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BART Releases Crowded Car Survival Guide

OAKLAND (KCBS) – Rush hour trains are more crowded than ever on Bay Area Rapid Transit, so the transit system is trying to help commuters survive the crush.

BART has released a video titled "Crowded Car Survival Guide," offering tips on how to handle the crowds on trains.

BART Releases Crowded Car Survival Guide

Among the helpful hints – riders tend to favor the middle cars, so you might have a better chance of grabbing a seat on the first or last car. Also, they suggest forming two lines at the black strip before boarding your train, fill empty spaces toward the middle of the car, and place large bags on the floor in between your feet, to provide more room for others.

Crowded Car Survival Guide by BARTable on YouTube

But part of the problem for many is even getting onto a train. Gabrielle Adato, a passenger on board a crowded train, had his own tips. "Keep calm, think cool thoughts, play on your phone, get lost in the music," he said.

Not everyone has quite that rosy of an outlook however. "I'm pretty uncomfortable," said a fellow East Bay-bound passenger. "It's pretty hot. This is probably one of the most crowded trains I've been on lately."

Much of the advice on the short video is basic common sense, like not blocking doors and allowing those in need to have your seat.

The hope is that riders will show common courtesy to their fellow riders, as everyone tries to endure the crowded ride home.

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