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(1/16/25 update)

The track shutdown and bus bridge that had been planned between Walnut Creek and Concord for Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19 has been postponed. Instead, BART will offer our regular weekend service on both days.

BART will provide Saturday service for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 20. Saturday service means BART will open at 6am and close at midnight and there is less frequency on the Yellow Line (service is every 20 minutes).

BART must replace decades old track components between Walnut Creek and Concord stations to ensure reliable service. To allow for the work to happen in the most efficient way possible as well as to provide safe conditions for workers, there will be no train service between Walnut Creek and Concord on Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19. Instead, riders will get off their train and take a free bus to move between Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre, and Concord stations. Riders can expect delays of 20 to 30 minutes in the work area on both Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19. Work is not planned for Monday, January 20. 

BART will provide Saturday service for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 20. Saturday service means BART will open at 6am and close at midnight and there is less frequency on the Yellow Line (service is every 20 minutes).

The project will also require the cancellation of some early morning and late night trains.

Saturday Morning:

• The first southbound trains departing Concord at 5:37am and 5:57am will be cancelled.
• Instead, the first southbound trains going to San Francisco will depart Walnut Creek at 5:45am, 6:05am, and 6:25am.
• To accommodate southbound passengers, buses will depart Concord at 5:23am, 5:43am, and 6:03am and Pleasant Hill at 5:30am, 5:50am, and 6:10am to connect with these trains.

Saturday and Sunday Night:

• The last southbound train departing Antioch at 11:58pm and Pittsburg/Bay Point at 12:12am will be cancelled.
• Riders must take the earlier southbound train, which departs Antioch at 11:32pm and Pittsburg/Bay Point at 11:46pm.

Sunday Morning:

• The first southbound trains departing Concord at 7:37am and 7:57am will be cancelled.
• Instead, the first southbound trains going to San Francisco will depart Walnut Creek Station at 7:45am, 8:05am, and 8:25am.
• Buses will depart Concord at 7:23am, 7:43am, and 8:03am and Pleasant Hill at 7:30 AM, 7:50m, and 8:10am to connect with these trains.

This upcoming work is part of BART’s overall effort to improve safety and reliability of the 131-mile, 50 station system. There are now more rebuilding projects happening across BART than at any point in its more than 50-year history. You can learn more about the progress of this work by reading the 2024 Measure RR Annual Report published by the independent Measure RR Bond Oversight Committee.

You can keep up with the latest updates for trackway repair projects that impact service by going to our Alerts and Advisories page. BART’s Trip Planner has been improved to show the full rider journey including bus bridges. You can also check Real Time Departures for your station of choice.

(This article was first published 12/6/24)

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, the BART Police Department hosted its 11th annual awards ceremony to honor the officers, civilians, and good Samaritans who went above and beyond to serve their community over the past year. View photos of the honorees in attendance in the above slideshow.  

There was a heavy heaping of holiday cheer in the air as department members gathered with their families in a festive room, decorated with balloons and trees trimmed in BART’s blue and white colors. The jovial master of ceremonies, Lieutenant Jesse Sekhon, came dressed in a new BART holiday sweater, embellished with holiday-themed BART Police patches. 

Chief of Police Kevin Franklin opened the ceremony by welcoming attendees, including recently retired BART Police Chief Ed Alvarez, to the standing-room-only gathering and recognizing department members who were working shifts during the celebration. Franklin began his remarks by defining some of the many changes the department saw in 2023, including a redeployment strategy that has more than doubled the presence of sworn officers on trains. 

Franklin also cited the department’s immense recruitment efforts to fill officer vacancies. In June, the BART Board of Directors approved an agreement that increases police officer salaries to put the department’s pay on par with other Bay Area law enforcement agencies.  

“Hiring is nonstop right now,” Franklin said.  

Following Franklin’s remarks, the presentation of colors, and the chaplain’s invocation, Sekhon – the lights of his holiday sweater blinking – took to the mic to begin the awards ceremony. All honorees were nominated for their awards by their colleagues. 

The first honoree was Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS) Amnesty Afholderbach, who was recognized with the Community Service Award for her “vigilance, awareness, and quick response,” which has resulted in numerous apprehensions and many lives being saved throughout the system. Her peers and supervisor said she represents the ethos and philosophy of community-oriented policing “to the fullest.” 

The second Community Service Award recognized CIS Natalie Robinson, CIS Ciaundria Allen, and CIS Leslye Chavez for their efforts to offer services to a specific group of individuals who often visited Castro Valley Station. One of the individuals, Harley, is the son of a BART employee.  

