Jun 1, 2023 - News

BART rolls out anime mascots to attract younger riders

Shawna Chen

Image: Courtesy of Bay Area Rapid Transit

BART is debuting five new anime mascots in a bid to reach younger riders and bolster community engagement amid sustained financial struggles.

Driving the news: The mascots are inspired by BART frontline employees and BART-contracted animals — like the goats that graze BART property, according to a press release from the transit agency.

BART says it was influenced in part by public transportation agencies in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan that use mascots to connect with the community.

Details: The character designs were the product of an open call for California-based artists that received over 500 submissions.

Baylee the G.O.A.T. is a star online influencer and local tour guide from East Bay and is described as cute, bubbly and spontaneous.
Nimbus the Bard of BART is a storyteller and historian who is wise, free-spirited and mysterious and never seen without a hawk companion.
Jasmine the #1 Transit Fan is a high school student who is inspired by BART fans who attended the 50th anniversary celebrations last September.
Mira the Train Operator joined BART as a system service worker before becoming a train operator.
Barty the Friendly Companion is creature inspired by the BART legacy fleet.

Add Axios on Google

BART rolls out anime mascots to attract younger riders

More San Francisco stories