SAN FRANCISCO — On Friday morning, numerous commuters in the San Francisco Bay Area faced an unexpected disruption as they sought alternative routes due to a complete shutdown of the region’s key commuter rail system, BART. The Bay Area Rapid Transit system experienced this shutdown for several hours, leaving many regular passengers in search of backup travel options.
BART representatives revealed that the system was unable to operate its train control system, attributed to a system malfunction. According to a spokesperson, they encountered difficulties in powering up the crucial train control infrastructure, which halted train operations, ensuring safety remained uncompromised. The precise reason for this technical issue was not immediately disclosed.
This disruption proved challenging, as BART is responsible for transporting nearly 175,000 individuals on most weekdays. The service outage, which began shortly after 5 a.m., persisted until approximately 9 a.m., thus severely affecting morning commutes for countless individuals. Among its routes, BART provides access to the San Francisco International Airport, adding further complexity for travelers.
In response to the unforeseen interruption, alternative ferry and bus services were mobilized, aiding passengers in reaching their intended destinations despite the transportation gridlock.