BART Upgrades Fire Safety at San Leandro Station

BART San Leandro Station elevators, escalators out intermittently for two weeks starting May 4

BART San Leandro Elevator Outages Start May 4

Riders who use elevators or escalators at San Leandro Station will need alternate routes starting May 4, when BART begins fire alarm system replacement work. The elevators and escalators will be intermittently out of service for approximately two weeks during the installation, transit officials said. Riders who need accessible access should consider using nearby Coliseum or Bay Fair stations instead.

Essential Safety System Upgrade

The work is part of essential maintenance to upgrade the station's fire safety systems, according to BART. The agency will replace the old fire alarm system starting the week of Monday, May 4, 2026. Station agents can arrange accessible van rides to different stations for riders who need elevator access during the construction period. San Leandro Station will remain open throughout the work, officials confirmed.

Testing May Trigger False Alarms

Testing of the new fire alarm system may trigger strobe lights, speaker activations, open fare gates, and false alarm PA announcements during the two-week installation period. Extra safety staff including BART Police will be on hand to monitor the situation and assist riders, transit officials said. The intermittent outages will affect both elevators and escalators at the station, though officials haven't specified exact timing for when equipment will be unavailable each day.

Two-Week Construction Timeline

The fire alarm replacement work is expected to last approximately two weeks starting May 4, according to BART. Officials said the station will remain fully operational for train service throughout the construction period, with only elevator and escalator access affected intermittently. The agency hasn't provided a specific completion date for the project.

Alternative Access Options Available

Riders who need elevator or escalator access during the work should plan to use Coliseum or Bay Fair stations as alternatives, BART officials said. Station agents can arrange accessible van transportation to different stations for riders who need assistance. Moovit provides real-time updates and alternative route planning for BART riders affected by the elevator outages.