BART garage needs more light

With nearly 2,000 parking spots available at the Daly City BART Station, patrons have plenty of places to choose from. But for safety-conscious commuters, including ChronicleWatch tipster Lynn Madonich, the choices can be narrower after nightfall.

Madonich says insufficient lighting makes some parts of the three-story garage downright scary. BART recommends that patrons park in well-lighted areas, but with nearly 100 lights out in the station's eight lots, garage and stairwells, Madonich says that's easier said than done.

"How do they expect us to feel safe getting to our cars?" said the San Bruno resident. She points out that until last year, parking was free, but now she pays $2 a day. "This is the parking we now pay for?" she asked.

Status: BART spokesman Mike Healy told ChronicleWatch that workers surveyed the garage and lots and agreed that lighting is a problem in some areas. He said that maintenance crews check the lights at the station every two months, including the 1,200 light fixtures in the garage.

However, workers will go out ahead of schedule to replace lights in areas where safety is an issue. "Stairwells get top priority," Healy said, adding that the work should be done by the end of next week.

Who's responsible: Tom Margro, BART general manager, (510) 464-7123; or e- mail at: tmargro@bart.gov