Bay Area commuters are set for a schedule shakeup as BART announced enhancements to its transit services, slated to start on August 12. In an upgrade focusing on reducing crowding and better syncing with other transit systems, BART is adjusting train times and improving key connections. Riders might want to check the Trip Planner or timetables, as some departure times will be altered by a few minutes.
Specifically, those frequenting the Berryessa line can expect improved train spacing, with the Green and Orange lines maintaining 20-minute intervals but with more evenly spaced 10-minute gaps. Commuters transferring from the Blue to the Orange line at Bay Fair will see a reinstated connection, addressing the longer wait times and tight transfers previously reported. According to an X post by BART, the improvements also include collaboration with Caltrain to polish the transfer experience at Millbrae.
BART's new schedule drops August 12, 2024 with improvements to key connections and adjustments to reduce crowding.
— BART (@SFBART) July 22, 2024
Some departure times have shifted by a few minutes so check the Trip Planner or timetables to see how your trip is impacted.
Details:https://t.co/PzPlnv3bDS pic.twitter.com/Uhf6jfvPN8
It's a tag team effort for Bay Area's mobility as BART coordinates with Caltrain, which is expected to roll out its electric service this coming September 21. Aligned schedule changes mean that roughly 85% of weekday and 90% of weekend trains will offer a transfer window ranging from 5 to 19 minutes at Millbrae. Such a timeframe should absorb slight delays from both systems, allowing for reliable connections despite the inherent differences in train frequencies. Caltrain runs 4 trains per hour during peak times and 2 during off-peak. In contrast, BART runs 3 trains per hour consistently.
In March 2024, BART proactively shared its new schedule with all relevant transit agencies in preparation for a seamless transition. This foresight ensures that every piece of the transit puzzle fits. All parties are pushing for an advance in schedule bid alignment during August and January to polish the transfer timings between systems further.
