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BART will participate in the 2024 International ShakeOut Day earthquake drill on Thursday, October 17, to test our emergency response systems and to help raise public awareness of the importance of having a plan and being prepared.

At 10:17am, 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 27 mph. 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.

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.

BART today started running longer trains on most of its lines in response to a recent surge in ridership. All trains on the Yellow Line, which extends from Antioch to SFO, will be extended from eight cars to nine. The Yellow Line is BART’s busiest. 

BART is also extending some trains on the Red, Blue, and Green lines. Each line will now feature four eight-car trains in the AM and PM peak. The longer trains will expand capacity as more riders take BART. BART’s ridership in August increased by 10% compared with a year ago. BART’s strongest ridership days of 2025 have come this month including the highest daily total of the year when 219,918 riders took BART on September 10. 

Ridership numbers are increasing as BART has delivered on a series of changes to improve safety, cleanliness, and the overall rider experience. Big wins for riders in 2025 include the earlier than promised installation of Next Generation Fare Gates at all 50 stations, a drop in BART’s overall crime rate, an increased visible safety presence, a boost in cleaning for trains and stations, customer on-time performance increasing to 94% for the latest quarter, and BART becoming the first transit system in the Bay Area to offer riders the convenience of Tap and Ride. 

BART Prom is sold out. There will be NO tickets available at the door.

Next Stop: Prom night. Break out the taffeta, tease up that hair, and dust off your dancing shoes. BART is hosting its first-ever prom at Rockridge Station. Skip the pricy stretch limo and take a ride that’s even longer: a BART train. All ages are welcome. Bring a date or don’t! 

On Saturday, June 6, from 6pm to 10pm, the Rockridge Station parking lot will transform into a fully decorated dance hall for BART Prom: Enchantment Under the C Line, an all-ages, 1980s-themed celebration with an under-the-sea twist. Whether you missed your prom, just want a do-over, or younger kids in your house want to experience a prom, this is your stop. 

Buy tickets on Railgoods.com ($15) 

The night will feature DJ Billy Vidal (6pm to 8pm) and live 80s cover band Sixteen Scandals (8pm to 10pm). The BART Prom Court will be crowned at 8pm (more info on how to enter to win below).  

Every ticket includes entry to the event, unlimited punch, a BART boutonniere or corsage, and a printed prom photo keepsake.  

What to expect 

The event space will be transformed with rad decorations that blend prom-night sparkle with under-the-sea flair. You can expect: 

• A DJ and live band performing throughout the night  
• A prom photo booth with a printed keepsake 
• BART boutonnieres and corsages -- included with ticket purchase 
• Punch bowls and water 
• Two additional photo stations for taking your own pictures 
• Food available for purchase 
• BART merchandise for sale from Railgoods.com (6pm to 8pm) 
• Coat check
• Fully accessible 
• Some seating provided 
• Extra restrooms 
• Police presence and First Aid 

BART Prom Court Contest 

A BART Prom Court will be crowned during the event, just like a traditional prom!  Winners receive special BART-themed crowns and free entry to the event. 

To win the coveted crown, post your BART promposal on social media by June 3 and tag BART (see handles below). Staff will select three finalists, and the public will vote for the winners via an Instagram poll before the event.  

Instagram:@sfbayarearapidtransit | Bluesky: @bart.gov  | X: @sfbart  | Facebook: facebook.com/bartsf | YouTube: youtube.com/bartable | TikTok: @sfbart 

What’s the C Line?  

That’s how BART staff internally refer to a section of the Yellow Line, and for one night, we’ll venture “under the C” to celebrate. The 1980s inspiration comes from a defining era for BART, when service expanded, ridership surged, and new train cars and infrastructure helped shape the system riders know today (and who doesn’t love an 80s prom?). 

Dress code  

80s-inspired, any generation of prom attire, under-the-sea themed, or any creative look that fits the vibe. Outfits must be appropriate for an all-ages event. 

Accessibility info 

One elevator is used to travel between the street, the concourse, and the trains at Rockridge Station. Access the elevator at street level just outside the station on College Avenue between Miles Street and Keith Avenue. View the elevator and Station Agent booth locations. Staff will be on hand to assist patrons.  

To reach the check-in area, enter the parking lot via the Miles Avenue driveway and travel through the parking lot toward the station entrance. Check-in will be located in the first row of the parking lot adjacent to the College Ave. sidewalk. Staff and signage will help direct you. 

If you have questions or would like to request special accommodations, contact Michelle Robertson, BART Communications, at [email protected]. 

Code of Conduct  

To ensure a safe and welcoming environment, all attendees must follow BART’s Customer Code of Conduct and event rules: 

• No drugs or alcohol 
• No smoking or vaping 
• No harassment of any kind  
• No inappropriate exposure 
• No vandalism or destruction of property  
• No outside food or drinks 
• No weapons 
• No moshing 
• No animals except service animals or those in training  
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times 

Failure to follow these rules will result in immediate removal from the event. 

Note: There will be no change to our current weekday service on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11. 

Ahead of Veterans Day, BART celebrates employees who served and acknowledges their ongoing commitment to public service.

"There are more than 200 military veterans in our BART family who each and every day contribute their experiences, values, and expertise to our organization," said General Manager Bob Powers. "We all benefit from what they bring to BART, as do our riders."   

Last month, BART Communications reached out to BART veterans with a few questions: How are the lessons and skills you gained in the military reflected in your work at BART? Why did you wish to continue your public service in a different capacity? Why are you proud to be a BART employee and a veteran?

You can read their responses in the slideshows on this page. To pause on an image, left click and hold your cursor on the image.

BART salutes our nation's veterans and thanks them for their service.