I’m Barnali and I’m running for BART Board.
Public transit was essential to me as an immigrant who did not have a driver's license for the first 15 years that I lived in the United States. I took BART to my first job, and to my wedding at San Francisco City Hall. And though I finally have a driver's license, I still prefer the freedom of a Clipper card. I cannot imagine my life or the Bay Area without BART.
But now, as we navigate a world changed by the pandemic, the system faces critical challenges: financial sustainability, safety, and service reliability. A failing BART would mean gridlock on the highways, rising emissions, and losing a lifeline for so many riders.
That's why I'm running for the BART Board of Directors — to protect the vital system that connects communities across the Bay.
I'm a designer and transportation policy activist with real world experience working within systems and bureaucracies. I have a professional background in environmental design, served for years as Chair of Berkeley's Transportation Commission, and am currently Vice-Chair of the Planning Commission. I'm the only candidate to have been endorsed by BART Director Rebecca Saltzman, who currently represents the district, the California Democratic Party, and four local mayors.
And I'm transparent about my values, as an activist and Bay Area community-builder. I've worked for transportation equity, and done over two decades of local arts, environmental, and immigrant history work. If elected, I would be the first South Asian on the board.
If you think BART is worth saving for commuters, neighbors, seniors, youth, and people with disabilities, I would love your support.
There are two easy ways to help BART get more of the leadership it needs:
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This is my first time running for elected office, and everyone I’ve talked to has told me how critical it is to receive early donations. Your donation, of any size, will make a huge difference in getting the trustworthy leadership we need.
- Or add your email here, and I can keep you in the loop about other ways to support the campaign.
I will be on the November 2024 ballot, running in District 3, which includes Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, San Pablo, Pinole, Hercules as well as the unincorporated communities of Kensington, El Sobrante, North Richmond, Rodeo, Crockett, and Port Costa.