When it comes to rebuilding the backbone of BART, the upcoming track work in the heart of Oakland is the main event. Welcome to “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART.” Years of planning have gone into the track replacement work that’s going to be happening on select weekends over the next three years in the core of the BART system. Organizers are calli…

BART’s base train schedule now consists of all new Fleet of the Future trains, a major milestone for a project that’s been more than a decade in the making. On our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories From BART,” Project Manager John Garnham reveals how fast the new cars speed along BART’s test track, explains why the process of building the o…

On this edition of our podcast, "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART", we'll hear from Casey Unger, who is a Transportation Supervisor based in our Daly City Yard. As a Transportation Supervisor, Casey plays a critical role in BART's daily ability to implement its service plan. But before he got a promotion, Unger was a Train Operator and a very popul…

Not One More Girl is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at stopping gender-based violence and sexual harassment on public transportation. BART has been a partner in the campaign that first launched in April of 2021. Not One More Girl just launched its second phase, which places an emphasis on enabling people to have a greater sense of empowerment in…

On September 11, BART will roll out a reimagined service plan that will eliminate 30-minute wait times on nights and weekends. That means no BART rider will have to wait more than 20 minutes for a scheduled train no matter the hour or day of the week. This new schedule is responsive to post-pandemic commute patterns and opens new opportunities for …

Mobility as a Service or MaaS is one of the hottest topics in public transportation. While the subject may be new for some, there's little question it impacts you every time you get on a BART train and its reach has potential to go even beyond that. Chris Filippi is your host for this episode of "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" and he's joined by…

This edition of "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" features John Allen, who is a Transit Vehicle Mechanic at BART’s Hayward Maintenance Complex. John is BART's answer to MacGyver. In his time at BART, he's become an expert at keeping some of the oldest trains in the entire fleet in operation. We'll learn how he and his fellow mechanics use creativi…

Changes coming in September will revolutionize BART’s schedule by adding a layer of consistency in the timing of trains across all 7 days of the week that will be unlike anything BART riders have experienced in the last 50 years. The latest edition of BART’s podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” explores what the schedule change means f…

March is Women’s History Month so on this edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’re profiling four of the female leaders of the agency. We’ll hear their stories of growing up, hear about the trajectories of their careers, their triumphs, challenges, how they define good leadership, and more.Read the transcript here: https://www.bart.gov/n…

BART has set an ambitious goal to get at least half of its power from renewable sources by 2025 but the Bay Area likely won’t have to wait that long. On the latest edition of our podcast series, “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” you’ll hear from BART Energy Manager Paul Bostrom who is spearheading the District’s clean power efforts. BART is well k…

The first of 41 rebuilt escalators at downtown San Francisco BART stations is now open to the public at Powell Street Station. BART is making its largest investment in escalators in decades with a generational project that will have a direct impact on the everyday experience of thousands of riders. The latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden T…

There are few people who can claim a career path like the one followed by Tamar Allen. Over a span that stretches across four decades Allen has worn many hats ranging from police officer to Assistant General Manager. Allen has played a critical role in some of the largest projects in BART’s history including the $3.5 billion Measure RR rebuilding p…

BART’s podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” is back just in time for national Transit Worker Appreciation Day. In our latest episode we’ll hear from John O’Connor who is one of the 287 employees participating in BART’s District Retirement Incentive Program as the agency cuts costs amid financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pa…

From new platform signs to making the most out of millions of pieces of data, BART is going through an innovation revolution that’ll have a big impact on the rider experience. On the latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’ll go into the lab to meet Wendy Wheeler who is BART’s Manager of Computer Systems Engineering. Wheeler is one …

There are few images in the Bay Area that are more iconic than the BART system map. Millions of people see the maps throughout the system every year and regular riders can probably create a fairly accurate version of it from memory. On this edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART,” we're diving into the history of the BART m…

Rain can have a major impact on the Bay Area’s commute and BART is no exception. “Welcome to Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART.”On this edition of Hidden Tracks, we’re answering your questions about why BART so often faces delays when it rains. BART has a game plan to keep weather-related issues to a minimum that’s put into action by a team with dec…

