This is why BART is putting yellow seats in trains

BART has begun swapping out the fabric for priority seating on all train cars with a light brownish yellow, in lieu of the standard greenish blue. BART has begun swapping out the fabric for priority seating on all train cars with a light brownish yellow, in lieu of the standard greenish blue. Photo: BART Photo: BART Image 1 of / 19 Caption Close This is why BART is putting yellow seats in trains 1 / 19 Back to Gallery

You may have noticed a pair of mustard-yellow seats on BART this week.

The transit agency is not freshening up its trains for spring, nor testing out fabric swatches. It's making sure those who need seats get them.

BART has begun swapping out the fabric for priority seating on all train cars with a light brownish yellow, in lieu of the standard greenish blue.

"It's a new and overt way of reminding people these seats should be [reserved] for those who need it," the agency said in a Wednesday Facebook post.

BART designates seats near the train doors as priority seating for seniors and persons with disabilities.

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Signage currently denotes which seats are priority, including a blue plaque that depicts a pregnant woman and two figures with walking aids, and below that, bold lettering that reads, "Federal law requires these seats be made available to seniors and persons with disabilities."

Reactions to the new seats were mixed on social media.

"How long will these seats look so clean?" asked one commenter on the BART post.

Many mused that, though a reminder is nice, most of the people taking up priority seats are fully aware of it.

"That is not going to work," wrote Sean Golchehreh. "The people who sit there know who those seats are meant for. They simply don't care."

At the end of its post, BART reminded riders: "If you do sit here please check the car for others who need a seat more than you."

Michelle Robertson is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @mrobertsonsf.