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The BART Art Program is undertaking an effort to highlight even more local artists by inviting them to submit their existing artwork to be used in a variety of BART spaces, including stations, trains, and even BART Headquarters.

If you are a local artist aged 18+ and residing in one of the five BART counties -- Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara -- we invite you to submit your work!

The art we seek should reflect the BART system and its integral role in all of our lives in the Bay Area. We are looking not only for images of the trains, tracks, and stations -- though we know we will receive beautiful ones -- but also art that represents what makes BART the Bay and the Bay BART. How does the diverse geographies, geologies, and ethnographies you encounter on BART intertwine? How has BART influenced or inspired you as an artist? 

Submissions must be made through our Submittable platform by March 23 at 11pm PDT. The total number of applications will be limited to 400 (applicants not images), so we encourage you to apply early to ensure consideration. BART will be licensing the images; this is not an artwork purchase program.

What: Request for local artists to submit their BART-esque artwork

More info/rules: Request for Submissions

Submission portal: Submittable

Deadline: March 23, 11pm PDT, or until 400 applicants have submitted

Read about the BART Art Program at bart.gov/art. 

BART will participate in the 2025 International ShakeOut Day earthquake drill on Thursday, October 16, to test our emergency response systems and to help raise public awareness of the importance of having a plan and being prepared.

At 10:16am, BART staff will trigger our ShakeAlert early warning earthquake system to ensure it is functioning and working correctly. Once triggered, trains will automatically slow down to 27mph. Then all trains will come to a very brief stop. BART will also make a systemwide public announcement encouraging riders to be prepared for earthquakes. BART will also test our internal communications systems to notify employees and the Operations Control Center will observe earthquake alarms and our train control systems to ensure they are working properly.

ShakeAlert Early Warning Earthquake System

BART is an early adopter of the ShakeAlert system, which is connected to seismic stations located throughout Northern California. When the alarm is triggered, the system sends a speed restriction command to trains. This system removes human response time and can even slow trains down before the shaking occurs depending on how far away the quake is centered.

BART to Simulate Damage Inspections

BART has added simulated damage inspections to its ShakeAlert drill. Shortly after ShakeAlert is triggered Thursday, about 60 engineers will divide into teams and fan out to all 50 stations to conduct structural assessments. The engineers will inspect walkways, support structures, elevators, escalators – anything that could sustain damage in a powerful earthquake. The simulation is designed to identify areas for improvement and to exercise “muscle memory” for BART’s earthquake response. 

Emergency Response Plan

BART has an Earthquake Emergency Response Plan, and we hold several drills a year to ensure staff is trained and ready to respond. In the event of an earthquake, riders should listen for instructions from BART personnel. Employees are trained to evacuate the public from dangerous areas.  Following an earthquake, BART trains are held in place (except for trains in the Transbay Tube and BART Caldecott Tunnel) until it is determined it is safe to move the train to the nearest station where riders will be offboarded.

Earthquake Safety Tips

Where will you be and what will you do when the next big earthquake hits? Taking time to consider these questions now could help if you ever do find yourself in an earthquake.

LISTEN FOR INSTRUCTIONS

That’s one reason why the first guideline in a BART emergency is to follow instructions from BART personnel. The BART Operations Control Center is in constant communication with trains and Station Agents and is in the best position to manage emergencies and provide direction for the public.

ON A TRAIN

If you’re on a train during an earthquake, Train Operators will follow BART’s established emergency plan and provide you with important information. Sit down or grab a handhold to avoid injury. If an evacuation is necessary, emergency response personnel will coordinate.

IN A STATION

If you’re in a station during an earthquake, back away from the edge of the trackway. If you’re in the station concourse, don’t proceed to the platform. Instead, prepare to evacuate the station under the direction of BART personnel.

TRY TEXTING

No matter where you are, emergency experts recommend using text messaging instead of cell calls to communicate with family and loved ones in an emergency. Cell networks can be overwhelmed if everyone’s trying to call at the same time; text messages can be more efficient.

Earthquake Safety Program Completed in 2024

In September 2024, BART completed its Earthquake Safety Program, which retrofitted vulnerable high traffic portions of the original system to make it safer in a large quake. The Earthquake Safety Program was funded in part by Measure AA, a $980 million general obligation BART bond approved by voters in 2004. The program focused on upgrading portions of the original system not only for life safety but also to ensure that we can return to operation shortly after a major earthquake.

Visit Shakeout.org for simple safety steps during earthquakes.