BART carried more than half a million trips on Thursday -- 518,743 to be exact -- making the Golden State Warriors' 2017 NBA Championship victory parade the fifth-highest ridership day in our history.

We want to thank our riders, our employees and all of Dub Nation for making it a successful and safe day.

Thursday's number was down about 5 percent overall from the Warriors' parade after their championship victory in 2015. Thursday's ridership was an increase of about 27 percent from the ridership seen on a baseline Thursday without special events.

Data show the public heeded our advice to avoid the smaller Lake Merritt Station and instead used 12th and 19th, relieving some crowding. Data also show riders left earlier, helping spread out ridership during the commute.

Downtown Oakland Station Data:

Lake Merritt had 22,009 entries and 27,519 exits

12th Street had 37,689 entries and 33,430 exits

19th Street had 29,953 entries and 32,114 exits

In 2015 Lake Merritt had more entries and exits than 19th street

Early Start to the Day

By 6:30 a.m. the system had 42% more entries than the previous Thursday and 15% more transbay trips- showing commuters heading to the city left earlier

There were also 10% more entries by 6:30 a.m. compared to the 2015 parade.

For a recap via social media, check out our Storify!