FAQ

How do I submit a public records request?

You can complete and submit the form provided on this portal.  You can also submit a request in person, or via mail, email or telephone call.

Contact information is:

Public Records Request

c/o District Secretary

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District

300 Lakeside Drive, 23rd Floor

Oakland, CA  94612

fax: 510-464-6011

Your request should be specific and should describe the records in detail (including time frame if applicable) to ensure accurate identification of responsive records.

 

What is a public record?

The official definition is:

A "public record" includes any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics.  "Writing" means any handwriting, typewriting, printing, photographing, photocopying, transmitting by electronic mail or facsimile, or any other means of recording or form of communication or representation, including letters, words, pictures, sounds, or symbols, or combinations thereof.  [California Government Code section 6252(g)]

The District is not required to create a record that does not exist at the time of the request.

Is there a charge for records?

The District can charge 10 cents per page for printed copies.

Electronic copies, if available, are provided at no cost.

The District can charge direct duplication costs for oversized documents or records maintained on non-paper media.

The District may charge in advance for costs of data compilation, extraction, or programming.

How long do I have to wait?

Generally, the District has 10 calendar days to respond to a request.  In certain circumstances, time may be extended by an additional 14 calendar days.  The District responds to all requests as promptly as reasonably possible and provides responsive records, if any, as soon as possible.  The District may provide responsive records on a "rolling" basis if necessary.

How will I receive my records?

When your records are ready, you will receive a notification email from BART Public Records.

What is the California Public Records Act?

The California State Legislature adopted the Public Records Act in 1968.  It is designed to give the public access to information in the possession of public agencies.  The public can inspect or receive a copy of any record unless it is exempt from disclosure under the Act.

Access to District records is regulated by the Act.  The complete text of the Act may be accessed by clicking on the link below.

http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayexpandedbranch.xhtml?tocCode=GOV&division=7.&title=1.&part=&chapter=3.5.&article=