On Sept. 25, 2023, Harley walked into the station in search of CIS Robinson. He said he was ready to get help for his drug addiction, which had led to him living on the street. CISes Robinson, Allen, and Chavez coordinated with Harley’s parents, BART foreworker Bryan Snyder and Melissa Snyder, to coordinate paperwork and insurance information and help to arrange travel to the treatment program. The CISes saw him off at the train station. They even packed him food for the journey.  

Speaking at the ceremony, Bryan Snyder announced that his son has been sober for 80 days. Attendees clapped and cheered at the news, with many wiping tears.  

“We are so lucky to have crossed paths with them. They saved our son,” Melissa Snyder said of the CIS team.  

Robinson said the Snyders are “like family to me now," and that she and her team members receive regular updates on Harley’s condition.  

“We’re cheering him on,” Robinson said. “It’s heartwarming to know your work is making a difference.”  

The emotional presentation of the Community Service Award was followed by the conferment of the Exceptional Case Award, honoring Detective Michael Polcar, Officer Miguel Tellez, and Detective William Baker for their fast work in apprehending a murder suspect just over an hour after the suspect committed the crime.  

Community Service Officer Eufracio “Ace” Lanta, who was hired just a year ago at twenty years old, was then named Civilian of the Year for his proactivity and eagerness to support fellow department members. Sekhon noted that for the first time in BART Police Awards history, Lanta’s nomination came from multiple sergeants and officers.  

Three members of the public were recognized with the Good Samaritan Award: William Hannigan, Cynthia Christian, and Shawyan Moosavi. Sekhon said the group sprang into action in December 2022 to restrain a suspect on a train until police arrived. Moosavi was in attendance to collect the award.  

The Life-Saving Award honored Sergeant Shaun O’Connor, Officer Prabhdeep Chehal, Officer Teaundre Matthews, Officer Frances Shannon, Officer Michael Roman, Officer Justis Miller, Officer Travis West, Officer Glen Eddy, and Officer Marc Mabalot. In January, the officers worked together and demonstrated creativity and quick-thinking to ensure a man was brought to safety from the trackway.  

Three awards followed, including Patsy Lara-Hernandez being named Dispatcher of the Year. Lara-Hernandez was commended for always maintaining high spirits in the dispatch center as well as her ongoing efforts to train new employees. She brought a special guest to the ceremony – her new baby.  

Officer of the Year Garrett Dibble was recognized as a standout member of the department for his exceptional work ethic, his regular volunteering efforts, and his passion for police work. “I have no doubt that this will be the first of many recognitions in his career,” Sekhon said. After the ceremony, Dibble noted that the award “is a career accomplishment for me." 

The final honoree was Sergeant Christopher Plumley, who was honored with the Chief’s Award. Plumley was commended for helping to further define and expand his role as Administrative Patrol Sergeant as well as assisting in the creation of the department’s redeployment plan, which he helped roll out in March 2023.  

After the ceremony, Plumley said it “means a lot to be recognized, but it’s always a team effort.”  

“We’re a family when we come in each day, and a family when we go home,” he said. His words provide a neat summary for the spirit of the awards ceremony and the department ethos at large.  

Congratulations to the 2023 BART Police Award Winners 

Community Service Award: Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS) Amnesty Afholderbach, CIS Natalie Robinson, CIS Ciaundria Allen, and CIS Leslye Chavez 

Exceptional Case Award: Detective Michael Polcar, Officer Miguel Tellez, and Detective William Baker  

Civilian of the Year: Community Service Officer Eufracio “Ace” Lanta  

Good Samaritan Award:  William Hannigan, Cynthia Christian, and Shawyan Moosavi 

Life Saving Award: Sergeant Shaun O’Connor, Officer Prabhdeep Chehal, Officer Teaundre Matthews, Officer Frances Shannon, Officer Michael Roman, Officer Justis Miller, Officer Travis West, Officer Glen Eddy, Officer Marc Mabalot 

Dispatcher of the Year: Dispatcher Patsy Lara-Hernandez 

Officer of the Year: Officer Garrett Dibble 

Chief’s Award: Sergeant Christopher Plumley 

A photo from the Dec. 18, 2025, BART Board meeting with representatives from We Care, members of the BART Board of Directors, BART executives, and BART employees who organized the drive.