On the latest edition of our podcast series "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" we’re talking about all things cleaning with the two men who have been at the center of an important transformation that has taken place over the last year. BART is redoing the way it cleans its trains and stations. This far-reaching effort is having an impact on hiring,…

More BART riders than ever before can now ride the Fleet of the Future through the Transbay Tube. By mid-February, every transbay line will be served by a Fleet of the Future train. As more new cars arrive, BART is expanding its hands-on training for the operators who will run the new fleet.On the latest edition of our podcast series, “Hidden Track…

BART has a robust video surveillance network. It includes working cameras on board all trains, in every station, and elsewhere throughout BART. But the reason BART police have been able to identify and arrest suspects in connection with several recent high-profile cases has as much to do with the technology as it does the people behind it. On this …

It takes a team effort to carry more than 413,000 riders on a typical weekday. On the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we meet Operations and Transportation Supervisor Phaethon Brown who oversees all station operations throughout the system. Brown has spent more than 17 years with BART including 13 as a Statio…

BART has reached a milestone in its efforts to bring riders a quieter ride. Now more than half of BART’s train cars have been outfitted with an advanced wheel profile that reduces both noise and wear on the rail. On the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’re focusing on the science of screech. The new wheel pr…

There’s a lot of technology that goes into making sure you can easily reload your Clipper card or buy a BART ticket and get quickly through the fare gates. On this latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’ll take an inside look at what makes BART’s Ticket Vending Machines and fare gates tick. It takes a dedicated team to keep an arra…

Station Agents are the face of BART for many riders but the position might be one of the most misunderstood in the agency. On the latest edition of our podcast series "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" we take an in-depth look at Station Agents and the challenges they face on the job. Great customer service is the goal and many times Station Agents…

BART maintenance workers already are doing everything they can to keep as many cars as possible in service. But they’re facing a growing challenge because of an avoidable problem. BART’s service yards are spending precious work hours repairing train doors that were forced open by riders or otherwise damaged. The latest numbers show through August t…

Several exciting initiatives are underway to make BART even more accessible for bicyclists. In the latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART,” we’ll hear from BART Bicycle Program Manager Steve Beroldo. From a big expansion in the Ford GoBike bike share program to new high-tech ways to secure your bicycle there are many bike-friendly idea…

The International Rail Rodeo is a special opportunity for transit agencies to show off their top talent and BART rose to the occasion. In the latest edition of our series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” you’ll meet the BART team that won the overall title at this year’s competition. This is the first time that BART has taken home the top overall…

Safety and security are a primary focus at BART and that commitment is visible at our Emergency Operations Center. On this episode of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we’ll take you inside our Emergency Operations Center to learn what BART is doing to be as ready as possible for any disaster that could strike the region. BART Emergency Manager Ma…

Getting people between Oakland International Airport and the Coliseum Station quickly and safely is right in BART’s Wheelhouse. On this edition of "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" we’ll take a look behind the scenes at the Wheelhouse, the hub of activity for BART to OAK. The ride is smooth and quiet but there’s no mistaking the sound when you go …

In our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we learn about all things BARTable. The site has only been around for a couple of years but already it has generated a large following among those interested in fun activities that are just a BART ride away.Few transit agencies have a campaign like BARTable that shows off all the interesti…

Train operators are a critical part of the team that keeps BART moving around the Bay. The system may be automated but the operators are the eyes and ears of the trains. It’s an important job but a sense of humor can still come in handy. In our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we take a ride with Bob Malito, who is better known …

BART is using a new strategy to reduce delays through the Transbay Tube. During peak commute hours BART is now deploying mainline technicians at both ends of the Tube at our West Oakland and Embarcadero stations. These highly-trained technical experts spend the commute riding dozens of trains through the Tube. That allows them to respond much more …

