I've been using this station for about 4 years but may start using Rockridge after getting strong-armed robbed Friday night around the corner from MacA station coming home from work and walking to my car. Because the parking lot at MacA fills up so early in the a.m., I often have to park on the street. I try to park on 40th when possible, but Friday I couldn't find any good spots and had to park at 41st and MLK. Walking to my car at 8 pm, two guys approached and mugged me. Be careful around this station at night--especially if you're a woman walking alone. I've also had my car broken into on MLK. I'm a pretty street smart person, but this experience made me feel very unsafe around MacA. It's too bad, because I love the convenience of MacA, with its multiple trains into SF. I wish the parking lot were bigger so there was less chance of either parking in an unsafe area or being late for work! read more

Your cops intimidate your patrons with mini-interrogations late at night, demanding an answer to "Where are you trying to go?" in their booming voices. Poor nervous dude on the platform never had a chance. Your taxi cabs refuse to give your patrons a ride if they only carry credit cards, demanding a $15 minimum. Bastard ass, don't follow me if I was already rejected once. You're lucky you're relatively close to where I live and that you're a major transfer point, foo! read more

East Bay BART stations are big and open. And there are two platforms instead of just one....so city dorks like me have to pay attention to which platform to get on. Pay attention to the signs, city dorks! The station is huge and open-air. Adjacent to the station is a giant parking lot. East Bay commuters who live in this hood have it pretty good. Telegraph is a cool little strip and the residential blocks in the 40th Streets look really nice, with a lot of Craftsman and Mission architecture. Cute hood. read more

BART stations make me wanna to take a bath in hand sanitizer. MacArthur is the biggest station in the BART system and of course it has no shortage of bums and druggies. The upside is that you get a free contact high from all the people smoking weed. Its a bit cleaner than the other ones and the parking structure should make it much more convenient. As of this review date, a big chunk of the station is under construction. They are adding a massive parking garage right next door but parking is a mess. There are a lot worse BART stations but in the end you can't really do anything about them. read more

A very good station - given the neighborhood, I would think I'd be more scared walking to my car. I just keep telling myself "at least its not West Oakland." Commute here everyday. I get there about 7:15 and get a pretty good spot. 8am or later and you are SOL. Trying for a permit - #50 after 6 months, started at 73. I am halfway between Macarthur and Ashby, but I choose Macarthur because I work in downtown SF and I can take either Pittsburg or Richmond home which means I can catch a train every few minutes. read more

I've caught the BART at this location and gotten off at this location many times. Like most places there are a lot of rouges intertwined amongst the do gooders. Have your money ready, know where you're going, keep your nose out of your cell phone, have your game face on, keep your ear phones in, keep the volume way down so you can hear what's going on around you, don't look the bad a- -'s in the eye and know where you're going and you'll be fine. What is really cool about this station is that from highway 980 above as you pass and look down you can see a really jazzy purple bluish lighting that lines the under pass part of the BART overpass track that go over the station. Very cool! I like the artistry and creative flair of big cities. Its so cutting edge, fierce and I love it. I'm kinda a lil bit country, got a suburban attitude, I'm high tech, and have big city artistic desires. I took an interesting picture of a sleeping homeless man once and his dog one day when I was on my way to the Giants game. My observation told me that even though the two of them are probably homeless the precious pooch is well feed. During the spring and summer months you can find various small time vendors set up outside the 40th street BART station: flower cart, book stand, hot dog vendor on the side walk and many interesting looking people coming and going. I read more

I really only use this station for 2 reasons: Get to Kaiser or transfer to an SF train. In a previous life, I used it to transfer to get to Walnut Creek. A lot of SF-bound peeps take the Fremont train from my station and transfer to the SF train here. Unless there is no SF train that evening/weekend, I am the type who takes the SF train at my station. I hate risking having no seat when I transfer here. As a transfer station, they do a good job of holding trains and looking out to see if anyone is doing the downstairs/upstairs hustle. Because it's a busy station, I sometimes press my luck and transfer here to a Richmond train instead of in Oakland (I always forget if it's 12th or 19th, since they made the change to 1 transfer station only a while back). The signage / announcement system could definitely be better. There are times when I'm waiting for a Richmond train, expecting it to be on the east-most platform. And then I realize *after the train has left* that the Richmond train was waiting on the Pittsburg side. Luckily, that's not too often. But it is something to look out for. Not that we need handholding (okay, we do), but an announcement from the station agents would be nice. read more

Just about the only things I like about this station are: - free shuttles (Emery Go Round, Alta Bates, Kaiser, etc) - it's a transfer station Would never leave my car here or be seen at night here... read more