Update Dec. 18, 2025: More than 1,020 toys, games, sporting equipment, and books, along with approximately $3,275 in gift cards, were presented to Concord’s We Care Services for Children at the BART Board meeting on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025.

We Care Executive Director Pete Caldwell and Director of Community Engagement Erica Williamson attended the meeting to express their gratitude to BART. They said all of their 1,000 young clients will receive a toy this year, along with their siblings. 

Caldwell said the gifts will help families free up money for food and basic survival necessities. 

"These families would go without in order to give their children a present for Christmas," Caldwell said. "This is an amazing gift for them and an opportunity to have the kind of holiday that will make their lives better."

Caldwell thanked BART employees for their "overwhelming amount of generosity."

"This has turned what would be a typical rush season for us into an exciting time," he said. "We could not be more grateful for everyone at BART."

1023 Toys

131 Gift Cards ($3275)

The holidays will look a little different at We Care Services for Children this year.  

The Concord-based nonprofit is the recipient of BART’s 2025 Holiday Toy Drive, a seasonal tradition where employees give back to the communities BART serves. The drive is organized by the BART Police Department and Office of External Affairs. 

BART Board President Mark Foley chose We Care as Toy Drive’s beneficiary, a choice he said was easy.  

“BART has hosted a holiday toy drive for more than twenty years, and this year, we're proud to continue the tradition by partnering with We Care,” Foley said. “It’s an honor to get to spread joy to the young children and families this important local organization uplifts.” 

We Care supports its young clients and families with a range of targeted mental health and developmental programs. The organization rarely gets the chance to give clients gifts for the holidays, but this year, every We Care child and their siblings will be gifted a special toy to celebrate the season.  

The generosity of BART employees will “allow us to bring joy to children and hope to parents in a way that will be remembered long after the holidays,” said We Care Executive Director Pete Caldwell. “With the cost of living rising and so many families balancing everyday pressures, this partnership with BART helps bring joy and relief at a time when it’s needed most.” 

Rodd Lee, BART Assistant General Manager of External Affairs, said the toy drive reflects the spirit of BART and those who work there. 

“BART employees are deeply committed to public service, and their participation in our annual toy drive exemplifies this dedication,” he said. “Our agency is grateful to give back to the communities we serve.”

Children crafting at We Care Services for Children in Concord. 

In 2024, BART employees donated more than 1,100 toys and $3,600 in gift cards for the year’s recipient organization, Mission Food Hub. 

In December, We Care is planning a special holiday week, where staff will distribute gifts during therapy sessions, preschool visits, and home-based appointments. We Care staff knows every family personally, so they can match each child with a gift they’ll love, whether it’s a toy train, giant stuffie, singing rabbit, or sit ‘n spin.  

“The children know and trust our staff, so receiving something from us feels genuine — like a small extension of the care and support we are known for,” Caldwell explained. “It’s a gesture that reminds them they’re valued and cared for.” 

We Care alum Jason is testament to the great heights children can reach when they’re respected and supported.  

When Jason was adopted, his dad worried about finding a preschool that would understand his abilities, including his delayed speech development. Jason's dad was initially hesitant when referred to We Care, but he began noticing his son changing and growing not long after joining the preschool program.  

“We Care helped my son discover his creativity and capabilities, and to build the foundation for the remarkable person he is today,” his dad said. “The staff at We Care are true heroes.” 

Children crafting at We Care Services for Children in Concord. 

Fifteen years after graduating from preschool, Jason walked across the stage at Mt. Diablo High School to accept his high school diploma. 

“Because of We Care, Jason doesn’t think about his limitations,” his dad said, adding that Jason aspires to become a chef or school bus driver. Jason, like many children, loves public transit.  

Many We Care families rely on BART to get around the Bay Area, including to their programs, so partnering with BART on the toy drive seemed a natural extension of this work.  

“BART plays a vital role in keeping our community connected,” Caldwell said. “It helps parents reach work, schools, and essential services that support family stability — things that directly impact the well-being of children like those we serve.” 

“This partnership with BART reflects the spirit of public transit – connection and care,” he concluded. “BART is committed to strengthening the communities it reaches, which makes the toy drive especially meaningful and greatly valued.” 

Learn more about We Care Services for Children, including how you can support the organization this season, at wecarechildren.org.  

A new day for riders arrives Wednesday, August 20, as BART becomes the Bay Area’s first Tap and Ride system. Starting with tomorrow morning’s commute, Tap and Ride will provide riders the ability to pay adult fares at BART fare gates using physical contactless credit or debit cards or mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. With Tap and Ride, riders will no longer need to use a Clipper card to ride BART.  This will be an immense timesaver for riders who can now use their contactless bank cards to ride BART with zero registration or setup process required. 

