OAKLAND, Calif.—Federal officials plan to review the Bay Area Rapid Transit Agency's compliance with anti-discrimination laws amid criticism that its plan to extend service to Oakland International Airport would not benefit minority commuters.

The Federal Transit Administration's Office of Civil Rights says it will send employees to conduct the civil rights review of BART's service and fares in the next few months.

Officials say in a letter dated Oct. 28 the review was prompted in part by critics of the rail extension. The critics say the $522 million project would help affluent airline travelers.

Opposition groups say the money would be better spent on bus service for low-income and minority Oakland residents.

A BART spokesman says the review is routine.