Not my favorite station. Yes, it's where many of the trains go through, but it's a terrible spot to pick up and drop people off. The neighborhood is a bit dicey, and not really where I want to walk around at night. And even car drop off is not really practical. Better off taking people to Rockridge or even 19th Street. read more

This BART station reminds me of my childhood. The shifty characters loitering about. How they always try to make creepy eye contact with anyone walking by. Constantly asking for some change so they can get a tall boy or pay back student loans. I'm not too sure on that one. These damn characters remind so much of my grand papa. He always did the same thing in front of our neighbor's house when they came home from work. Ah, the memories. The guys who sell the yurp at the bus stop without a care in the world. The woman who, with such ease and grace, stumbles about but manages to never spill a drop from her "special cup." Stinking of Grape Cisco and broken dreams. The pre-teen couple making out next to the garbage bins who thinks if you "do it" with her on top she can't get pregnant. Gravity, you see! Ah, it's like holding a mirror of myself when i was just a little lug. This alone, the rekindling of warm thoughts of my stable, functional, and joy filled youth, is not enough for 5 stars, oh no. The reason I give this BART station the full monty is because two nights ago I saw a man get tazered by two cops in front of the ticket station. He got fucked up. I mean, damn, that's crazy. 5 Stars! read more

I can get to and from San Francisco in 20 minutes. I am glad there is a parking structure with 600 spots. There are many transit options that connect to this BART station. I am very careful and aware of my surroundings when I am here. It pays to be cautious. read more

MacArthur is a nice BART station. BART stations aren't nice bar far, but for anyone who used public transportation in other cities, BART is one of the nicer ways to get around, plus you can get around the entire Bay Area. How many people can get around LA using the subway? You can't. This BART station will have it's problems, but most of them will. Any place in a large city will have it's problems. You just ignore them and go on your way. read more

The SF transfer train didn't wait for the people getting off the Pittsburg train. SUPER ANNOYED. The train needs to wait more than the time it takes to go down the stairs, cross over, then go back up. read more

The place is a dump, but hopefully this will change with a fresh influx of condo-owners and businesses per the Transit Village breaking ground. Who in God's name designed this station? The parking lot looks like ground zero in NYC. A hole in the ground for cars. Can't top the location for convenience if you live nearby....its the center of the BART system. See this: http://www.vmwp.com/arch/Mac%20BART/Mac%20Bart.html read more

This will turn into a 4 star once that corner construction becomes a nicer garage and hopefully some eating options too but I digress. Like how there's a waiting area on the main road, as well as on the other side for the regular buses. But do not even attempt to pickup some one in the shuttle bus lane anymore, as police were giving out tickets. It's a smaller station, so easy to exit. read more

My recommendation is to get on BART as close to Richmond as possible when going to the Coliseum... Less people, more seats and parking available! I'm not a daily BART rider, but this is my transportation of choice when I go into Oakland for an A's game. We come from the Sacramento area and typically pick up the BART at El Cerrito del Norte. I would recommend this stop over MacArther due to the minimal crowds. El Cerrito del Norte is the first stop on the Richmond Train, so there is usually plenty of open spots to sit. There is a Safeway grocery store literally across the parking lot where you can pick up snacks and drinks for the game. As long as your drinks are in plastic bottles and are unopened, you can bring them into the game. The parking lot rows are pretty tight, so if you are concerned about door dings, try to park on the end where you have a little more room between the car next to you. There are a few more ticket printing kiosks on the northwest side of the station. When we were their this weekend, we went to the 2 kiosks on the southeast side of the stations. One of the 2 kiosks was out of order. read more

MacArthur is definitely the HUB for transfers! Can't wait for your direct train? It's cool. Just figure out where to transfer. For those going to the City on the Fremont line, you catch the SFO/Milbrae train here! It's great, and most often the transfers are timed, meaning little or no wait time! OH YEA! I BART...do you? P.S. Complimentary shuttle service to and from this BART station and takes you around Emeryville! read more

This BART Station is very clean and the platforms are brightly lighted. Some of the people around here are very nice.

It's a really cool transfer station. I really like when the BART aligns itself with the other BART I need to catch. Don't really like it when they don't and I have to stay here and wait 5+ minutes to catch the other one. read more

Great for picking up people, especially weekends. You can chill in the parking lot until they come down the stairs. Area feels a little sketchy. read more

Had my very first Bart experience today, from this station here to the one on El Cerito Del Norte. Pretty cool Bay area... pretty cool. Much nicer than the trains and metros I rode the last 6 months in India. I am a fan of BART. read more

