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BART will exclusively run Fleet of the Future trains for the base schedule as part of its reimagined schedule launch on September 11th. This change represents a big improvement in the rider experience as well as on-time performance. Without this change, BART would be running legacy cars in service well into 2024. Legacy trains may still be spotted here and there, but only as event trains or for contingencies.

The new trains are much more reliable than legacy trains, as evidenced by the most recent Quarterly Performance Report (QPR). The QPR for April through June, shows the Mean Time Between Service delays for the new cars are more than double the length for that of the legacy cars; in other words, the new trains operate for more than twice as long before service delays.

Using exclusively new trains for the base schedule is possible because BART is kicking off a new plan to size trains for safety and efficiency. 

“Our new cars are cleaner, require less maintenance, have better quality surveillance cameras, and offer a better customer experience with automated next stop displays and announcements," said BART Chief Communications Officer Alicia Trost. “Feedback from our riders on the Fleet of the Future cars has been profusely positive so offering more new car rides is a great accomplishment in customer service.”

BART will hold a proper public retirement ceremony for the legacy fleet to mark their final run in service at a later date (likely in 2024).  

^ Bach in the Subways kicked off on March 21 at Downtown Berkeley Station ^

Bach in the Subways performance schedule at BART stations (subject to change):

Performance schedule is subject to change and will be updated. You may also view the schedule on Bach in the Subways' website. Don't see your performance below? Email [email protected]. 

Thursday, March 21, 4pm to 6pm, Downtown Berkeley Station: performance by youths from Junior Bach Festival

Thursday, March 21, 4pm to 6pm, Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza: Two violins perform Bach and other music

Friday, March 22, noon to 1pm, Rockridge BART Plaza: Solo trombone performance by Zachariah Friesen

Saturday, March 23, noon to 12:30pm, North Berkeley Station: Parts from the first Cello Suites on octave mandolin

Sunday, March 24, 10:10am to 10:20am, Downtown Berkeley Station: Six-year-old Levi P. plays Minuet in C and Minuet No. 2

Wednesday, March 27, 4:30pm to 5:45pm, Ashby Stations: Saxophone performance by Brian L.

Thursday, March 28, 1pm to 1:30pm, Powell St. Station: Flute duet by M & L Flutes 

Friday, March 29, 4pm to 4:20pm, Downtown Berkeley Station: Solo soprano saxophone plays Sonata in A Minor

Saturday, March 30, noon to 1pm, Powell St. Station: Brassavola Brass Quintet (trumpets, tubas, French horn, trombone)

Saturday, March 30, 2:30pm to 3pm, Montgomery St. Station: Three to four youth play Bach and other music on violins

About Bach in the Subways:

BART invites local musicians to join us and Bach in the Subways for a worldwide celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach and his enduring music from March 21 to 31.‬ Bringing music to our stations and holding more events around the system is part of our strategy to activate stations and improve the customer experience.  

Come listen to the music in the free areas of select stations or sign up to play music yourself (more info on that below). The Performance Schedule can be found here and below. We'll be updating it as people sign up. 

Bach in the Subways is an international celebration of the German Baroque composer, whose prolific body of work in the early and mid-18th century has been cherished through the centuries. Bach in the Subways was started organically by New York City-based musician Dale Henderson in 2010 and has grown into musicians playing Bach in public spaces, like subway stations, in 150 cities across 40 countries.  

‪If you want to perform at a station, there are 3 quick steps to follow:‬ 

1) Register here.  
‪2) Apply for BART's free Expressive Activity Permit‬.  
‪3) Show up with your permit and play! 

For participating musicians, BART requires that they not affix any signs on the walls, do not use amplified music, and only perform in non-paid areas of the stations. Bach in the Subways requires that participating musicians not solicit tips or accept any money as it is meant to be a shared gift of musical joy. Read more about requirements and guidelines here. 

BART has taken immediate action to improve safety and cleanliness of the system to increase ridership and improve the customer experience. A Safe and Clean Plan was launched in coordination with a new service schedule that is responsive to post-pandemic commute patterns and ridership growth opportunities. 

BART’s General Manager Bob Powers and new Chief of Police Kevin Franklin are now launching a Safe & Clean Plan Listening Tour to hear directly from riders to get feedback on the plan and to check in with riders about their experience. 

This is the General Manager’s third Listening Tour. With safety being top of mind for many riders, this is the first time the Chief of Police will join the Listening Tour to hear directly from riders.

“So much has changed at BART since the pandemic and we have doubled down on our commitment to safety, cleanliness, and reliability improvements,” said General Manager Bob Powers. “Meeting riders where they are at and offering a specific time and location is a great way to gather invaluable feedback from riders and employees.” 

Station Visits*

• Thursday, Nov. 9, 7:45am-8:45am: Fruitvale
• Monday, Nov. 13, 5-6pm: Embarcadero
• Tuesday, Nov. 14, 7:15am-8:15am: Pleasant Hill
• Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7am-8am: Antioch
• Thursday, Nov. 30, 7am-8am: Dublin
• Sunday, Dec. 3, Noon-1pm: Civic Center
• Wednesday, Dec. 6, 7:15am-8:15am: Fremont
• Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7:15am-8:15am: El Cerrito del Norte 

*Subject to change. The schedule will be kept up to date.

Powers and Franklin will be on the platform talking to riders while they wait for trains. Posters will be displayed on Station Agent booths in advance to notify riders when they will be at the station.