West Oakland BART Housing Project Nears Construction as Bus Stops Move Aug. 9

West Oakland BART riders are facing a series of changes as the Mandela Station transit-oriented development moves toward construction. BART estimates that work on the first phase could begin in late summer or early fall 2026, while AC Transit will permanently move West Oakland BART bus stops to surrounding streets beginning Sunday, August 9.

The first phase is planned to add 240 affordable homes on the southwest portion of the West Oakland BART parking lot. BART’s June 18 update describes the late-summer or early-fall timing as an estimate, not a confirmed construction start date.

Parking will change as construction advances

BART ended reserved parking at West Oakland on May 4. The agency says approximately 440 daily-fee spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis until construction formally begins.

BART’s February 3 notice said approximately 300 of the roughly 440 spaces may become unavailable during summer or early fall 2026 construction activities. The same notice said some spaces could be restored after construction, while approximately 200 of the spaces affected by construction would be permanently removed as part of the approved development.

For commuters who use West Oakland as a park-and-ride connection to San Francisco, the change could mean finding another BART station, arriving earlier or using another way to reach the station. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that riders from across the East Bay use the station because of its fast connection through the Transbay Tube.

Bus stops move outside the station

AC Transit says West Oakland BART stops will be permanently moved out of the station to surrounding streets beginning August 9, 2026.

The agency also says Line 62 service to Fruitvale BART will no longer serve the stop on 7th Street at Mandela Parkway. Riders transferring between AC Transit and BART should check the agency’s current stop and route information before traveling, especially after the change takes effect.

The relocation may change walking routes and transfer arrangements for passengers who currently board or exit buses inside the station area. Exact stop locations and route information should be confirmed through AC Transit before a trip.

What Mandela Station is planned to include

The 240-unit first phase is part of a broader planned development on land around both sides of West Oakland BART. BART’s master plan calls for 762 residential units, including affordable and market-rate homes, along with approximately 53,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and 300,000 square feet of office space.

The plan also includes a bike station, improved bikeways on 7th Street and Mandela Parkway, streetscape improvements on 5th Street, 7th Street, Mandela Parkway and Chester Street, enhanced walking access to the station and a new plaza.

The immediate trade-off is clear: the project would convert part of a station parking lot into affordable housing and add planned public-realm improvements, while commuters face reduced parking and bus access that shifts to surrounding streets. The 240-unit phase is the portion tied to the estimated late-summer or early-fall construction start. The larger 762-home program should not be read as fully built or fully under construction.

West Oakland riders should not assume reserved parking remains available. Before leaving home, they should check BART’s parking updates and AC Transit’s stop and route information, allow extra time for transfers and consider alternatives if station parking is full.

Sources

• BART West Oakland transit-oriented development project page
• AC Transit West Oakland BART stop information
• San Francisco Chronicle reporting on West Oakland BART parking