Previously: BART Shutdown Today, Ferry Alternatives to San Francisco
UPDATE 12:45 p.m.: Regular BART service has resumed throughout the system. All stations are now open. Expect major residual delays systemwide.
News that nobody wants to see on a Friday morning: BART is not running.
The first notice on the BART website was issued at approximately 5 a.m. on Friday, September 5, stating simply, “A computer equipment problem following network upgrade work is preventing the start of service this morning. Seek alternative means of transportation.”
BART officials suggested using AC Transit or SF Ferry to get from the East Bay to San Francisco, and MUNI to get around San Francisco once you get there.
The shutdown stranded more than 180,000 weekday riders during peak commute hours, according to news reports. KTVU News reported that, at every station, “BART trains sat in the dark, no riders were on the platform. And by 6 a.m., traffic started to get heavy approaching the Bay Bridge toll plaza.”
At 9:30 a.m., BART issued an update, stating that limited service was being resumed in parts of the East Bay only, but the West Oakland station remained closed.
“There is currently no service through the Transbay Tube or at any West Bay stations,” the notice stated. BART spokesperson Chris Filippi told SFGATE, “We don’t have an estimate for when we will be able to restore transbay service.”
This is the fourth major BART outage issue since May.
Transbay ferry service
SF Bay Ferry issued an advisory notice stating that they are “prepared to help travelers cross the Bay during the BART system shutdown.”
Ferry officials noted that regularly scheduled transbay service will be running as usual on Friday and they are prepared to offer additional surge capacity if necessary.
Additional information was provided for passengers, as follows:
- All transbay ferry routes except for the South San Francisco route serve the Ferry Building, two blocks away from the Embarcadero Station. Numerous Muni, Muni Metro and other bus routes are available near the ferry terminal.
- Regular weekday schedules are in effect for SF Bay Ferry with more than 150 transbay trips scheduled.
- No reservations are required. SF Bay Ferry operates first come, first served for its regular service.
- Trips are $4.90 each way on most routes serving Downtown San Francisco. The Vallejo route is $9.90 each way. Seniors, youth and disabled passengers receive 50% discounts.
- Clipper is accepted on all regular ferry service. Passengers can also use the SF Bay Ferry app or purchase tickets with cash or card on the ferry.
- Parking is free at the Oakland (validation available on the ferry), Alameda Seaplane, Harbor Bay and Richmond ferry terminals. Paid parking is available at the Vallejo Ferry Terminal.
