American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

In what year was BART established in San Francisco?

1. 1965

2. 1972

3. 1980

4. 1990

The correct answer is: 1972

BART, or the Bay Area Rapid Transit system, was established in San Francisco in 1972. This year marks a significant milestone in urban transit development, as it transformed public transportation in the Bay Area by providing a rapid transit option that connects various cities across the region, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. The establishment of BART was driven by the need for a more efficient and effective mode of transit to alleviate traffic congestion and support the growing population in the Bay Area. In 1965, important decisions regarding the project were made, but it was not until 1972 that the system opened its doors to passengers. The choices of 1980 and 1990 represent years when the network expanded or underwent improvements, but they were not the years of BART's establishment. Thus, 1972 stands out as the pivotal year that marked the beginning of BART's service to the public.