Wireless Connections

BART apps and mobile services

Mobile Signal on BART

Whether you need to be connected for work or fun while riding BART, you’ll find a mostly continuous mobile signal for you to text, talk and surf the web on your wireless phone from Balboa Park into downtown San Francisco, through the Transbay Tube and all throughout the Oakland underground as long as you are a customer of a major wireless phone company (smaller carriers may join the network later).

Wifi and Bluetooth Construction on BART

On January 9, 2020, the BART Board unanimously approved a plan to markedly improve cell phone connectivity across the system, and provide seamless WiFi coverage in all stations and aboard Fleet of the Future trains. The project will construct new WiFi and Bluetooth infrastructure, and enhance cellular coverage to drastically reduce dropped calls, provide reliable connectivity for video and audio streaming while riding and waiting, and allow for improved app functionality, even in underground stations.

The Board approved agreements with the nation’s largest private wireless infrastructure firm, Mobilitie, to build and operate new revenue generating wired and wireless communications technology infrastructure at BART. The project entails four parts: 1) adding cellular service in three SFMTA tunnels; 2) adding WiFi and Bluetooth service in all BART stations; 3) wireless service in all Fleet of the Future trains; 4) installation of revenue-generating fiber optic cables in BART and SFMTA right-of-ways.

For more information, read here.

Connectivity Issues

If you experience connectivity problems with your mobile service while riding BART, your best bet is to contact your cellular provider first by dialing 611. On Dec. 1, 2011, the BART Board of Directors adopted a Cell Service Interruption Policy that allows for temporary interruptions only in the most extraordinary of circumstances. So if you've got connectivity problems, it's likely a technical issue that your provider can help resolve.