Muni subway riders between West Portal and Castro were stuck with slow-moving trains today after the SFMTA sounded the alarm about a possible intruder in the Twin Peaks Tunnel near Forest Hill. Crews were ordered to sweep the tracks at reduced speed to make sure the right-of-way was clear, creating delays in both directions and stretching some commutes longer than usual.
What SFMTA said
According to SFMTA, the agency posted on X at about 8:38 AM today that trains would be slow-moving between West Portal and Castro while crews checked for a possible intruder near Forest Hill. The post explained that trains were sweeping the tunnel at reduced speed to ensure the tracks were clear and said updates would follow. The alert did not include additional details about the reported intruder.
ATTN: Slow-moving #SubwaySvc btwn West Portal & Castro in both directions due to possible intruder in the subway near Forest Hill. Trains are sweeping at reduced speed to ensure tracks are clear. Will update.
— SFMTA (@SFMTA_Muni) March 25, 2026
How similar checks have affected service
Tunnel trespassers slow Muni earlier this month after reports of people inside the Twin Peaks Tunnel triggered a safety sweep and slowed trains, showing how a single report can ripple across multiple lines. SFist also covered a 2025 incident in which an intruder near Castro led to halted service and trains temporarily switching back at West Portal, an operational move Muni uses to isolate tunnel problems. Those past examples highlight why the agency opts for caution whenever anyone is reported on or near the tracks.
Rider tips and what to expect
Riders traveling on the west side should expect delays and check SFMTA Muni Alerts or NextMuni for real-time updates. During safety sweeps, Muni sometimes runs shuttle buses between affected stations or turns trains back at West Portal to keep service moving elsewhere in the system. For emergencies, call 911; for non-emergency transit help, riders can contact 311 or sign up for Muni Alerts.
We will update with new information if SFMTA posts further details about the incident. Riders in the corridor should plan extra time until normal speeds are restored.