Bart Tales: Somedays you might find a piano, totally random, out front & center with no one playing it. Or, walk by a group of people doing yoga where the piano used to be. Or, pet the mama dog and the baby dog who sit next to their owner, (the homeless(?) dude), who sells what looks to be homemade hats sprawled out on hefty bags. In the mornings, run for the Emery Go Round parked out front, 'round the corner, because the shuttle doesn't have a sign in the back window so u can never see which shuttle you're running for until u get close enough to realize it's not even the one u need anyway. Or, after work, watch a building go up in smoke as two guys could care less and keep on boxing each other in the head. Just another day @ Mac Bart. read more

BART - MacArthur Station - random piano - Train Stations Near Me - Oakland, California

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It's been safe so far, todays the first dat i parked there so we'll see. Just moved here a week ago. The attendant was so nice this morning as he helped me and even volunteered to send it a ticket I bought that I shouldn't have. I was just going to write off the $62 I spent but he talked me into sending it for refund and did it for me. Nice guy! People have been nice and helped me get on the right train. Easy to get around and lotsa trains here. read more

This is a conveniently-located Bart Station in Oakland. You can transfer to and from pretty much all trains. Though I often use this Bart Station for the convenience, I must say this is NOT a safe Bart Station. As one walks in and out of the station, one would encounter numerous homeless(?) people who would start asking for money. I try to avoid using this station especially at night, and when I have to, I make sure to avoid any kind of eye contacts or unnecessary conversations with strangers. read more

BART - MacArthur Station - Train Stations Near Me - Oakland, California

You know, I feel weird giving a BART station four stars, but MacArthur is a little extra bueno. I like the new parking lot and, if you arrive around noon or later, it's usually possible to find a spot if you circle a few times like a vulture. I feel pretty safe there, or at least as safe as other BART stations. My favorite part is that it's a transfer spot for just about everything. Yay. read more

BART just sucks. I hate BART. MacArthur station is the worst. And besides, fearing my life when I'm here; I have to wait forever to get a SF bound train. Fuck my life. read more

I understand that today is labor day weekend and that one platform going towards Antioch is under construction but it was super unprofessional how the woman in the booth answered my simple question of what time the Antioch train was coming. It was a simple question and I let her know the signs didn't show the time and people were confused because the alternate platform that was going in the direction to Antioch also said it was out even though it wasn't. The woman working said I was wrong there was nothing wrong with the sign and the train was coming in a minute and rolled her eyes . I had to run up stairs and almost missed the train. It's upsetting that she didn't even check the sign and rolling her eyes and ignoring me after asking a simple question. Bart really needs to think about the people they hire. read more

I just want to review my local BART stop to defend it against the haters. Macarthur bart is your hub for shuttles to Emeryville, Temescal, and Piedmont Ave as well as connections to Berkeley or Rockridge/Walnut Creek. Yes, there are some people who like to loaf around, but it's not nearly as sketch as people seem to suggest. I live around the corner (to the east) and have never had a problem. Then again, I wouldn't suggest going west towards MLK at night. But still, I often see police patrolling so relax. Plus, according to the posters, they are in the process of renovating the area so hopefully things will look a little spiffier very soon. read more

Parked my car here while gone for a weekend out of town, being that I was flying out of SFO and into Oakland, it seemed convenient. Well lit, new parking structure, security cameras, lots of development ongoing in this area, shouldn't be an issue right? Wrong. Car was broken into, window smashed, all my belongings stolen. Never going to park overnight at a BART station again. read more

This is a major BART station and I have changed trains here many times. Not safe at night but otherwise OK.

What can I say.. this station connects me to where I need to go! Easy to use machines (like every other station) and centrally located. WOOT. read more

This BART station has a decent size parking lot and they even sell flowers and whatnot. But I did notice this stop is a bit more ghetto than others. This is one of the main stations for you to make your transfers to go to SF/Berkeley/etc. Just be sure you read the signs carefully so you know which BART to transfer to next. But if you're lost, just ask one of the employees there. The one I interacted with seemed really friendly and was very helpful! read more

One time a cop pulled up to me and gave me a sticker that said "Friends don't let friends walk home from MacArthur Bart alone" I think it implied, "except during rush hour/peak hours". This place gets a bad rap, but it's not so dodgy-it depends which way one walks, and at what time. Beware the bicycle carcasses laying around, and the guy asking, "You know what da best nation is? Do-Nation!". Actually, give him a quarter for wit. read more

What should be a great system with 30 plus years of experience is instead a delay-ridden, whiny bunch of f@ckery. A 30 minute delay on a Saturday afternoon due to track maintenance? Really? Something they don't tell you until you are on the train and stuck. Well, thanks, Bart, I had no where to be ON TIME. Sure, I LOVE sitting at a random station waiting... Hmmm... Let's put it on a sliding scale? I will pay you for the service you provide. Today's ride is worth $.25. read more