BART route mileage is roughly the same as WMATA. recent ridership peaks B 380k WMATA 850k. DC built more urban core routes, BART built to orchards which have filled up w/ low density sprawl. As to extensions, BART is nearly at capacity under the Bay, so if they extend the EB routes rush hour will become less tolerable which will discourage ridership. Having built a platinum plated UNDERdesigned Buck Rogers system BART is stuck with all of the original design flaws except the slant front cars. Hey, its like the IRT in NY--curves too sharp can't run longer wider cars even though it has some of the most useful routes. Best options? All further rail 4'8 1/2"!