SF BART Upgrades Airport Line for Safer Travel
BART suspends Millbrae-SFO service 9-9:30 PM weeknights through August 2026 for upgrades
BART Suspends Millbrae-SFO Service Nightly
Travelers heading to San Francisco International Airport face a 30-minute service gap on BART's airport line during late evening hours. The transit agency suspended service between Millbrae and SFO from 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM Sunday through Thursday for train control modernization work, officials announced December 19. The disruption affects one of the Bay Area's most critical transit connections, forcing airport passengers to find alternative transportation during the affected window.
Modernization Work Drives Service Changes
The service suspension is part of essential infrastructure upgrades to replace aging train control systems installed in the 1970s, according to BART. Alicia Trost, communications manager, said the work aims to improve safety and reliability for customers. Transit agencies nationwide are upgrading legacy train control systems to meet federal safety standards and improve operations. BART began its multi-year train control modernization program in 2018, with the current work representing the latest phase of the ongoing effort.
Limited Window Affects Airport Access
The complete service suspension lasts just 30 minutes each affected evening, but the timing creates challenges for airport travelers with late flights or arrivals. BART operates five days per week with the suspension, leaving Friday and Saturday evenings unaffected. Officials didn't provide specific shuttle services or alternative transportation options, advising passengers to plan ahead during the affected hours. The agency hasn't released estimates of how many passengers will be affected by the evening service gap.
Delays Expected Through Summer 2026
Minor delays will continue in the Millbrae-SFO corridor through Summer 2026 as modernization work progresses, officials said. The 19-month project timeline extends from December 2024 through August 2026, though BART hasn't disclosed the total cost of the train control upgrades. The phased approach mirrors similar modernization efforts at Washington's Metro and New York's subway system, where agencies balanced infrastructure needs with service continuity.
Planning Airport Trips During Construction
Airport travelers should allow extra time for their journeys and consider alternative transportation during the 9:00-9:30 PM window on weeknights. The extended timeline means passengers will need to account for potential delays through mid-2026 when traveling to or from SFO. Moovit provides real-time updates for BART routes and can help travelers plan around the service disruption.
