BART riders can now access free Wi-Fi 6E at five heavily travelled stations. The service is now live at San Francisco International Airport, West Oakland, Embarcadero, Civic Center, and Powell Street, providing station visitors with critical connectivity.
This launch marks the first milestone in a comprehensive digital transformation project that will bring state-of-the-art Wi-Fi connectivity to all BART stations over the next couple of years, followed by onboard connectivity on all BART trains. The Wi-Fi is powered by Boldyn Networks, a leading neutral host provider.
BART riders will access the SSID network named “BART Wi-Fi," and no password or email is required. Sessions on the network will last 20 minutes, and users will be required to confirm they are still actively using the network beyond 20 minutes.
Once users select to join the BART Wi-Fi network, their device will present an option to connect automatically. If that option is selected, their device will remember the SSID. When within the coverage area of the network, their device will automatically join the SSID, and a captive portal page will be presented to ensure they are still active on the network.
Benefits
- Eases strain on cell network during high-density events.
- Overall, phones perform better when connected to reliable Wi-Fi, especially in a congested area. It saves battery life too.
- Essential for international visitors to communicate without U.S. roaming plan.
- Ensures uninterrupted connectivity for medical/health monitoring devices.
- Ensures riders can access digital fare payments and emergency communications.
Free Wi-Fi comes at no cost to BART
Offering Wi-Fi to riders comes at no cost to BART because of our Licensing Agreement with Boldyn Networks (formerly Mobilitie LLC) that was entered into in 2020. The agreement allows Boldyn to use BART property to deploy cellular and fiber-optic infrastructure to enable:
- 5G cellular coverage in the SFMTA (Muni) underground
- New fiber-optic capacity through the Transbay Tube
- Multiple cellular installations around the Bay Area
This Agreement allows major service providers, like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Comcast, and many others, to deliver the connectivity people rely on. BART receives a share of telecom revenue generated on BART property—estimated at approximately $200 million over 20 years—along with ownership of several new assets. One of those assets is station Wi-Fi, which is provided to BART at no cost. Boldyn is responsible for the full cost of installing, operating, and maintaining the Wi-Fi system.
BART Wi-Fi FAQs
Question: Where is BART Wi-Fi available?
Answer: BART Wi-Fi is currently available in limited BART stations listed below.
- San Francisco International Airport Station
- Civic Center Station
- Powell Street Station
- Embarcadero Station
- West Oakland Station
BART will be launching Wi-Fi in more stations throughout 2026-2027 and an updated list will be located here.
Question: Is BART Wi-Fi available on trains?
Answer: No, BART Wi-Fi is currently only available in the limited stations provided above.
Question: What is the Network Name (SSID) and Password for BART Wi-Fi?
Answer: SSID: BART Wi-Fi Password: No password is required
Question: Will I have to enter my personal information like an email address to access BART Wi-Fi?
Answer: No
Question: After joining the BART Wi-Fi Network, how long will my session stay active before timing out?
Answer: Your session on the network will need to be refreshed every 20 mins. Every 20 minutes, the user will need to confirm that it is still actively using the Wi-Fi by navigating a brief captive portal page.
Question: Once I’ve connected to the BART Wi-Fi network, will my phone automatically join the network the next time I’m at a BART station that has Wi-Fi available?
Answer Once you select to join the SSID, your device will present an option to “Connect Automatically.” If that option is selected, your device will remember the SSID. When within the coverage area of the Wi-Fi your device will automatically join the SSID and a captive portal page will be presented to ensure you are still active on the network.