Restrooms at 10 of BART's underground stations had been closed since 9/11 because of safety concerns, but redesigned restrooms at Powell Street and 19th Street/Oakland stations opened in February 2022, followed by Montgomery Street and Lake Merritt stations restrooms opening in June 2022.

The closure of restrooms within the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system was a long-standing issue that began primarily as a security response following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. At that time, many underground station restrooms were shuttered due to fears that they could be used to hide explosive devices or other hazardous materials. Over the following two decades, the closures persisted due to significant concerns regarding public safety, cleanliness, and illegal activities. BART officials frequently cited the difficulty of monitoring these secluded spaces, which often became magnets for drug use, vandalism, and loitering, creating an environment that was both unsanitary for commuters and dangerous for staff to maintain. However, in response to intense public pressure and new state legislation, BART began a phased reopening program in 2022. Modernized restrooms now feature "all-gender" designs, improved lighting, and heavy-duty materials to deter vandalism. Despite these reopenings at major hubs like Powell Street and 19th Street Oakland, many smaller or deeper underground stations remain closed because they lack the modern ventilation and security infrastructure required to keep them safe. BART continues to balance the basic human need for facilities with the high cost of constant janitorial and police presence.