The need for some kind of modern transit system as an alternative to the automobile in the San Francisco Bay Area had its genesis over a quarter century ago, at a time when the established transit systems in the area were suffering decreasing patronage and freeways were gaining popularity in California. This is a report on the actions which developed from early recognition of that need. The report describes the concept of BART and the major experiences translating that concept to its present operation in revenue service. At the conclusion, the report gives an account of BART's patronage and its trend as an indicator of its acceptance as a People Moving System.