The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system marked a significant milestone today, as it received the 1,000th Fleet of the Future train car from manufacturing partner Alstom. According to a report by BART's official news release, the car, numbered 4690, arrived at the Hayward Test Track at approximately 4:30 am.
The transit agency is on track to complete the Fleet of the Future project by 2026, ultimately incorporating 1,129 state-of-the-art cars. Before officially joining the service ranks, each new car must undergo a rigorous testing protocol. As told by Transportation Supervisor Casey Ungar, these procedures are designed to prepare the cars for their introduction to the public thoroughly. Ungar revealed in its official news release that BART is the only agency to test cars up to 80mph on its test tracks. The process begins with a "kiss" of the third rail, bringing the vehicle to life in the early morning hours.
BART's social media post, which echoes the details provided in the news report, highlighted the importance of this delivery and the subsequent journey of car No. 4690. Upon arrival at BART's test track—a 2.25-mile stretch of rail—the cars face a battery of assessments administered by specialized BART and Alstom staff, as published on BART's social media post.
On Thursday, July 28, BART accepted its 1,000th Fleet of the Future car from Alstom – Car No. 4690 – which pulled onto test track around 4:30am.
— BART (@SFBART) July 28, 2025
It’s a major milestone for the project, to be completed in 2026 when BART accepts the final 1,129th car. pic.twitter.com/5o9RdiGMwz
After delivery, the car is primed to pass through five days of tests, an important step to ensure it can safely carry passengers. This schedule typically enables BART to certify up to five cars weekly. These tests closely examine the car's acceleration, braking capabilities, and dynamic acceptance testing. To achieve this, operators manually control the cars on the test track, unlike the automated process on mainline tracks. The tests culminate in acceleration and brake evaluations at various speeds, with the most intensive phase involving tests at 80mph. Darryl Lawrence, Alstom Product Introduction Commissioning Manager, explained in an interview reported by BART's official news release that until certification, the cars remain Alstom's property.
The testing stages are significant not only for the cars but also for those who have dedicated years to BART's progression. One such individual is Kirk Paulsen, a Train Operator with over three decades of service, who has witnessed the evolution of BART's fleet first-hand and has chosen to delay his retirement to see the project to its end. Paulsen's connection to the Fleet of the Future project is a testament to the human element woven into the fabric of public transportation. It's this dedication and meticulous attention to detail that, once the formalities conclude, each car is ready to become a part of the everyday lives of commuters throughout the Bay Area, as described by Paulsen in a statement obtained by BART's official news release.