We’ve been hearing a lot about the many improvements that BART is investing in when it comes to its aging infrastructure, station upgrades and of course the Fleet of the Future. But there are also some exciting plans in the works when it comes to sustainability and BART’s impact on the environment. From solar panels to accommodating electric vehicl…

The term "right-of-way" might be a familiar one when it comes to driving, but it is also a phrase that is critically important when it comes to operating a railway. This time on our podcast series we’re going to learn about BART’s right-of-way team. That’s a group that plays a critical role in making sure the trains keep running. We’ll get an insid…

In this latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we take you behind the scenes of the Operations Control Center. The OCC is the nerve center of the BART system. This is where a dedicated team of problem solvers oversees BART's critical infrastructure as well as all of the trains as they carry tens of thousands of pass…

2017 is shaping up to be an important year for the BART Police Department. In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we take a closer look at the citizen oversight model that’s playing an important role in charting the direction of BART PD. The department is one of the few in the country that is overseen not jus…

In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we learn more about one of the people who plays a critical role in keeping the system running. Stephanie Bookout is an electrical foreworker who is part of the team that watches over the third rail, which provides power to all of our trains. Bookout has been with BART fo…

In our latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we listen to the sounds of the holiday season that are filling stations across the system. Buskers are nothing new for BART but this time of year many are taking a more festive approach to their music. BART riders are hearing from a variety of performers including a string ensemble from Bi…

You won’t believe some of the questions that people ask when they dial up our customer call center. In the latest edition of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we take an inside look at the call center, which is open 365 days a year. We hear from some of the longtime staffers at the center and see what it’s like to handle hundreds of calls a day fr…

Big changes are coming to BART’s Board of Directors. In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we hear from Tom Radulovich who is leaving the BART Board after 20 years of service. The outgoing board president talks about his decision to not seek re-election as well as his hopes for the future of BART. Radulovich…

BART is making it a priority to reach out to young people. In the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we learn more about how BART is teaming up with U.C. Berkeley on the Y-Plan (Youth – Plan, Learn, Act, Now). It’s an educational strategy that empowers young people to take on real-world challenges in their commu…

In our latest episode of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we sit down with former BART chief spokesman Mike Healy to relive the history of the transit agency. Healy has written a new book entitled “BART: The Dramatic History of the Bay Area Rapid Transit System.” Healy started his tenure with BART back in 1971 and spent several decades as the pub…

BART General Manager Grace Crunican is our guest on the latest edition of our podcast series “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART.” In the interview, Crunican talks about the need to build a Better BART. Crunican also provides updates on new initiatives to deal with crowding, improve customer service, worker safety, and the Fleet of the Future.…

In our latest episode of “Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART” we visit Ocean View Elementary School in Albany where Isabel Cohen’s fourth graders are getting ready to ride BART to a pair of field trips. The kids are excited for their big trips and Ms. Cohen is looking forward to sharing her lifelong experience of riding BART with her students. We als…

In our latest edition of "Hidden Tracks: Stories from BART" we hear from BART's Customer Access Director Bob Franklin. He talks about how small computers could make it easier to get vital information about BART service to riders with disabilities. We also learn what BART's plan is for sharing real-time parking information with riders and app develo…

We take you behind the scenes at Lost and Found. All hope is not lost if you accidentally leave something on a train car or in a station.p;/By Bay Area Rapid Transit

An in-depth look at what BART is doing to improve our busy Downtown San Francisco stations. BART Planning Manager Tim Chan discusses projects to provide capacity relief and other modernization efforts to enhance the rider experience.By Bay Area Rapid Transit

This time we look at what BART is doing to prepare for earthquakes. Eathquake Safety Program Manager Thomas Horton talks about the progress BART has made in recent years to protect the system from the next Big One.By Bay Area Rapid Transit

An inside look at what it’s like to be on patrol with a BART police officer. Sergeant Michael Williamson talks about why he still loves his job after 13 years with BPD.By Bay Area Rapid Transit

BART can take you many places around the Bay. But in this case, it offers a trip back to the past….to one of our darkest chapters in American history.By Bay Area Rapid Transit