“Tap and Ride follows the installation of Next Generation Fare Gates, running only Fleet of the Future trains, boosting cleaning, and increasing our visible safety presence as efforts that are transforming the BART experience,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers. “This is an especially important innovation for out-of-town visitors and infrequent riders who may not have a physical or digital Clipper card and want a simple way to use our service.” 

“Right now, San Francisco is seeing real momentum, and you can feel it across the city—on our streets, in our businesses, and in the energy downtown. And we are continuing this momentum by giving residents and visitors an easy, reliable way to get to the heart of our city,” said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Tap and Ride will make it faster and easier than ever to take BART into and around San Francisco, and it will help drive our city's recovery.”

Tips for using Tap and Ride on BART 

Cards accepted for Tap and Ride on BART include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover Network. Physical bank cards must be contactless enabled, with the contactless symbol on either the front or back of the card. Riders can also use bank cards added to digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay to Tap and Ride.  

When paying with a contactless bank card, riders will be charged full adult fares, and riders with eligibility-based discounts, such as Clipper START or youth and senior discounts, must continue using their physical or digital Clipper card. Transfer discounts will not be available with Tap and Ride until the feature is rolled out to the Bay Area’s other transit agencies. Riders transferring from BART to a connecting transit agency are advised to use their physical or digital Clipper card to receive the current transfer discounts.  

Each rider must pay with their own card or device, and they must use the same card or device to tap in and tap out of the BART system. If family members have the same credit card number but they are on different cards and devices, they will be able to use it. 

Tap and Ride going Bay Area wide 

Tap and Ride functionality for BART riders marks the first step in the transition toward the long-awaited next generation of the Bay Area’s Clipper® electronic transit-fare payment system being implemented by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and participating Clipper transit agencies. Contactless bank cards soon will be accepted by the nearly two dozen other Bay Area transit agencies that accept Clipper for fare payment. Once the next generation of Clipper is rolled out Bay Area wide, Tap and Ride will include all discounted fares and transfers between transit services. 

“MTC and the Bay Area transit agencies will be rolling out a number of other improvements to the Clipper fare payment system in the coming months,” said MTC Chair and Pleasant Hill Mayor Sue Noack. “This early rollout of contactless bank card acceptance on BART is an example of MTC’s commitment to making transit fare payment easier for riders across the region.”  

BART now accounts for about half of all Bay Area transit trips paid for using Clipper. In 2019, the agency retired paper tickets and began accepting only Clipper card fare payments. 

How to avoid card clash 

Card clash occurs when a Clipper reader detects more than one card at a time, which can result in card reader errors (i.e., three beeps, red light and tap again messages) or having the wrong card charged. This applies to both Clipper cards and contactless bank cards, including cards stored in digital wallets.   

To avoid card clash, users of physical cards should remove their card from their wallet or purse before tapping. Riders using Apple Pay to Tap and Ride can easily enable Express Mode for their credit or debit card by accessing the Wallet and following the steps. Those with a Clipper Card already added to Apple Wallet who would prefer to use Tap and Ride to pay for transit must turn off Express Mode for Clipper card. 

Android devices will automatically present the digital Clipper card if the user has one in Google Wallet. Android device users can override this feature and pay with Tap and Ride by navigating to their desired bank card before tapping on a Clipper card reader.  

Starting August 20, customers can call the Clipper Customer Service Center at 877-878-8883 for assistance using contactless bank cards. Customers also may visit the Clipper Contactless Payments webpage to learn more. A new website feature allows customers to get a list of recent contactless transit-fare payment transactions.  

Learn more about how to use Tap and Ride at bart.gov/contactless

BART crews will replace the old fire alarm system at Walnut Creek Station beginning the week of Monday, February 9. The elevators and escalators at the station will be intermittently out of service so BART crews can tie them into the new fire alarm system. Riders who need to use an elevator or escalator to access BART should consider using Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre or Lafayette stations as alternatives or contact the Station Agent for assistance. Agents can arrange a ride to a different station in an accessible van if needed. The work is expected to last approximately two weeks. 

Testing of the new fire alarm system may result in strobe and speaker activations, open fare gates, and preempt public address (PA) announcements that are false alarms. There will be extra safety staff including BART PD on hand to monitor. Walnut Creek Station will remain open while the work takes place.