We’re living in a world where so many exercises in e-government wind up being just more ways for politicians and bureaucrats to deliver propaganda to us. But say what you will about turning off cell phones and the occasional controversial contract, BART really seems to “get it” when it comes to using social media and Web 2.0 to allow riders to talk back to policy makers.

They’re using social media resources to leverage a conversation with riders about everything from new car designs, more bike-friendly polices to more hygienic seats.

One of the first changes driven by this conversation was the rider “ick” factor around dirty seats. So guess what – here come new seats that are easier to clean and harder for the nastier species of germs to colonize.

Now if only they would hear us about more places to buy Clipper Cards.