SF BART Strengthens Airport Line Reliability
BART implements 30-minute delays on Millbrae-SFO line through summer 2026 for train control upgrades
BART Millbrae-SFO Line Faces 30-Minute Delays
Late-night travelers heading to San Francisco International Airport should plan for significant delays starting this month. BART will implement 30-minute service delays on the Millbrae to SFO line during select Sunday through Thursday nights beginning at 9 p.m., transit officials said. The disruptions will continue through summer 2026 as part of a major train control modernization project affecting one of the system's most critical airport connections.
Infrastructure Upgrades Drive Extended Timeline
The extended timeline reflects the complexity of upgrading train control systems while maintaining service, according to the transit agency. BART's train control infrastructure manages train movements, speeds, and safety systems across the network. Officials said the modernization work will improve long-term system reliability and safety, though they didn't provide specific details about which components are being replaced or the project's total cost. Transit agencies typically schedule major infrastructure work during off-peak hours to minimize rider impact, though some disruptions remain unavoidable.
High-Severity Alert Covers 18-Month Period
BART classified the service disruption as high-severity given its duration and impact on airport access. The 30-minute delays will affect the direct connection between Millbrae station and SFO during specified nighttime hours over the 18-month construction period. Officials said the work requires closing or significantly slowing service on affected track sections while crews install new equipment. The agency didn't specify whether delays might vary by night or if some weeks will see more intensive work than others.
Work Scheduled for Select Weeknights
The delays will occur on select Sunday through Thursday nights starting at 9 p.m., though officials didn't release a detailed calendar showing which specific dates will see disruptions. BART typically provides week-by-week schedules for major construction projects, but whether that information will be available in advance wasn't clear from the announcement. The nighttime schedule aims to reduce impact on peak commute hours while giving crews sufficient time for complex technical work.
Airport Travelers Face Extended Journey Times
Passengers catching late-night flights or returning from evening arrivals should add at least 30 minutes to their expected travel time between Millbrae and SFO. The delays affect a route that serves both airport employees working evening shifts and travelers on red-eye flights or late arrivals. BART recommends checking schedules before trips and considering alternative transportation for time-sensitive airport connections. Moovit provides real-time updates for BART routes, helping riders plan around construction-related delays and adjust their airport travel schedules accordingly.
