This story is archived. Visit bart.gov/news for the latest BART news.

BART experienced major delays on Friday 9/23 due to electrical problem in Transbay Tube

 

11pm update: Normal service through the Transbay Tube was restored at 11pm Friday night.


BART riders should expect major delays systemwide through the end of service tonight due to single tracking through the Transbay Tube because of an electrical problem.

While BART will have limited service, riders are encouraged to seek alternate transportation. AC Transit is offering free rides on transbay lines. Muni is an option for trips within San Francisco and riders should consider ferry service. A map is provided below.

The issue began this morning when an electrical overcurrent caused a breaker to trip offline, failing in a safe mode. This took a segment of rail in our tube out of service. We have been single tracking throughout the day while crews have been working to determine the root cause of the problem.

A fix will likely not take place until after service ends tonight because it requires BART to halt all service in the tube to give staff safe clearance. Halting service for an extended period is not an option as people rely on our service and providing limited single tracking service is better than no service.

What to Expect

  • Those who take BART will likely experience major delays (30 minutes or more) as trains will have to wait their turn to travel through the tube.
  • Trains will also stack up and not be able to move until the path ahead is clear. This impacts trips that are not going through the tube as well.
  • We will need to turn trains around at multiple locations, requiring riders to get off a train before their final destination and wait for another train.
  • Some trains will be cancelled, and riders will need to transfer. The Red and Green line will have limited service, if any. Riders coming from San Francisco will need to take an Antioch or Dublin train and transfer once in the East Bay.
  • There will be shuttle service for Millbrae riders, requiring a transfer.

You can use the BART Trip Planner to find alternatives to BART to get where you need to go by selecting “options” then “transit options” and turning off “BART.” Results will now only show bus and ferry options only.

If you enter a BART station and change your mind, you must see the Station Agent BEFORE YOU TAG OUT to avoid the "excursion fare charge." The agent will give you a sticker and direct you out so you are not charged $6.20. 

We deeply apologize for these very impactful delays.

Download a PDF of the Transbay Alternatives map

Transbay Alternatives