A power problem between Powell and Embarcadero stations caused major delays across the BART system Monday morning. Service was suspended on two lines and limited operations through the Transbay Tube.
The delays began shortly after 7 a.m. (opens in new tab) when Red and Green line trains were halted while the Blue line operated only between the Dublin/Pleasanton and West Oakland stations. Yellow line trains provided the sole link between San Francisco and the East Bay, but they were running less frequently than during a typical weekday rush hour.
BART spokesperson Anna Duckworth said electricians were assessing and repairing the power issue in the system’s downtown trackway. “All 50 stations remain open, and we do have service to all 50 stations, but we do have major delays because of this ongoing issue,” Duckworth added.
The disruption forced passengers to navigate a complicated series of transfers during the morning commute.
Riders traveling from San Francisco toward Berryessa were directed to board Dublin/Pleasanton trains and transfer at Bayfair to reach their destinations. Those heading from the East Bay toward San Francisco were instructed to take Richmond trains and transfer at Bayfair to Daly City service.
Millbrae passengers faced additional hurdles, with BART advising them to use a shuttle train between SFO and Millbrae stations to connect with Yellow line service. Richmond riders bound for Millbrae were told to take Orange/Berryessa trains and transfer at MacArthur to Yellow/SFO trains.
BART did not immediately provide an estimate for when full service would be restored.
BART ridership has increased since the start of the year, but the agency has faced a run of equipment-related disruptions. The transit system shut down for several hours May 9 due to a train-control issue and computer networking problems.
On Aug. 29, several Transbay Tube trains filled with smoke, panicking evening rush-hour commuters and interrupting service for several hours. Other multi-hour meltdowns followed in September and October.